By three thirty that afternoon, Koichi had followed the Assistant up to the fifth floor of Hanshin Racecourse.
The seats here were reserved for racehorse owners, giving them a better view of how their horses were doing.
There were twelve races that day, and quite a few owners had already left after watching theirs.
The second-to-last race was coming up now.
"Have a seat. This is your first time watching a race from the stands, isn't it?"
Ayano Aoe turned to him as she waited for the race to begin.
She was already used to it. Her father had brought her to watch horse races when she was very young, and she had been excited about it for ages afterward.
Once she grew up, she became an owner herself and managed her family's ranch.
"Yes, it really is my first time."
Koichi glanced around, then sat down beside her.
As expected of the fifth floor reserved exclusively for owners, the decor was on par with an upscale restaurant. There were even dedicated chefs standing by.
They could simply order whatever they wanted to eat.
The evils of capitalism!
"Just order whatever you'd like to eat or drink."
"Okay."
Koichi nodded and picked up the menu beside him.
With Ayano Aoe right there, he decided to stick to something low in calories.
Once he had finished looking, he called over a server and gave his order.
"Sasaki, who do you fancy this time?"
Before the race began, Ayano Aoe was naturally watching the horses in the parade ring.
Fifteen horses were entered in this race, most of them aged four or older.
"I fancy Dream Journey."
Koichi thought for a moment before answering.
This seemed to be Dream Journey's third time entering this race.
"Just give me your honest opinion. You