Chapter Summaries

Mirai and Megumi Mitsumori prepared Gold Ship for the trip to Hanshin Racecourse ahead of the Takarazuka Kinen, while Koichi Sasaki got ready for his day's races. Gold Ship left the stable in good spirits, and the story ended with Koichi preparing for his first race of the day.

• Mirai woke Gold Ship, groomed him, and prepared his breakfast and protective leg wraps.
• Megumi Mitsumori checked Gold Ship and reviewed the Takarazuka Kinen draw, noting their position beside Gentildonna and the rivals' plans.
• Mirai led Gold Ship to the waiting horse transport truck, and he set off for Hanshin Racecourse with Mirai and Megumi.
• Koichi Sasaki discussed the upcoming Takarazuka Kinen and his five rides with Ryuji Wada, Yutaka Take, and Yuichi Fukunaga over breakfast.
• Koichi finished breakfast and prepared to exercise, weigh in, and ready his racing silks and weights.

At Hanshin Racecourse, Gold Ship and Gentildonna prepared to face each other in the Takarazuka Kinen under the summer heat. Koichi Sasaki mounted Gold Ship as the jockeys readied for the race.

• The spectators filled Hanshin Racecourse for the Takarazuka Kinen, where Gold Ship and Gentildonna drew the greatest attention.
• The commentators noted Gold Ship's good condition and Gentildonna's discomfort in the heat as the horses paraded.
• Mirai warned Gold Ship not to eat the plants, while Gentildonna grew irritable and worried her staff and trainer Ishisaka.
• Yutaka Take and the other jockeys prepared to leave the jockeys' room, with Take expected to contend with Gold Ship and Gentildonna.
• Koichi Sasaki exchanged good-luck greetings with Megumi Mitsumori and Ayano Aoe, then mounted Gold Ship with Yamana Takuto's help.
• Yasuo Iwata mounted the unsettled Gentildonna and took hold of her reins.

Gold Ship and Gentildonna prepared for the Takarazuka Kinen as their teams assessed their form and prospects. Both horses loaded into the starting stalls, and the chapter ended just before the race began.

• Megumi Mitsumori and Ayano Aoe discussed Gold Ship’s surprising form, Gentildonna’s apparent struggles, and the stakes of the race.
• Gold Ship warmed up with Koichi while Gentildonna followed with Yasuo Iwata, drawing cheers from the spectators.
• Yamana Takuto led Gold Ship through his final preparations and kept him from seeing Extraordinary Steed.
• Gold Ship entered his starting stall without resisting, while Gentildonna took longer to settle and load.
• The commentators announced that all eleven horses were in the stalls as the spectators awaited the start.

Gold Ship, ridden by Koichi Sasaki, pressed Gentildonna through the 54th Takarazuka Kinen while Silport built a large lead at the front. As the field entered the final stretch, Gold Ship and Gentildonna accelerated together, with the race still undecided.

• Silport broke quickly and took the lead while Koichi Sasaki kept Gold Ship near Gentildonna instead of moving to the rail at once.
• Gentildonna accelerated to the front of the pack, and Koichi moved Gold Ship behind her to maintain pressure.
• Silport widened his lead as the field passed halfway, while Gentildonna held the rail and Gold Ship conserved his finishing strength nearby.
• Silport entered the final straight with a substantial lead, and Yasuo Iwata and Koichi Sasaki urged Gentildonna and Gold Ship to accelerate.
• Noda Shiin came through second as Gentildonna and Gold Ship accelerated together around the turn.

Koichi Sasaki rode Gold Ship to a dominant victory over Gentildonna in their first major clash, opening a wide gap in the final straight. Yasuo Iwata and Gentildonna finished behind Noda Shiin, while Koichi celebrated as Gold Ship slowed after the race.

• Koichi tried to squeeze Gentildonna for room, but her collision with Gold Ship slowed her instead.
• Masayoshi Ubaname moved Extraordinary Steed into position as Yutaka Take took Gentildonna toward the outside.
• Gold Ship surged past Noda Shiin and pulled away from Gentildonna and Extraordinary Steed in the final straight.
• Koichi urged Gold Ship on as she widened her lead and crossed the finish line in a dominant victory.
• Noda Shiin and Gentildonna crossed the line together for second, with Extraordinary Steed close behind.
• Koichi congratulated Gold Ship after the race, while Yasuo Iwata reined in an unhappy Gentildonna.

Gold Ship defeated Gentildonna by three and a half lengths in the Takarazuka Kinen, giving Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori a crucial victory. After the interviews and celebrations, Gold Ship returned to the Stable to rest before preparing for the autumn races.

• Gold Ship returned from the race and cooled off in a shower while Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori discussed his performance and the victory over Gentildonna.
• Koichi told reporters Gold Ship had delivered his strongest race since turning four and described the tactics that had kept Gentildonna from running comfortably.
• Gold Ship completed the awards ceremony and commemorative photos, then followed Mirai back toward the Stable to rest.
• Koichi, Megumi Mitsumori, and their group celebrated the win and discussed Gentildonna’s form and the autumn races.
• Saki Ikegami watched the celebration and accepted that the defeat would not affect their future cooperation.

Koichi focused on Man o' War's first race, a 1,600-meter Newcomer Race at Chukyo, while preparing for a busy summer of travel between racecourses. Man o' War won with a strong final sprint and began his summer rest, while Koichi continued on to ride two more races.

• Koichi and Saki Ikegami brought Man o' War to Chukyo for his final workout and prepared for his Newcomer Race.
• Koichi rode Man o' War from behind and timed his final sprint to pass the horses ahead.
• Man o' War crossed the finish line a length clear, winning his first race with Koichi.
• Koichi arranged for Man o' War to be rinsed and cooled down before resting until autumn.
• Koichi prepared to ride two more races that afternoon before returning to Tokyo.

Koichi spent time at Hokkai Ranch while his racehorses rested and discussed the ranch’s foal auction plans with Haruki Kuchiki. As the horses returned to the stable, Man o' War and Gold Ship amused Koichi, while Epiphaneia remained in his separate pasture.

• Haruki Kuchiki told Koichi that the ranch had not secured a place in the Premium Sale, and Koichi agreed they should apply to other auctions.
• Koichi reflected on the ranch’s four broodmares, including two bought from the Mejiro Family, and his plan to keep promising fillies.
• Gold Ship greeted One-Way Passage, while Man o' War rested after his first race and was slated for the two-year-olds' Keio Hai at Tokyo Racecourse.
• Koichi led Man o' War back to the stable, where the horse spat out a mouthful of grass after finding dirt in it.
• Gold Ship dodged Koichi’s halter before returning to the stable, then shoved Koichi aside to claim the fan’s breeze.
• A staff member brought One-Way Passage back, and Koichi went to fetch Epiphaneia before lunch.

Koichi spent time with Epiphaneia in Hakodate, settled his summer work schedule with Saki Ikegami, and gained the Heavy Track skill. He remained in Hakodate for the slower racing season, with the upcoming select sale still ahead.

• Koichi let Epiphaneia out in the paddock, where the horse nuzzled and tugged at his clothes until Koichi led him back to the Stable.
• Koichi gave Epiphaneia water and set up a fan before returning to his office.
• Koichi and Saki Ikegami agreed that he would work in Hakodate whenever possible, while leaving room for important bookings and the select sale.
• Koichi used his ten Lucky Draw chances from the Takarazuka Kinen and acquired the Heavy Track skill, his ninth skill.

At Hakodate Racecourse, Koichi Sasaki rode several races, reflected on the challenges of inexperienced horses, and met an owner who had become a fan of him and Golden Masterpiece. After the first week of racing ended, Koichi headed toward Sapporo, where Saki Ikegami arranged interviews and an autograph session for him.

• Hokkai Ranch staff attended the races, while Haruki Kuchiki and Koichi kept the ranch closed to visitors so they could focus on racing.
• Koichi drank water after racing and discussed his horse’s third-place finish and difficult behavior with Saki Ikegami.
• The horse’s owner thanked Koichi and said Golden Masterpiece’s Derby win had inspired him to enter racing; Koichi suggested he support Golden Masterpiece’s future foals.
• Kenichi Ikezoe told Koichi that building connections with supportive owners could help his career.
• After the first week of racing ended, Koichi learned he had mounts in two graded stakes at Sapporo and agreed to an autograph session and a TV interview with Hokkai Ranch.

Koichi attended the Select Sale, identified a promising Deep Impact filly, and discussed the rising colt Duramente with senior jockeys. He planned to ask his agent about getting a chance to ride Duramente while remaining committed to Black North for their major races.

• Koichi reviewed the auction brochure and pointed out the filly who would become Strong Strike, though he had little intention of bidding for her.
• Koichi rushed to buy lunch bentos and returned with Megumi Mitsumori, while Ayano Aoe continued assessing horses and their prices.
• Koichi chatted with senior jockeys and recognized that they were discussing Duramente, a promising King Kamehameha offspring.
• Koichi said he would choose Black North over Duramente when their major races conflicted, but might ride Duramente in other races.
• After Kenichi Ikezoe suggested there could be opportunities to ride Duramente, Koichi agreed to have his agent ask about it.

Koichi finalized Epiphaneia and Gold Ship’s race plans, rode at Sapporo, and visited Black North while checking on his horses during summer break. He left Gold Ship resting at the ranch before the tougher Japan Cup and Arima Kinen later in the year.

• Koichi kept Epiphaneia’s schedule as planned and dropped the idea of sending him to the Japan Cup after the Kikuka Sho because Gold Ship would race there too.
• Koichi rode in every graded stakes race at Sapporo before returning to Hokkai Ranch to care for Gold Ship, Epiphaneia, and Man o' War.
• Koichi visited Black North at Clear River Ranch, praised his training, fed him a carrot, and took photos to record his growth.
• Koichi shared Black North’s photos in the group chat, where Megumi Mitsumori said she looked forward to having him at her stable next year.
• Koichi and Mirai visited Gold Ship and Epiphaneia, and Gold Ship ate a carrot before resting in the shade.

Koichi returned to the Training Center and agreed to help Gentildonna prepare early for her autumn campaign. He also reunited with Epiphaneia, whose training was gradually resuming, and the chapter ended with Koichi reflecting on how he had to adapt to the horse’s racing habits.

• Koichi returned to work at Hanshin as Epiphaneia resumed training for the Kobe Shimbun Hai.
• Trainer Ishisaka asked Koichi to begin training with Gentildonna early ahead of the Autumn Emperor's Cup and Japan Cup, and Koichi agreed.
• Koichi visited Ishisaka's stable and met horses he might ride in future races.
• Koichi returned to Megumi Mitsumori's stable, where Epiphaneia eagerly greeted him.
• Koichi patted Epiphaneia and recognized that he needed to choose race positions suited to the horse's persistent habits.

Koichi Sasaki discussed Epiphaneia’s condition and chances in the Kobe Shimbun Hai, then waited with the stable for the starting-stall draw. Epiphaneia drew stall ten, and the team decided to stick with their planned tactics of securing a position near the front.

• Koichi told the interviewer that Epiphaneia had recovered well and that their target was the Kikuka Sho.
• Koichi spoke with Ryuji Wada and Kenichi Ikezoe about the race and his growing success as a jockey.
• Koichi, Megumi Mitsumori, Kuga Kai, and Yamana Takuto waited for the stall draw while Mirai ate an apple.
• Yamana announced that Epiphaneia had drawn stall ten, relieving Megumi that he had avoided an outside stall.
• Koichi and Megumi agreed to use their planned tactics and position Epiphaneia near the front.

Tetsuya Futawatari and Megumi Mitsumori decided One-Way Passage was best suited to races around eighteen hundred to two thousand meters and pursued Koichi Sasaki for his upcoming starts. Koichi accepted a possible Mainichi Okan ride on One-Way Passage while preparing to ride Epiphaneia, and considered the booking a future investment ahead of the Autumn Emperor's Cup and a possible Dubai campaign.

• Tetsuya Futawatari and Megumi Mitsumori concluded that One-Way Passage's training showed he suited shorter distances and planned to enter him in the Autumn Emperor's Cup.
• Tetsuya Futawatari worried that One-Way Passage would face Gentildonna and Sasaki, while Megumi Mitsumori discussed securing Koichi Sasaki for an upcoming graded stakes race.
• Megumi Mitsumori spoke with Saki Ikegami about arranging another graded stakes booking for One-Way Passage, and Saki had no objection.
• Koichi trained for his upcoming ride on Epiphaneia, then told Saki Ikegami he would accept a possible Mainichi Okan booking on One-Way Passage.
• Koichi considered the ride a chance to pursue a graded stakes victory and possibly secure One-Way Passage for an eighteen-hundred-meter race in Dubai next year.

Koichi Sasaki rode several races at Hanshin Racecourse, reviewing a disappointing ride before winning the next dirt race from the front. Epiphaneia arrived at Hanshin for its first race of the second half of the year and settled in ahead of racing with Koichi the next day.

• Koichi Sasaki reviewed his unsuccessful first ride with Yuichi Fukunaga and planned to discuss the horse's performance with its trainer.
• Koichi won the next dirt race by taking the lead from the start.
• Epiphaneia arrived at Hanshin Racecourse with Kuga Kai and Megumi Mitsumori, drawing attention from waiting reporters.
• Megumi Mitsumori brought Epiphaneia to its prepared stable and arranged for a veterinarian to examine it.
• Epiphaneia settled in and looked forward to resting before racing with Koichi the next day.

Epiphaneia and Koichi Sasaki raced in the Kobe Shimbun Hai, settling near the front before making their move in the final turns. As Epiphaneia began charging into the final straight, Koichi prepared to unleash his finishing speed.

• Koichi Sasaki stroked Epiphaneia in the starting stall before the race began.
• Epiphaneia broke quickly from the gates and settled into fourth while Koichi regulated his pace.
• Epiphaneia held his position through the early turns as the two leaders battled and began to tire.
• Koichi urged Epiphaneia to change leads near the fourth turn, prompting Ryuji Wada and other jockeys to make their moves.
• Epiphaneia swung wider entering the final straight and began his charge as Koichi held back from urging him harder.

Epiphaneia won the graded stakes race after returning, holding off a late charge from Powerful Call. The horse would rest before preparing for the Kikuka Sho, while Koichi and the stable looked ahead to other upcoming races.

• Epiphaneia took the lead in the stretch and widened the gap as Koichi Sasaki urged the horse forward.
• Powerful Call charged from behind into second place, but Epiphaneia crossed the finish at least three lengths ahead.
• Koichi Sasaki noted that Ryuji Wada had secured the fifth-place finish he wanted, while the runner-up surprised him.
• Kuga Kai washed Epiphaneia and placed a victory sash over the horse, while Megumi Mitsumori patted its neck.
• Koichi Sasaki said Epiphaneia was improving and that three thousand meters should be manageable in the Kikuka Sho.
• Epiphaneia would rest before the Kikuka Sho, while One-Way Passage prepared for the Mainichi Okan and Gold Ship continued Japan Cup preparations.

Koichi Sasaki rode One-Way Passage in a training gallop alongside Gold Ship as the horses prepared for their upcoming races. Gold Ship’s renewed competitive spirit and One-Way Passage’s strong response to Koichi left their trainers encouraged as they awaited the next workout.

• Tetsuya Futawatari arranged for Koichi Sasaki to ride One-Way Passage in the upcoming Mainichi Okan, while Gold Ship prepared for the Japan Cup without a warm-up race.
• Koichi rode One-Way Passage in a workout alongside Gold Ship, and the two horses raced neck and neck as Yamana Takuto struggled to keep pace with them.
• Gold Ship recalled losing to One-Way Passage and pushed harder, while Koichi’s riding brought out One-Way Passage’s speed and rhythm.
• Tetsuya Futawatari and Megumi Mitsumori praised the workout and looked ahead to the next gallop and the Autumn Emperor’s Cup.
• Koichi left for Tokyo to prepare for a race at Nakayama, while Gold Ship and One-Way Passage returned to their stables.

Koichi and the other jockeys watched Yutaka Take and Gentildonna make another bid for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Zarkava stormed past her to win, while Gentildonna finished third.

• Koichi, Yuichi Fukunaga, Yuga Kawada, and Masayoshi Ubaname gathered at Tokyo Racecourse to watch the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Yutaka Take settled Gentildonna in the middle of the pack as the race followed a moderate pace.
• Gentildonna surged into the lead on the final straight, but Koichi and Yuichi Fukunaga saw her begin to tire.
• Zarkava unleashed a devastating Final Kick, overtook Gentildonna, and pulled clear to win.
• Gentildonna finished third, and Koichi left with the other jockeys to get some sleep before their next races.