Chapter Summaries

Koichi visited Black North and watched the colt stay close to his wary mother, Sweetie, while Megumi Mitsumori discussed buying more young horses for the ranch. Later, Koichi trained Epiphaneia and considered finding stronger rivals for him as the ranch planned its next steps.

• Koichi visited Black North in the mares' pasture and saw that the colt trusted Mirai more than him.
• Megumi Mitsumori told Koichi that arrangements for Dream Journey were nearly settled and suggested they look at Aoe Ranch's promising young horses.
• Koichi told Megumi Mitsumori that any decision to buy more horses would have to wait until they returned and could discuss it properly.
• Koichi trained Epiphaneia, whose stride and mood had improved, while Megumi Mitsumori instructed his exercise rider to learn from the colt's response to Koichi.
• Koichi noticed that Epiphaneia's training rival had fallen behind and considered finding Divine Might stronger rivals through Aoe Ranch.

Koichi spent his free day watching Megumi train horses, then visited Aoe Ranch and caught up with Ayumu. He was shown the ranch’s promising two-year-olds, with the Young Lady offering him a chance to reserve any he liked.

• Koichi watched Megumi train and joked that he might become a trainer after retiring.
• Koichi focused on Epiphaneia’s training and greeted the horse and Kuga Kai afterward.
• Koichi discussed the upcoming Derby with Megumi.
• Koichi visited Aoe Ranch, where Ayumu told him the ranch had expanded and bought broodmares for Dream Journey.
• Ayumu showed Koichi the ranch’s promising young horses, and staff members greeted him as he walked through the ranch.

Gold Ship returned to the Training Center to prepare for the Derby, and a veterinarian confirmed he was healthy. Mirai planned to visit Koichi at Tokyo Racecourse, leaving Gold Ship to rest before training resumed.

• Mirai and Yamana Takuto welcomed Gold Ship back to the Training Center after his transport from the ranch.
• Mirai led Gold Ship to his stall beside One-Way Passage, where the horses greeted each other.
• Mirai removed Gold Ship’s leg wraps and checked him while Yamana completed the return paperwork.
• A veterinarian examined Gold Ship that afternoon and found him in excellent health.
• Mirai asked about visiting Tokyo Racecourse and decided to talk to Mitsumori so she could see how Koichi was doing.

Koichi returned to Tokyo after resting at the ranch and prepared for another week of racing, while Saki Ikegami handled his schedule. At Tokyo Racecourse, Koichi struggled to place first in the dirt races Mirai watched before she returned to the Training Center to visit Gold Ship.

• Koichi returned to Tokyo, where Saki Ikegami picked him up and reviewed his schedule for the coming races.
• Koichi told Saki Ikegami to turn down owners who had canceled their bookings and to contact him only about important matters the next day.
• Koichi settled into his hotel, prepared to focus on race training, and later arrived early at Tokyo Racecourse to familiarize himself with its dirt track.
• Mirai secretly traveled to Tokyo Racecourse, watched two races, and saw Koichi fail to take first place in either.
• Mirai returned to the Training Center and told Gold Ship about her trip, but Gold Ship ignored her and greeted One-Way Passage instead.

After Koichi’s strong return to racing, Trainer Ishisaka reaffirmed him as Gentildonna’s regular jockey, and Koichi went to train Gold Ship and One-Way Passage. Gold Ship began the session sluggishly, but One-Way Passage’s pace stirred his competitive spirit as they charged forward.

• Koichi thanked Trainer Ishisaka, who confirmed that he still considered Koichi the right jockey for Gentildonna and agreed to Koichi’s planned visit to the Training Center.
• Koichi arranged to visit the Training Center the following week and left to rest after the day’s races.
• On Tuesday, Koichi traveled before dawn to train Gold Ship alongside One-Way Passage, whose handlers helped prepare his gear and helmet camera.
• Koichi mounted Gold Ship and started the training session, but Gold Ship showed little speed as One-Way Passage passed him.
• Gold Ship’s competitive spirit rose when One-Way Passage surged ahead, and Koichi urged him to hold his lane and keep charging forward.

Koichi accepted a sudden commission to ride Alfrey in the NHK Mile Cup, where he would face One-Way Passage. After meeting Alfrey’s trainer and discussing a possible pressing strategy, Koichi prepared for the upcoming race.

• Saki Ikegami told Koichi that Carrot Farm had asked him to ride Alfrey in the NHK Mile Cup, and Koichi accepted.
• Koichi visited One-Way Passage and spoke with Tetsuya Futawatari about the new matchup; Tetsuya planned to review the race strategy with Yuichi Fukunaga.
• Koichi left the training center after Gold Ship eagerly reacted to the prospect of returning to rest.
• Koichi met Alfrey’s trainer, who asked him to ride the horse with a pressing approach if possible.
• Koichi listened to the trainer’s expectations and left with a clearer understanding of Alfrey’s race plan.

Koichi Sasaki was unseated at the start of a Tokyo Racecourse event but escaped serious injury and was cleared to race again. He watched his riderless horse win an invalid result, then prepared for the afternoon’s NHK race with Yasuo Iwata as his target.

• Koichi Sasaki fell when a neighboring horse knocked him off at the starting gate, and Saki Ikegami and the racecourse doctor checked him for injuries.
• Koichi watched his riderless mount finish first, though its result was ruled invalid because it had no jockey.
• Kenichi Ikezoe and Yuichi Fukunaga checked on Koichi in the jockeys’ waiting room, where Koichi changed his racing silks.
• Koichi recognized Yasuo Iwata as the jockey whose horse had knocked him down and decided to target him in the upcoming NHK race.
• After the doctor cleared him, Koichi said he was fit to race and got ready for the afternoon’s main event.

Koichi Sasaki continued his feud with Yasuo Iwata as the NHK Mile approached, where they would face off in a race that also gave Koichi a chance to prevent a dangerous incident. Before the start, Koichi assessed Alfrey and prepared to ride from the outside stall.

• Koichi targeted Yasuo Iwata in several races, and spectators and reporters connected their feud to Iwata losing the chance to ride Gentildonna.
• Katsumi Ando teased Koichi about the rivalry before Koichi changed into his racing silks and resolved to adjust his ride to prevent the accident from the original race.
• The NHK Mile field included favorite Mikki Isle, second favorite Shasta Mountain, third favorite Alfrey, and fourth favorite One-Way Passage.
• Tetsuya Futawatari suggested that Yuichi Fukunaga follow Koichi's pace, since One-Way Passage knew Koichi from training.
• Koichi settled into the saddle from the outermost stall, received instructions from his trainer, and activated his skill after stroking Alfrey.

Koichi Sasaki and Yuichi Fukunaga worked together to box in several rivals during the NHK Mile Cup, while Mikki Isle took an early lead. One-Way Passage finished second behind Mikki Isle, leaving Koichi with a strong result in the race.

• Koichi urged Alfrey forward from the start as Mikki Isle surged into the lead, while Yuichi Fukunaga brought One-Way Passage up beside the pace.
• Yuichi followed the Trainer's instructions and helped Koichi trap Yasuo Iwata and other inside runners behind Mikki Isle.
• As the field entered the final straight, Yasuo tried to force Koichi outward but could not move his heavier mount.
• Yuichi drove One-Way Passage forward on the outside as Mikki Isle pulled clear and Alfrey held off Yuga Kawada.
• Mikki Isle won by three lengths, Alfrey took second, and Jockey Shinichi Akiyama earned his first Grade 1 victory.

After finishing second in a Grade 1 race, Koichi Sasaki discussed his tactics with fellow jockeys and asked Kenichi Ikezoe for advice on mile-race pacing. Back at the hotel, Koichi and Saki Ikegami considered the likely fallout and reviewed his upcoming rides.

• Kenichi Ikezoe asked Koichi whether he had deliberately boxed in Yasuo Iwata, and Koichi said it had just happened that way.
• Koichi asked Ikezoe for advice on adjusting to the pace of mile races, while Yuichi Fukunaga joined their conversation.
• Koichi told Ikezoe and Fukunaga that the race was his last ride of the week and left as the next race began.
• Saki Ikegami told Koichi that media speculation over the race would likely be brief, but advised him to be careful with other jockeys.
• Koichi and Saki reviewed the schedule, including Gentildonna's race in two weeks and Gold Ship's race the following week.

Koichi Sasaki helped Gentildonna overcome her fear of a bee and trained with her as she prepared for the Oaks. He believed she could handle 2,400 meters, but Extreme Peak and Midsummer Market remained serious rivals.

• Gentildonna refused to cooperate with her rider, leaving Tadashi Ishisaka and Omura Shinki struggling to begin her training.
• Koichi told Ishisaka that Gentildonna had enough stamina for the Oaks distance, though Ishisaka said they needed to prove it to people who doubted her.
• Koichi found that a bee had frightened Gentildonna, calmed her with his skill, and mounted her for training.
• Koichi noticed Gentildonna's strong rhythm and finishing kick, along with lapses in concentration, and worried about the Oaks starting-stall draw.
• Megumi Mitsumori reminded Koichi that Midsummer Market was a major rival alongside Extreme Peak, and Koichi recalled losing to her in April.

Koichi Sasaki discussed Gentildonna’s readiness for the Oaks in interviews and boldly declared that they would claim a second crown. Afterward, he and Saki Ikegami ate ramen, watched a local race, and agreed to go running together that afternoon.

• Koichi told reporters that Gentildonna was improving, had received special training, and could contend with Extreme Peak and Midsummer Market in the Oaks.
• Koichi challenged the other jockeys in an interview, saying he was ready to be targeted and that they would win their second crown.
• Saki Ikegami praised Koichi’s confident interview as they left the building, and they went to a nearby ramen shop for lunch.
• While watching a local race, Koichi guessed that horse number five would win, while Saki picked the favorite, number three.
• Horse number five won, surprising Saki, and Koichi admitted he had only guessed.

Koichi Sasaki rode at the Japanese Oaks while closing in on his 100th career win, and the people around him discussed Gentildonna’s chances and Gold Ship’s progress. After earning one win in the morning, Koichi prepared for a demanding afternoon and aimed to win twice more.

• Yutaka Take greeted Koichi Sasaki and encouraged him to reach 100 wins before the month ended.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Ayano Aoe discussed Gentildonna’s prospects in the Japanese Oaks and Gold Ship’s improving form.
• Koichi won one race in the morning and said he might reach 100 wins at the Derby the following week.
• Saki Ikegami brought Koichi a new helmet and reminded him that the afternoon races, especially the Japanese Oaks, would be difficult.
• Koichi resolved to recover his strength and aim for two more wins that afternoon.

Koichi Sasaki rode Gentildonna in the Japanese Oaks, where she broke smoothly and settled behind the leading contenders. As the field passed the first thousand meters at a moderate pace, Gentildonna remained slightly back and wide while the jockeys prepared for the later turns.

• Koichi inspected Gentildonna in the Parade Ring, and Taiki Wonder said she was in her best form.
• Koichi mounted Gentildonna and headed to the track, where commentators named Midsummer Market, Extreme Peak, and Gentildonna as the leading contenders.
• The eighteen fillies entered the stalls, and Koichi stroked Gentildonna's mane while considering their outside post and her final kick.
• Gentildonna broke smoothly, and Koichi held back rather than spending energy to move inward immediately.
• Little Ipona led the field through the first turn, while Koichi positioned Gentildonna behind Yutaka Take and Kosei Miura at a moderate pace.

Koichi Sasaki guided Gentildonna from behind the field into a blistering outside charge down the final straight. Gentildonna won the Oaks by five lengths, leaving Extreme Peak in second and earning Koichi another Grade 1 victory.

• Koichi calculated that Gentildonna should accelerate after the turn and waited for the right moment to move out wide.
• As the horses entered the fourth turn, Masayoshi Ubaname sent Midsummer Market wide while Koichi directed Gentildonna farther outside.
• Koichi unleashed his Mighty Arm and drove Gentildonna with the whip as she surged past the field and chased down Extreme Peak.
• Gentildonna widened her lead in the final stretch while Midsummer Market and Gale ran out of stamina.
• Gentildonna crossed the finish line five lengths ahead of the field, with Extreme Peak second, giving Koichi another Grade 1 victory at Tokyo.

Koichi Sasaki rode Gentildonna to a five-length victory, securing her second crown and answering doubts about her ability over 2,400 meters. He left the chapter looking ahead to the Shuka Sho and weighing whether he would spend time riding in Europe.

• Koichi guided Gentildonna to a five-length win and slowed her down after the race.
• Taiki Wonder congratulated Koichi, while Tadashi Ishisaka praised him and sent him to the interview.
• Koichi told reporters Gentildonna had no trouble over 2,400 meters and expressed confidence about completing the Filly Triple Crown.
• Koichi thanked fans and said Gentildonna could compete on a bigger stage, while considering the possibility that a European trip would prevent him from riding her later in the year.
• Sunday Club representatives thanked Koichi for the victory and explained that Tadashi Ishisaka had vouched for him after members questioned keeping him as jockey.
• Tadashi Ishisaka invited Koichi and the club representatives to take a photo together.

After celebrating Gentildonna’s second crown at a club gathering, Koichi Sasaki prepared for the Derby and used his evening to plan his next steps. He aimed to reach 100 wins before the race and learned that Golden Masterpiece wanted him to remain her jockey.

• Koichi attended the post-race gathering with Saki Ikegami, who helped him build connections with fractional owners.
• Saki said Koichi had six wins left to reach 100 and had secured strong rides for the following week.
• Koichi returned to the hotel, planned to visit Gold Ship the next day, and considered using his Lucky Draw chance before the Derby.
• Megumi Mitsumori called Koichi to discuss the next day’s plans and congratulate him on winning the Japanese Oaks.
• Megumi told Koichi that Golden Masterpiece was in good form and had confirmed she wanted him to keep riding her.

Koichi and the trainers completed Gold Ship and One-Way Passage’s final workout before the Tokyo Yushun, with One-Way Passage appearing outmatched over the longer distance. They prepared for the Derby draw and discussed future plans, including a meeting about Golden Masterpiece after the race.

• Koichi and Shinichi Akiyama completed the final workout with Gold Ship and One-Way Passage, and Tetsuya Futawatari and Megumi Mitsumori judged One-Way Passage unlikely to keep up in the Derby.
• Koichi said Gold Ship’s workout had gone well, while Shinichi Akiyama acknowledged that the strong Derby field made victory difficult.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Koichi discussed Koichi’s approaching 100-win milestone and arranged for him to attend a meal with Miss Aoe about Golden Masterpiece after the Derby.
• Koichi, Megumi Mitsumori, and Tetsuya Futawatari exchanged information about the Derby’s strong field and its contenders.

Koichi prepared for the Derby after Gold Ship drew stall six and used the system’s lucky draws. He obtained a single-use skill card that improved Gold Ship’s chances of breaking from the starting gate, then planned to meet Ayano Aoe and discuss what came next.

• Koichi reviewed the Derby field and decided that stall six suited his planned pressing strategy with Gold Ship.
• Koichi completed ten lucky draws, receiving carrots, watermelons, a Track Card, and other fruit.
• Koichi obtained the Gold Ship Breaks from the Gate Skill Card and became more confident about Gold Ship’s start in the Derby.
• Koichi prepared to race before the Derby and planned to meet Ayano Aoe to discuss his next steps.

Koichi met with Ayano Aoe to discuss Golden Masterpiece’s condition and the upcoming Takarazuka Kinen, and she reaffirmed their agreement that he would ride the horse. Back at the ranch, Koichi turned his attention to preparing Gold Ship for the Derby, while the team faced the challenge of winning without an easy inside route.

• Koichi met Assistant at the restaurant, where she arranged their meal before Ayano Aoe arrived.
• Koichi told Ayano Aoe he felt confident about the Derby, especially the 2,400-meter distance at Tokyo.
• Ayano Aoe invited Koichi to visit Golden Masterpiece the following week and said she intended to keep him as the horse’s jockey for the Takarazuka Kinen.
• Koichi thanked Ayano Aoe for honoring their past agreement, though he doubted he would get to accompany Golden Masterpiece to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Koichi told Megumi Mitsumori he felt relieved, and she urged him to focus on the Derby as the team planned how to overcome the difficult race.
• Gold Ship poked his head out of his stable while Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori discussed the Derby and the ranch’s debts.