"Welcome to Nakayama Racecourse."
Nakayama Racecourse was open as usual on Saturday.
Naturally, Nakayama Racecourse drew the biggest crowds over these two weeks, with the Asahi Hai followed by the final Arima Kinen.
On the first day, Koichi rode in all three 1,600-meter turf races.
Saki Ikegami had specifically arranged this for him.
Her main aim was to help Koichi familiarize himself with Nakayama's 1,600-meter course and its racing rhythm before the Asahi Hai.
She had put a great deal of effort into it.
Naturally, Koichi took the races especially seriously, and he also spoke at length with the horse trainers and jockeys along the way.
Although the big race was only a day away, getting a feel for things the day before was still very important.
His results improved with each race, too.
Of course, the horses themselves played a part in that. His first mount wasn't as strong as the next two.
After each race, Koichi would reflect on what had happened during it.
Although there were turf races, dirt races still made up the majority.
Koichi was gradually becoming more proficient on dirt as well.
Mighty Arm was truly useful on dirt.
Although dirt races were more tiring, it was also relatively easy to get good results in them.
His win count kept climbing.
The spectators were thoroughly satisfied, too. When Koichi Sasaki won, they could even rush to the front and interact with him a little.
Koichi was also more than happy to sign autographs for his fans.
It made for a great opportunity to interact.
While Koichi raced at Nakayama Racecourse, Megumi Mitsumori and Mirai were busy preparing things for Man o' War.
They definitely had to arrive at Nakayama Racecourse on Saturday afternoon.
Man o' War was famously quiet during preparations, standing obediently