After two weeks of traveling back and forth between Kyoto and Tokyo Racecourse, Koichi finally reached Gold Ship's Japan Cup.
After the Mile Championship ended, Koichi stayed in Kyoto.
Yutaka Take had won this Grade 1 race over 1,600 meters.
Although he had failed to take first place, Koichi had to admit that he was gaining more and more experience.
Most Grade 1 races were held at different venues, too, making this a good opportunity to familiarize himself with them.
On Monday, Koichi took an early express train to the Training Center.
On the way, he wore headphones and watched some horse racing programs.
He had been full of energy these past few days, and with the upcoming Japan Cup to work toward, he was feeling highly motivated.
This race was extremely important to all of them.
"Sasaki, are you watching a Japan Cup preview?"
As they got off the train, Saki Ikegami asked out of curiosity.
Work had been quite stressful lately. They had to travel back and forth between two racecourses, and as his part-time jockey's assistant, she had to accompany him.
"Yes. The program said Gentildonna should be the strongest favorite this time. As for Gold Ship, nobody can say what kind of performance he'll put in."
Koichi took off his headphones and nodded.
The top three favorites this time were Gentildonna, Gold Ship, and Eishin Flash.
There were only a handful of famous horses in Japan at the moment.
Compared with last year, however, not many foreign horses had entered this year's Japan Cup.
Although the hospitality here was excellent, no foreign horse had won in many years, leaving other horse owners reluctant to bring their horses over.
"It'll definitely come down to a fight with Gentildonna for first place again."
Saki Ikegami spoke.
By comparison,