Chapter Summaries

Koichi returned to the Training Center with Megumi Mitsumori, discussed their work and One-Way Passage, then helped wash Gold Ship. The chapter ended with Koichi planning to leave for Osaka while Mirai stayed to care for Gold Ship before his upcoming warm-up race.

• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori returned to the Training Center, where she discussed Gold Ship's training and One-Way Passage's prospects with him.
• Koichi said he planned to ride Gold Ship's workout gallops on Wednesday and Thursday and told Megumi Mitsumori he was content with Northern Farm's support.
• Gold Ship returned from training in a good mood, and Megumi Mitsumori sent Koichi to work with him.
• Gold Ship initially sneezed and shifted around when Koichi approached, but he settled down and enjoyed being washed by Koichi and Mirai.
• Koichi invited Mirai to explore with him, but she declined so she could keep looking after Gold Ship.

Koichi and Ayano Aoe spent the morning in Osaka discussing their ranches and a game based on racehorses as anime-style characters. Ayano considered exploring the idea with her conglomerate, while Koichi offered to invest, and they left for their next attraction.

• Koichi ran into Ayano Aoe in Osaka while he was there to ride an Aoe Ranch horse at Hanshin Racecourse.
• Ayano told Koichi that Aoe Ranch was running smoothly and discussed its manager’s interest in two broodmares; Koichi said Hokkai Ranch planned to expand to seven or eight broodmares.
• Koichi suggested turning racehorses into anime-style characters for a game, with the owners receiving a share of the revenue.
• Ayano searched for information about similar games and said the idea had potential but faced many hurdles, including obtaining rights and developing the game.
• Koichi offered to invest, and Ayano said she would consult her conglomerate before deciding whether to pursue the project.

Koichi received the contract for investing in Ayano Aoe’s game project and asked Saki Ikegami to have it reviewed. At the Training Center, he watched Gold Ship train and discussed his upcoming Dubai trip before greeting Kenichi Ikezoe and his gentle mare.

• Fujitani Kotomi delivered Koichi the investment contract and said Ayano Aoe wanted to discuss the project again.
• Koichi told Saki Ikegami he planned to invest in the game, and Saki offered to arrange a contract review and financial advice.
• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori discussed his upcoming Dubai trip with Yutaka Take and the strong international competition.
• Mirai brought Koichi mineral water, then forgot to bring a bottle for Megumi Mitsumori.
• Koichi greeted Kenichi Ikezoe at the Training Center and petted Ikezoe’s mare, who nuzzled him in return.

Koichi Sasaki rode Gold Ship in a final workout gallop ahead of the Hanshin Daishoten, where Gold Ship showed dominant form against the other favorites. Koichi expressed confidence in the pre-race interview, though he still felt uneasy about the race.

• Koichi returned to the Ritto Training Center, where Gold Ship prepared for the Hanshin Daishoten and Epiphaneia began training for the Satsuki Sho.
• Gold Ship ran alongside the horses ridden by Yutaka Take and Yuichi Fukunaga, quickly pulling ahead and impressing the watching trainers.
• Megumi Mitsumori warned the other trainers that Gold Ship could be unpredictable, but they dismissed her concerns as modesty.
• After the workout, Koichi and the other jockeys discussed their interview order and went to have Gold Ship's weight checked.
• Koichi told reporters that Gold Ship had performed well and said he was confident for the Hanshin Daishoten, though he could not shake a bad feeling.

As Gold Ship departed for Hanshin Racecourse ahead of his race, Koichi Sasaki stayed behind to train Epiphaneia. Gold Ship settled into the journey with Mirai beside him, while Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori began preparing Epiphaneia for the Satsuki Sho.

• Online fans praised Gold Ship's workout and predicted a win, while Mirai read the comments as Koichi ate dinner.
• Gold Ship boarded the Horse Transport Truck with Mirai and Yamana Takuto and left for Hanshin Racecourse, with Koichi watching from the roadside.
• Megumi Mitsumori said she was relieved to have a brief break from Gold Ship but planned to visit him at Hanshin on Saturday.
• Koichi and Megumi visited Epiphaneia, who greeted Koichi affectionately after his short rest.
• Koichi and Megumi planned to train Epiphaneia before he transferred from Miho to Nakayama Racecourse to prepare for the Satsuki Sho.

Ayano Aoe and Megumi Mitsumori watched Gold Ship complete his starting gate test and discussed Koichi Sasaki's career and the upcoming Dubai Sheema Classic. Koichi prepared for Gold Ship's race while Saki Ikegami confirmed their travel arrangements for Dubai, where he would train Gentildonna.

• Gold Ship completed his starting gate test, and Ayano Aoe fed him carrots while urging him not to repeat Golden Masterpiece's mistakes.
• Ayano Aoe and Megumi Mitsumori discussed Golden Masterpiece's past races, Koichi Sasaki's resilience, and the upcoming Dubai Sheema Classic.
• Ayano Aoe said she hoped to take Koichi Sasaki on a future taxpayer-funded trip after regretting that he had not joined her for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Koichi Sasaki completed his final training adjustments, and Saki Ikegami confirmed that the horses were still entered for the next day's races.
• Saki Ikegami told Koichi Sasaki that their travel paperwork and visas were ready for Dubai, where he would train with Gentildonna after Gold Ship's race.

Koichi Sasaki prepared to ride Gold Ship in the Hanshin Daishoten while discussing the day’s other major race, where Flagship was the favored contender. Gold Ship drew most of the attention at the Parade Ring, and spectators expected him to win before the nine-horse race began.

• Koichi Sasaki said he favored Flagship in the Nakayama race, while Yuichi Fukunaga noted that Flagship could challenge Epiphaneia.
• Koichi and Yutaka Take discussed how the Hanshin Daishoten’s small field could make it easier for Gold Ship to avoid being boxed in and finish among the top five.
• Gold Ship calmly paraded before a crowd that treated him as the day’s star.
• The commentators highlighted Gold Ship and Koichi Sasaki, along with Mild Impact and Desperado as the other leading contenders.
• The spectators waited for the Hanshin Daishoten to begin, expecting Gold Ship to dominate the nine-horse field.

Gold Ship caused a delay by resisting entry into his starting stall before the race, despite Koichi Sasaki and the staff trying to guide him in. Once loaded, Gold Ship remained restless, leaving Megumi Mitsumori with a bad feeling as the race was about to begin.

• Koichi Sasaki mounted Gold Ship and planned to run from mid-pack, while Megumi Mitsumori warned him to stay cautious.
• Gold Ship ran across the turf toward the starting stalls as spectators cheered for him.
• Gold Ship refused to enter his stall, prompting Koichi and the staff to try several times to move him.
• Tobito Yamana pulled Gold Ship into the stall, allowing Gentle Impact and the remaining horses to load.
• Gold Ship kept looking around inside the stall as Koichi patted his mane, and Megumi Mitsumori worried that they had chosen the wrong race.

Gold Ship made a dramatic high-step start in the Hanshin Daishoten and fell far behind, but Koichi Sasaki gradually brought him back into the race. As the field cleared the second turn, Gold Ship remained near the back, waiting for an opportunity to make his move.

• Gold Ship high-stepped out of the starting stalls and started late, giving the field several lengths.
• Koichi Sasaki had Gold Ship hug the inside rail and gradually close the gap to Desperado.
• Gold Ship passed more than a dozen horses as he caught up, while the crowd cheered him on.
• Ayano Aoe reassured Megumi Mitsumori, who watched anxiously with Mirai.
• After the field cleared the second turn, Koichi kept Gold Ship at the back and waited for a chance to use his final kick.

Koichi Sasaki guided Gold Ship from the rear to win the Hanshin Daishoten after a strong late charge, with Desperado finishing second. After the race, Koichi reflected on the upcoming Spring Tenno Sho at Kyoto before Yamana Takuto and Mirai approached him.

• Koichi Sasaki moved Gold Ship forward on the outside in the latter half of the Third Turn, while Yutaka Take followed with Desperado and Yuichi Fukunaga accelerated with Gentle Impact.
• Koichi urged Gold Ship down the straight, and Gold Ship opened a two-length lead over Desperado as the other horses fell behind.
• Gold Ship eased through the final meters and won the Hanshin Daishoten, with Desperado second and Nothing Special third.
• Koichi, Yutaka Take, and Yuichi Fukunaga discussed the scare at the starting gate before Yutaka Take and Yuichi Fukunaga left to prepare for their next race.
• Koichi considered the greater challenge of the Spring Tenno Sho at Kyoto, and Yamana Takuto and Mirai came over to him.

Koichi and Gold Ship won the Hanshin Daishoten despite Gold Ship’s antics in the starting stall, then completed interviews and the award ceremony. Koichi planned to travel abroad, while Gold Ship would rest at a ranch before preparing for the Tenno Sho.

• Koichi congratulated Megumi Mitsumori after Gold Ship’s victory, and Megumi said she did not want to run the race again next year if she had a choice.
• Mirai lectured Gold Ship about lifting his legs and refusing to enter the starting stall, while Megumi told her he was not listening.
• Koichi told reporters that Gold Ship’s behavior delayed their start but praised his strong response during the race and looked ahead to the Tenno Sho.
• Koichi, Mirai, and Megumi attended the award ceremony and posed for photos with Gold Ship.
• Koichi planned to travel abroad after riding Epiphaneia a few more times, while Gold Ship would rest at a nearby ranch before preparing for the Tenno Sho.

Koichi prepared to leave for Dubai to work with Gentildonna ahead of the Dubai Sheema Classic, while also training Epiphaneia for the Satsuki Sho. He left the arrangements in place with Tadashi Ishisaka and planned to familiarize himself with Gentildonna and the racecourse after arriving.

• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori discussed Gold Ship's condition and his upcoming short break at the Ranch before the Spring Tenno Sho.
• Koichi told Ayano Aoe and Megumi Mitsumori that he would travel to Dubai early to prepare with Gentildonna for the Dubai Sheema Classic.
• Koichi trained Epiphaneia in the afternoon and said goodbye as the horse returned to the Training Center with his Stablehand.
• Tadashi Ishisaka congratulated Koichi on his Hanshin Daishoten win and told him to contact the Dubai team if Gentildonna's preparations raised any problems.
• Koichi confirmed his travel arrangements were ready and agreed to coordinate with Gentildonna's team after he arrived.

Koichi Sasaki prepared to travel to Dubai with Saki Ikegami and appeared on Yutaka Take's television channel to discuss his racing career and the upcoming Dubai Classic. Take judged that Koichi and Gentildonna's main rival in Dubai would be Sanctuary.

• Koichi prepared to fly from Tokyo to Dubai with Yutaka Take and Saki Ikegami, and agreed to make a brief appearance on Take's channel.
• Koichi and Yutaka Take filmed a show where they discussed the Hanshin Daishoten and Koichi's victory over Take after following his pace.
• Koichi said he planned to arrive in Dubai early to check Gentildonna's condition and learn the racecourse.
• Yutaka Take said Koichi had a strong chance in Dubai and identified Sanctuary as his most formidable rival.

Koichi and Saki Ikegami arrived in Dubai, where Koichi reunited with Gentildonna and began preparing for her Dubai Classic debut. After their first training session, Koichi studied the competition, identifying Sanctuary as the main rival, while Saki planned their free time.

• Koichi and Saki Ikegami arrived in Dubai and checked into a hotel beside Meydan Racecourse.
• Koichi met Gentildonna's team at the stables and learned that she was in good form and had adapted well to Dubai's turf.
• Koichi rode Gentildonna during morning exercise, and they quickly regained their familiar partnership.
• Koichi praised Gentildonna's improvement and focused on preparing her to win the Dubai Classic.
• Koichi studied the other horses in the race and identified Sanctuary, a proven Grade 1 winner, as their biggest rival.

Koichi Sasaki took Gentildonna through a workout gallop at the new Dubai Racecourse, where her performance reassured her team ahead of the Dubai Classic. Afterward, Koichi and Saki Ikegami shared a meal and discussed keeping him rested and fit for the race.

• Koichi Sasaki took Gentildonna to the track for a workout gallop alongside Pioneer of Creation.
• Koichi watched Gentildonna’s speed and stride and judged her condition and performance satisfying.
• Koichi told Gentildonna’s team that she had done well and that they could aim for first place in the Dubai Classic.
• The assistant sent Gentildonna back to rest, while Koichi said goodbye and returned with Saki Ikegami.
• Koichi ate local food with Saki, who advised him to rest during the coming days and be stricter with himself over the weekend.

Gold Ship returned to Megumi Mitsumori’s stable after the Hanshin Daishoten and rested before beginning preparations for the Tenno Sho. Megumi and Mirai discussed his condition and Gentildonna’s upcoming Dubai race, leaving Mirai hopeful that Gentildonna would win.

• Mirai told Megumi that Gold Ship had settled in, and they went to check on him at his stall.
• Megumi and Mirai found Gold Ship lively and recovering well, but Mirai noted that his horseshoes needed replacing, so Megumi arranged for their usual farrier.
• Gold Ship settled into his bedding to rest, while Mirai recorded a video and sent Koichi news that he had arrived safely.
• Megumi and Mirai discussed Koichi’s preparations in Dubai and Gentildonna’s workout, competition, and uncertain gate draw.
• Mirai said she would cheer for Gentildonna despite her later rivalry with her.

Koichi watched Extraordinary Steed win the Nikkei Sho and saw the horse emerge as a threat to Gold Ship in the Tenno Sho. After resuming training in Dubai, Koichi learned that Gentildonna had drawn stall eight beside Yutaka Take's Founding Pioneer in stall seven, and he discussed race tactics with trainer Tadashi Ishisaka.

• Koichi watched Extraordinary Steed win the Nikkei Sho and become a favorite for the Tenno Sho.
• Koichi resumed training with Gentildonna and increased his workouts to prepare for the Dubai Classic.
• Yutaka Take trained with Koichi and praised Gentildonna's condition while noting Founding Pioneer's poor form.
• Koichi and Yutaka Take met trainer Tadashi Ishisaka, the horse owners, and the Sunday Club's president after the final workout.
• The draw placed Founding Pioneer in stall seven and Gentildonna in stall eight.
• Koichi and Tadashi Ishisaka discussed tactics for the upcoming race.

Yutaka Take and Koichi watched the Dubai races before preparing for their own late-night race at Meydan Racecourse. They headed to the Parade Ring, where Gentildonna and Founding Pioneer waited, as commentators discussed their plans and Koichi’s confidence.

• Yutaka Take and Koichi watched the Three-Year-Old Dirt Derby and discussed the differences between Japanese and overseas racing.
• As their race approached, Koichi and Yutaka Take changed into their racing silks and warmed up near their neighboring starting stalls.
• Koichi checked his equipment and told Yutaka Take he was happy with the trip and hoped to deliver a good result.
• Yutaka Take and Koichi walked out together, greeted a racecourse camera operator, and exchanged a fist bump on their way to the Parade Ring.
• The commentators said Yutaka Take would take a pressing position and expected Koichi to follow his pace as they prepared to ride Gentildonna and Founding Pioneer.

Koichi Sasaki and Gentildonna raced in the Dubai Classic, settling into mid-pack before charging forward on the final straight. Koichi began using his Windmill Whip as Gentildonna closed on the leaders, with the race still underway.

• Koichi mounted Gentildonna and prepared with her in the starting stall for the Dubai Classic.
• The gates opened, and Koichi placed Gentildonna behind Founding Pioneer rather than spending strength fighting for a forward position.
• The field stayed tightly bunched as Sanctuary and other horses moved into the lead approaching the final turn.
• Koichi moved Gentildonna wide for a clear path, while Yutaka Take pushed Founding Pioneer forward without success.
• Gentildonna surged into the front rank on the straight, and Koichi began using his Windmill Whip as she closed on the leaders.

Koichi Sasaki rode Gentildonna to a narrow victory over Sanctuary in Dubai, earning his second consecutive overseas Grade 1 win. He celebrated with Gentildonna and her team before preparing to return to domestic racing.

• Koichi urged Gentildonna through the final stretch as she closed the gap on Sanctuary.
• Gentildonna overtook Sanctuary and won the Dubai Classic by a nose.
• Koichi and Gentildonna received congratulations and gave an interview after the race.
• Koichi praised Gentildonna’s performance, and Tadashi Ishisaka celebrated the victory with the team.
• Koichi sent Gentildonna to be washed and agreed with Tadashi to keep working together.