Chapter Summaries

Koichi Sasaki prepared to ride One-Way Passage in the Mainichi Okan, hoping to win a major race against a strong field that included Yuichi Fukunaga on Eishin Flash. The horses entered the starting stalls, and the chapter ended just before the 1,800-meter race began.

• Koichi and Yuichi Fukunaga discussed the previous day's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and prepared to compete against each other again.
• Koichi put on One-Way Passage's owner's colors and learned that the horse was fifth favorite in the Mainichi Okan.
• Tetsuya Futawatari told Koichi to help One-Way Passage recapture the feeling from its workout, and Koichi promised to do his best.
• Koichi warmed up One-Way Passage and spotted Shonan Voice in the neighboring stall.
• All eleven horses entered the starting stalls, and Koichi encouraged One-Way Passage before the race began.

Koichi Sasaki rode One-Way Passage to victory in the 64th Mainichi Okan after a fierce final stretch against Eishin Flash. One-Way Passage won by a head, giving Koichi his first Mainichi Okan victory.

• One-Way Passage broke cleanly and moved up behind the leaders as Koichi watched Yuga Kawada set the pace aboard Clarent.
• Koichi kept One-Way Passage in fourth through the turns while Mickey Dream began accelerating and Eishin Flash held an inside position.
• As the field entered the home stretch, Eishin Flash surged through on the inside and One-Way Passage charged forward on the outside.
• One-Way Passage caught Eishin Flash and ran alongside him, then Koichi drove on with the Windmill Whip.
• One-Way Passage edged ahead of Eishin Flash and crossed the finish line first by a head, earning Koichi his first Mainichi Okan victory.

Koichi won a graded stakes race aboard One-Way Passage and praised the horse as a potential Grade 1 contender. He returned to Kyoto to prepare for the Kikuka Sho and discussed plans for his crowded schedule and the Arima Kinen.

• Koichi rode One-Way Passage to victory, earning the horse its second graded stakes win and drawing praise from the horse's owner and Tetsuya Futawatari.
• Koichi hurried back to Kyoto after racing in Tokyo to focus on the upcoming Kikuka Sho with Epiphaneia.
• Koichi trained Epiphaneia and Gentildonna while balancing preparations for three consecutive Grade 1 races.
• Megumi Mitsumori asked Koichi about facing Yutaka Take in the Kikuka Sho, and Koichi declared that Epiphaneia was unbeatable.
• Koichi proposed entering both Epiphaneia and another stable horse in the Arima Kinen, with Ikezoe riding Epiphaneia after the Japan Cup.

Koichi and Megumi reviewed Epiphaneia’s favorable Kikuka Sho draw, race tactics, and possible rain, while Saki asked whether the horse could handle a heavy track. At the stable, Koichi fed the horses and encouraged Epiphaneia ahead of the final race in its Triple Crown campaign.

• Koichi and Megumi welcomed Epiphaneia’s draw in stall three and discussed how to use the position over the 3,000-meter race.
• Megumi identified Band as a likely pace-setter and warned that rain could affect race-day track conditions; Koichi said he would assess the track during the race.
• Racing fans anticipated the Kikuka Sho rematch between Koichi Sasaki and Yutaka Take, with many favoring Epiphaneia.
• Koichi visited the stable, stopped Gold Ship from taking apples meant for Man o' War and Epiphaneia, and watched the horses eat.
• Koichi told Epiphaneia to rest before the Kikuka Sho, the last race in its Triple Crown campaign, then spent time with Man o' War.

Koichi Sasaki and Epiphaneia prepared for the Kikuka Sho as spectators and rivals anticipated a showdown with Yutaka Take. After receiving final advice from Megumi Mitsumori, Koichi mounted Epiphaneia and headed toward the race.

• At Kyoto Racecourse, Koichi Sasaki, Yutaka Take, Kenichi Ikezoe, and Ryuji Wada discussed the heavy track and their plans for the Kikuka Sho.
• Ryuji Wada asked Kenichi Ikezoe to keep Epiphaneia in check, while Yutaka Take doubted his chances of beating the horse on Strong Call.
• Race commentators praised Epiphaneia's condition and growing finishing kick while noting concerns about Strong Call.
• At the Parade Ring, Megumi Mitsumori reminded Koichi to stay calm if the field boxed him in and stressed the importance of a good start.
• Koichi mounted Epiphaneia, patted his neck, and signaled him to give his all.

Epiphaneia entered the Kikuka Sho as the unbeaten favorite on a rain-softened course, with Koichi Sasaki riding. After the start, rival horses boxed Epiphaneia in near the front, and Koichi settled it behind the leaders as the field began the race.

• Koichi Sasaki brought Epiphaneia through its warm-up and into stall three, where he stroked its mane as it waited restlessly.
• Kenichi Ikezoe glanced over from the neighboring stall, intending to disrupt Epiphaneia's pace during the race.
• The gates opened, and Kenichi Ikezoe moved Meow Meow Taisho in front of Epiphaneia while Band took the lead.
• Koichi Sasaki kept Epiphaneia in third behind Meow Meow Taisho as Final Impact and other horses formed the leading group.
• Epiphaneia tried to accelerate on the first turn, but Koichi checked it with the reins, and it settled while boxed in behind the leaders.

Epiphaneia broke free of the pack and dominated the final straight to win the Kikuka Sho and complete the undefeated Classic Triple Crown. Koichi Sasaki eased him down after the finish as the crowd celebrated.

• Kenichi Ikezoe’s Meow Meow Taisho suddenly lost speed, dropping to the back and clearing Epiphaneia’s path.
• Yutaka Take, Yuga Kawada, and Ryuji Wada drove their horses forward as the field approached the final turn.
• Koichi Sasaki used Mighty Arm and Windmill Whip to send Epiphaneia charging past Band on the final straight.
• Epiphaneia opened a four-length lead and crossed the finish line with ease to claim the Classic Triple Crown.
• Koichi stood and pumped his arm, then patted Epiphaneia’s neck as the crowd cheered.

Koichi Sasaki and Epiphaneia won the Kikuka Sho, completing Epiphaneia’s Triple Crown. After the interview and award ceremony, Koichi sent Epiphaneia to rest at Hokkai Ranch and planned to celebrate before returning to Tokyo Racecourse for the Autumn Emperor’s Cup.

• Megumi Mitsumori and Koichi celebrated Epiphaneia’s victory after he pulled five lengths clear to win the Kikuka Sho.
• Koichi told reporters that Epiphaneia’s sharp start and the team’s preparation had helped secure the Triple Crown, and said the Arima Kinen was a likely target.
• Epiphaneia greeted Koichi with a hug, and the photographers captured them together before Koichi received the Kikuka Sho trophy.
• Koichi and the others posed with Epiphaneia, then planned for him to rest at Hokkai Ranch for more than a month.
• Koichi agreed with Megumi Mitsumori to celebrate near Kyoto Station before returning to Tokyo Racecourse for the Autumn Emperor’s Cup.

Koichi checked Gentildonna’s condition ahead of the Autumn Emperor’s Cup and discussed her prospects and race tactics with Tadashi Ishisaka. He then returned to Megumi Mitsumori’s stable, where he heard that One-Way Passage was in strong form and prepared to watch the starting stall draw.

• Koichi visited Gentildonna at the Training Center and discussed her recent form, upcoming race, and possible future schedule with Tadashi Ishisaka.
• Koichi said Gentildonna had trained well, though other jockeys might box her in, and agreed to return for her workout gallop and a tactics discussion.
• Koichi met Japan Jordan and Tetsuya Futawatari, and encouraged the seven-year-old horse to keep fighting despite his declining competitiveness.
• Megumi Mitsumori warned Koichi that One-Way Passage had improved since the Mainichi Okan and noted that Tokyo Halo would likely race near the front.
• Koichi checked on Gold Ship and Man o' War, learned about their condition, and planned to wait for the starting stall draw before focusing on the race.

Koichi watched Gentildonna outpace Password during a workout gallop three days before the race, though he and Tadashi Ishisaka still felt her speed was not quite ready. On the drive back to Tokyo, Koichi and Saki Ikegami reviewed his upcoming schedule, leaving his Kyoto race plans undecided.

• Gentildonna pulled ahead of Password during their workout gallop, widening the gap to a length as Koichi controlled her pace.
• Koichi and Tadashi Ishisaka agreed Gentildonna had performed well but still seemed short on speed with only three days until the race.
• Koichi finished his work at the Training Center and headed back to Tokyo with Saki Ikegami, who said his next month's schedule was mostly settled.
• Koichi and Saki Ikegami discussed the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and Mile Championship, but Koichi decided to wait until after the Autumn Tenno Sho before choosing whether to enter.
• Koichi looked forward to riding Man o' War in a 1,400-meter graded stakes race for two-year-olds.

Koichi reviewed the Autumn Emperor's Cup field and tactics with Tadashi Ishisaka, then spent a demanding weekend riding young horses and preparing for more races. He ended the chapter satisfied with three wins, though he regretted a narrow loss and noted that Gentildonna had arrived at Tokyo Racecourse.

• Tadashi Ishisaka called Koichi about the stall assignments and warned that Tokyo Halo and Eishin Flash were strong rivals in the Autumn Emperor's Cup.
• Koichi reviewed Ishisaka's tactics while Saki Ikegami brought him breakfast and a fitness meal.
• Koichi rode several races over the weekend, won three times, and continued improving his dirt-track riding.
• Koichi and Masayoshi Ubaname discussed a young horse's disappointing newcomer race and the possibility that its distance was unsuitable.
• Koichi checked his upcoming races and racing silks with Saki, then noted that Gentildonna had arrived at Tokyo Racecourse.

Koichi prepared to ride Gentildonna in the Autumn Emperor’s Cup, where Tokyo Halo and One-Way Passage posed major threats. As the horses entered the starting stalls, Japan Jordan recognized Burden beside it, and the race was about to begin.

• Tadashi Ishisaka reminded Koichi to follow their plan and watch Yutaka Take and Tokyo Halo.
• Koichi and Gentildonna joined the field as the horses entered Tokyo Racecourse to cheers.
• The commentator introduced the eighteen runners, including Gentildonna, One-Way Passage, Eishin Flash, Japan Jordan, and Tokyo Halo.
• Gentildonna and Tokyo Halo entered their starting stalls, followed by the rest of the field.
• Japan Jordan neighed toward Burden in the neighboring stall, and Koichi prepared for the race.

One-Way Passage and Yuichi Fukunaga challenged Gentildonna in the Autumn Emperor’s Cup. One-Way Passage surged past her late to win its first Grade 1, leaving Gentildonna second and Eishin Flash third.

• Tokyo Halo broke well and took the lead, with Gentildonna settling behind him and One-Way Passage racing near the rear.
• Yutaka Take set a slow pace aboard Tokyo Halo as Koichi Sasaki kept Gentildonna in pursuit.
• One-Way Passage improved its position through the race and prepared to unleash its Final Kick in the home straight.
• One-Way Passage surged up on the outside and drew level with Gentildonna and Tokyo Halo with about three hundred meters remaining.
• One-Way Passage pulled ahead in the final meters to win the Autumn Emperor’s Cup by a length over Gentildonna, while Eishin Flash finished third.

After One-Way Passage won the Autumn Emperor's Cup, Koichi Sasaki accepted Gentildonna's defeat and turned his attention to training Man o' War for an upcoming graded stakes race. The chapter ended with Koichi preparing for a busy schedule and hoping to win the Asahi Hai with Man o' War.

• Koichi Sasaki spoke with Horse Trainer Tadashi Ishisaka and Saki Ikegami after the race, acknowledging One-Way Passage's strong performance and Gentildonna's second-place finish.
• Yuichi Fukunaga celebrated One-Way Passage's first Grade 1 victory and announced that the horse would rest for the remainder of the year.
• Tadashi Ishisaka said Gentildonna had recovered well, and her team planned for her to face Gold Ship in the Japan Cup, which would be her final race of the year.
• Koichi Sasaki discussed his upcoming training schedule with Saki Ikegami, including riding Man o' War and Gold Ship at the Training Center.
• Koichi Sasaki planned to prepare Man o' War for an upcoming graded stakes race, hoping to win it and later challenge for the Asahi Hai.

Koichi traveled to the Training Center and discussed the health and progress of Epiphaneia, Black North, and Man o' War with Megumi Mitsumori. After reviewing Black North's recent growth, they planned to visit him and Man o' War.

• Koichi reviewed Megumi Mitsumori's racehorse information, then arranged to meet her at the Training Center the next day.
• Haruki Kuchiki told Koichi that Epiphaneia was recovering well and that the broodmares and foals were healthy.
• Koichi arrived at the Training Center, where Megumi Mitsumori reminded him about his afternoon interview and discussed Black North's training.
• Megumi Mitsumori showed Koichi photos of Man o' War's growth, and Koichi said the horse could enter the stable in the first half of the year.
• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori agreed to visit Black North and Man o' War after he finished his coffee.

Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori prepared Gold Ship and Man o' War for their upcoming races while assessing their improving form. After a successful afternoon training session, Gold Ship remained at the Training Center as Koichi left for other assignments.

• Koichi discussed Gold Ship's Japan Cup preparations with Megumi Mitsumori and gave him a couple of carrot sticks.
• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori checked on Man o' War, who had recovered from injury and was preparing for a graded stakes race.
• Koichi trained Gold Ship and Man o' War in the afternoon, and both delivered strong runs.
• Koichi told Yamana Takuto that Gold Ship still had room to improve before the Japan Cup showdown with Gentildonna.
• Koichi left for other assignments, and Yamana Takuto calmed Gold Ship and said they would stop at the weighing area before heading back.

Man o' War completed a strong Wednesday workout, convincing Koichi and Megumi that it was ready for Saturday's 1,400-meter race. The team received its starting-stall draw and began planning tactics with Man o' War assigned Gate Eight.

• Koichi rode Man o' War in a workout gallop as it chased and overtook the horse running ahead.
• Megumi and Saki praised Man o' War's improved condition and discussed its Saturday race and December G1 prospects.
• Koichi and the others discussed Gold Ship's growing reluctance to train and the possibility of retiring it at four.
• Yamana checked the official draw and found that Man o' War had Gate Eight among fourteen horses.
• Koichi and Megumi approved the draw and began considering race tactics.

Koichi Sasaki rode Man o' War in the 1,400-meter Keio Hai Nisai Stakes, aiming to keep near the front despite the fast pace. Man o' War unleashed a powerful final kick to win, leaving Koichi confident about his chances in the Asahi Hai.

• Before the race, Koichi planned to keep Man o' War near the front and marked Happy Planet as his target.
• Man o' War settled in the starting gate after Koichi patted his neck, and all fourteen horses began the race.
• Xiao Di Bei'er surged into the lead while Koichi placed Man o' War fifth or sixth; Yuichi Fukunaga secured a forward position with Happy Planet.
• Koichi urged Man o' War forward near the second turn, and the horse rapidly closed the gap through the middle of the track.
• At the 300-meter mark, Koichi used his whip and Man o' War unleashed a final kick, taking the lead with 100 meters remaining.
• Man o' War held his advantage and won by a length, and Koichi celebrated as he considered the horse ready to challenge for the Asahi Hai.

Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori assessed Gold Ship’s condition as they prepared for the Japan Cup and considered his possible retirement. Koichi also planned for Mirai to care for Black North if Gold Ship retired at the end of the year.

• Koichi told Ayano Aoe that he would race in Tokyo on Saturday and travel to Hanshin for Sunday’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
• Koichi said Gold Ship might benefit from retiring early because his training results were worsening, though nothing would be decided before the Japan Cup.
• Koichi and Ayano Aoe walked around the stable after Gold Ship grew impatient and Mirai took him back.
• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori agreed that Gold Ship had recovered well, but his performance depended heavily on his mood.
• Koichi proposed that Mirai take charge of Black North if Gold Ship retired, and Megumi Mitsumori agreed to the plan.

Koichi arrived at the Training Center to prepare Gold Ship for the Japan Cup, where Gentildonna was expected to be his strongest rival. He began the final days of training while also checking on Man o' War ahead of the colt’s upcoming Asahi Hai.

• Koichi and Saki Ikegami discussed the Japan Cup favorites, including Gentildonna, Gold Ship, and Eishin Flash, on their way to the Training Center.
• Koichi greeted Gold Ship as Mirai finished grooming him with a warm towel.
• Koichi visited Man o' War, who was preparing for morning training ahead of his Asahi Hai.
• Koichi watched Megumi Mitsumori brief the staff, then warmed up for the day's work.
• Koichi took Gold Ship out to train, beginning the first of three days he would personally handle before the Japan Cup.