Training went on as usual on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, Koichi joined the other horses entered in the Japan Cup for their final workout gallop.
Koichi had arranged to work alongside Japan Jordan.
Japan Jordan's jockey had also been changed to the foreign rider William Buick this time.
For this session, they would start together and see who could finish the final workout gallop fastest.
Before they began, Koichi chatted briefly with Buick.
Buick had received a short-term riding license along with Ryan Moore this time.
He had ridden Network Email in his first Japan Cup last year. Although he had secured Japan Jordan this time, the horse was certainly no longer as dominant as before.
He would also become a very strong jockey in the future.
"Sasaki, you've won the Japan Cup several years running now, haven't you?"
Buick asked.
The two of them had crossed paths a few times back in Europe.
He had considerable respect for this gifted jockey who was younger than him, though it had to be said that the rides Koichi had secured since his rise to prominence were excellent.
"It's mostly because the horses I've been riding are strong."
Koichi replied.
None of the horses he rode in major races were weak.
"Access to good rides is part of a jockey's ability too. You wouldn't get so many horses without the skill to back it up."
Buick smiled.
He had lost to Gentildonna and Koichi Sasaki last year.
Naturally, he had come here this year to earn some extra money during the off-season. The prize money here really was quite high.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how Japan Jordan performs next."
"Of course. He's a Japan Cup winner too. I'll do my best."
After their conversation, both men mounted their horses and