Wednesday.
The eleven racehorses and jockeys competing in the Takarazuka Kinen had all been confirmed.
Just as Koichi had expected, Gentildonna had been entrusted to Yasuo Iwata.
In the eyes of her trainer and the Sunday Club, a racehorse like Gentildonna needed a jockey who could drive her harder.
With Yuga Kawada out of the picture, Yasuo Iwata had become the most suitable choice.
Extraordinary Steed would still be ridden by Masayoshi Ubaname.
Those two had worked together longer, and they had just won the Tenno Sho.
Gold Ship, as always, would be partnered with Koichi Sasaki.
Sun God Steed had secured Yutaka Take for this race.
These four horses also took the top four spots in the Takarazuka Kinen popularity rankings, with Gentildonna claiming first place by a respectable margin.
No matter how anyone looked at it, Gentildonna was currently Deep Impact's strongest offspring and received the most support.
Many Gentildonna fans were asking why they couldn't get Koichi Sasaki!
Of the jockeys currently in contention, Koichi Sasaki clearly brought out Gentildonna's best, just as he did with Golden Masterpiece.
Several analysis shows were also discussing how Koichi Sasaki would show Gentildonna no mercy.
However they looked at it, Koichi Sasaki would certainly take the race seriously, even against a horse he had partnered with before.
Golden Masterpiece had been held down by Gold Ship back then, too.
This had become the hottest topic of the week.
They had long awaited the showdown between Gentildonna and Gold Ship. Which of them was truly the strongest four-year-old racehorse in the country?
The promotional poster for this race featured Gold Ship on the left, Extraordinary Steed on the right, and Gentildonna in the center.
The battle was about to begin.
Koichi had also finished Gold Ship's final workout gallop.
Naturally,