Chapter Summaries

Koichi Sasaki and William Buick rode Gold Ship and Japan Jordan in a final workout gallop before the Japan Cup, where Gold Ship overtook the aging Japan Jordan with a stronger finishing kick. Koichi then answered questions about Gold Ship’s condition and his coming rematch with Gentildonna, leaving the race’s outcome dependent on the draw and tactics.

• Koichi arranged to gallop alongside William Buick and Japan Jordan before the Japan Cup.
• Gold Ship accelerated past Japan Jordan late in the workout, revealing the gap between them and Japan Jordan’s decline at age seven.
• Mirai took Gold Ship back after the workout, while Koichi completed his other rides and attended a race interview.
• Koichi told the interviewer that Gold Ship was in good condition, did not need a prep race, and would treat Gentildonna with respect.
• Koichi listened as Yutaka Take, Yuichi Fukunaga, and other jockeys discussed the Japan Cup’s tactics and the many foreign riders.

Spectators gathered at Tokyo Racecourse for the Japan Cup rematch between Gold Ship and Gentildonna. As the horses headed onto the track, Koichi Sasaki and Gold Ship prepared to give the final race of the week their all.

• A veteran racing fan told a Gold Ship supporter that Gold Ship had a chance against Gentildonna, despite her strong record at Tokyo.
• Gold Ship entered the Parade Ring from stall thirteen as spectators cheered the field of seventeen horses.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Ayano Aoe discussed the pressure of the race and whether Gold Ship could adapt to a slow pace.
• Koichi Sasaki told Megumi that he would give the final race everything he had, then mounted Gold Ship.
• Gold Ship and the other horses proceeded through the passage onto the track as commentators highlighted the rematch with Gentildonna.

The commentators introduced the Japan Cup field as the horses completed their warm-ups and loaded into the stalls. Gold Ship entered calmly despite a difficult outside draw, and the race was left poised to begin.

• The commentators highlighted Gentildonna, Extreme Peak, Gold Ship, and other leading horses while noting that the overseas entrants had struggled for form.
• Koichi worried about Gold Ship's outside draw and long layoff as the commentators discussed the challenges facing the contenders.
• Yamana Takuto kept Gold Ship away from Japan Jordan, while Gentildonna's stablehand restrained her during the warm-up.
• The horses began loading to music, and Gold Ship entered smoothly midway through the process.
• Koichi put on his goggles and waited as the race official raised a flag and the crowd clapped.

Koichi Sasaki guided Gold Ship from a poor start to the back of the field in the 33rd Japan Cup, while Eishin Flash set a slow pace and Gentildonna secured a strong position. As the runners neared the final turn, Koichi still had not moved Gold Ship, leaving spectators anxious about his plan.

• Gentildonna broke quickly, but Christophe Lemaire urged Eishin Flash into the lead while Ryan Moore settled her behind him.
• Yuichi Fukunaga positioned Lelouch alongside Gentildonna, while Gold Ship broke slowly and was forced to the rear.
• Koichi Sasaki guided Gold Ship along the inside rail and waited as Eishin Flash controlled a relaxed pace.
• Yutaka Take moved Hit the Target forward from the back before the final turn, but Koichi continued to hold Gold Ship back.
• Gold Ship remained at the rear as the runners approached the final turn, and spectators questioned Koichi's lack of action.

Koichi Sasaki and Gold Ship charged through the inside on the home straight, catching the leaders and closing in on Gentildonna. The chapter ended with Gold Ship and Gentildonna battling for the lead in the final hundred meters.

• Koichi kept Gold Ship along the inside through the final turn instead of moving into the crowded outside lanes.
• Ryan Moore freed Gentildonna from Japan Jordan's blockade, and Gentildonna overtook Eishin Flash to take the lead.
• Koichi drove Gold Ship through an opening on the inside, overtaking several horses and joining the leaders.
• Gold Ship passed Eishin Flash and Japan Jordan, leaving Gentildonna as the only horse ahead.
• Koichi and Ryan Moore drove Gold Ship and Gentildonna into a final contest as the gap between them continued to shrink.

Gold Ship surged up the inside to defeat Gentildonna and Japan Jordan in a thrilling Japan Cup finish, earning Koichi Sasaki his third consecutive title in the race. After celebrating with their team, Koichi looked ahead to Gold Ship’s one remaining race.

• Gold Ship charged up the inside in the final stretch, overtook Japan Jordan, and edged past Gentildonna to win the Japan Cup.
• Koichi Sasaki crossed the finish line with Gold Ship, and the announcers declared his third consecutive Japan Cup victory.
• Ryan Moore and William Buick acknowledged Koichi’s surprising inside route as the top four finishers gathered after the race.
• Yutaka Take and Yuichi Fukunaga praised Koichi’s judgment, while Megumi Mitsumori, Ayano Aoe, and the others congratulated him and Gold Ship.
• Koichi thanked his companions, then looked at Gold Ship and noted that only one race remained.

Koichi Sasaki and Gold Ship won the Japan Cup, and Koichi discussed their tactics and Gold Ship’s condition in a post-race interview. As the team began preparing for the Arima Kinen, Koichi still had to decide whether to ride Gold Ship or Epiphaneia.

• Koichi explained that Gold Ship had been forced to the back at the start, where he settled into a relaxed rhythm before making his move.
• Koichi said Gold Ship had trained well and that the Arima Kinen was being considered as his next race, though the team had not decided yet.
• Mirai led Gold Ship around the awards area while he kept looking for Japan Jordan, and Megumi Mitsumori said the hood had been the right choice.
• Koichi joined Gold Ship for the Japan Cup awards ceremony and photos before the day’s racing ended.
• Gold Ship headed back to rest as the team planned a lighter training week and preparations for the Arima Kinen with Epiphaneia.

Koichi planned to retire Gold Ship after the Arima Kinen and considered sending him to Shadai, while he and Ayano Aoe discussed Golden Masterpiece’s future as a stallion. Koichi arranged for Kenichi Ikezoe to ride Epiphaneia in the Arima Kinen, then visited the horses with Ikezoe and Megumi Mitsumori.

• Koichi told Ayano Aoe that Gold Ship would retire after the Arima Kinen, and they agreed Shadai was the best place for him to stand at stud.
• Koichi and Ayano discussed Golden Masterpiece’s upcoming first foals and Koichi’s busy December racing schedule.
• Koichi asked Kenichi Ikezoe to ride Epiphaneia in the Arima Kinen, and Ikezoe accepted.
• Megumi Mitsumori said Epiphaneia was training well and noted that Man o' War’s Asahi Hai was approaching.
• Koichi, Ikezoe, and Megumi went to see the horses, and Epiphaneia pressed close to Koichi when they approached.

Koichi discussed Gold Ship’s upcoming retirement with Kenichi Ikezoe and Saki Ikegami, then continued preparations for the horses’ remaining races. At Hanshin, he secured a ride on Old Gold’s daughter for a two-year-old fillies’ Grade 1 race and looked ahead to the month’s opportunities.

• Koichi and Kenichi Ikezoe discussed Gold Ship’s retirement after the Arima Kinen and his planned ceremony.
• Saki Ikegami invited Ikezoe to take part in a Gold Ship documentary, but he declined to focus on training with Epiphaneia.
• Koichi fed Gold Ship, Man o' War, and Epiphaneia before Ikezoe left to plan his training.
• After racing at Hanshin, Koichi returned to the Training Center and trained Man o' War, who reported steady progress.
• Koichi confirmed he had secured the ride on Old Gold’s daughter for the two-year-old fillies’ Grade 1 race and hoped to perform well enough to ride her in the Oka Sho.

Koichi watched Man o' War improve in training and considered the challenge of his upcoming Nakayama race, then reunited with Epiphaneia and Gold Ship at the ranch. As Gold Ship approached retirement and a move to Shadai, Koichi led him to Megumi Mitsumori's stable while negotiations neared completion.

• Mirai filmed Man o' War nodding as Koichi praised his training and discussed preparing him for Nakayama Racecourse.
• Koichi greeted Epiphaneia, who eagerly rubbed against him before leaving with Kenichi Ikezoe for more training.
• Koichi and Mirai watched Epiphaneia depart and reflected on how closely he had bonded with Koichi.
• Yamana Takuto met Koichi and Mirai with Gold Ship after Gold Ship had caused trouble during training.
• Koichi led Gold Ship toward Megumi Mitsumori's stable as negotiations with Shadai neared completion and Gold Ship's retirement approached.

Koichi Sasaki rode Red Dream in a Grade 1 race for two-year-old fillies at Hanshin Racecourse. Red Dream beat the favored Vega at the finish, securing Koichi another mile Grade 1 victory and strengthening his partnership with the club.

• Koichi prepared to ride Red Dream, while Ryuji Wada, Yuga Kawada, and Yuichi Fukunaga entered the race with other leading contenders.
• Koichi followed the planned tactics and settled Red Dream in the middle of the pack over the 1,600-meter course.
• Koichi moved Red Dream into a favorable position before the final turn and began driving her forward.
• Red Dream, Vega, and Forever battled for the lead in the closing stretch as Vega surged back into contention.
• Koichi urged Red Dream on with his Mighty Arm and Windmill Whip, and she crossed the finish line ahead of Vega to win the Grade 1.

After Koichi celebrated his mile championship win, he filmed an interview about Gold Ship’s upcoming retirement and prepared for the final workouts before the races at Nakayama. The chapter ended with Koichi heading to Megumi Mitsumori’s office to look for snacks.

• Koichi received praise after his championship victory and attended Shadai Club’s celebration party with Saki Ikegami.
• On Tuesday, Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori arrived early to film a documentary segment about Gold Ship.
• Koichi said he hoped Gold Ship would win the Arima Kinen and acknowledged how difficult it was to say goodbye to another horse he had ridden.
• The crew filmed Mirai interacting with Gold Ship and recorded Megumi Mitsumori in her office among Gold Ship’s trophies and banners.
• After filming ended, Saki Ikegami outlined the upcoming workouts and travel plans, and Koichi went with Megumi Mitsumori to find snacks.

Koichi and Yutaka Take completed a workout gallop, where Man o' War easily caught and outpaced Beautiful Voice ahead of the Asahi Hai. Koichi checked on his other horses afterward, and the stable prepared for the upcoming races while awaiting the stall draw.

• Koichi and Yutaka Take discussed the Nakayama 1,600-meter course and prepared for their workout gallop.
• Beautiful Voice set the pace, but Man o' War caught her quickly and opened a gap during the gallop.
• Megumi Mitsumori said Man o' War was ready for the Asahi Hai and noted that the team was waiting for the stall draw.
• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori reviewed the travel plans for Divine Might, Epiphaneia, and Gold Ship, booking separate transport trucks for Epiphaneia and Gold Ship.
• Koichi spoke with Kenichi Ikezoe and Yamana Takuto, who reported that Epiphaneia and Gold Ship were in excellent form.

Koichi prepared for the Asahi Hai and used twenty Lucky Draw chances, winning the Rookie Horse Training skill. He entered pre-race isolation on Friday with Man o' War drawn in gate seven and looked ahead to the coming races at Nakayama.

• Koichi returned to Tokyo with a trophy and planned to use twenty Lucky Draw chances before the Asahi Hai and Arima Kinen.
• Koichi and Saki Ikegami shopped for groceries, then Saki cooked lunch while Koichi worked out and studied race information.
• Koichi reviewed Man o' War's gate-seven draw, the other contenders' likely tactics, and the uncertainty of when to make his move over a mile.
• Koichi's seventh Lucky Draw awarded him Rookie Horse Training, a skill that strengthened his guidance of two-year-olds and would help Black North.
• Koichi finished the remaining draws, prepared for Friday's pre-race isolation, and anticipated the week's races at Nakayama.

Koichi Sasaki raced at Nakayama to prepare for the Asahi Hai while Man o' War traveled there ahead of the race. Megumi Mitsumori and Mirai watched Koichi's strong results and prepared for the upcoming races, including the Arima Kinen.

• Koichi Sasaki rode in three 1,600-meter turf races at Nakayama, improving with each race and winning over the spectators.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Mirai prepared Man o' War for the trip to Nakayama, and he left with his stablehand in a Horse Transport Truck.
• Mirai told Megumi that Koichi had won another race, and they agreed he seemed well prepared to win the Asahi Hai.
• Epiphaneia reacted to Koichi's name, and Megumi told him Koichi would see him the day after tomorrow.
• Megumi planned to keep Epiphaneia and Gold Ship separated and hood Epiphaneia for the Arima Kinen.

Man o' War and Koichi Sasaki raced in the Asahi Hai at Nakayama, where they surged forward on the final incline. Man o' War overtook the leaders, while Atom and Asian Express chased behind as the race continued.

• Man o' War entered the starting stall, and Koichi reviewed his tactics while watching Yutaka Take in stall one.
• Beautiful Voice and True Wish pushed toward the lead after the start, while Man o' War settled into the middle of the pack.
• Koichi guided Man o' War through the turns and moved up as the field accelerated toward the final straight.
• Ryan Moore launched Asian Express from the rear, but Man o' War's surge forced him farther out and cost him ground.
• Man o' War overtook Ryuji Wada's horse on the final incline as Beautiful Voice faded, while Yuga Kawada drove Atom through an opening along the inside.

Man o' War won the Asahi Hai under Koichi Sasaki, completing Koichi’s sweep of the year’s two-year-old Grade 1 titles. Koichi then discussed plans for Man o' War’s mile campaign and prepared with Ayano Aoe for Gold Ship and Epiphaneia’s upcoming Arima Kinen.

• Koichi Sasaki urged Man o' War through Nakayama’s uphill final stretch, and Man o' War held off the pursuing horses to win the Asahi Hai.
• Ryan Moore congratulated Koichi, while Ryuji Wada praised him for winning both two-year-old titles.
• Koichi said Man o' War would likely stay on the mile route, with future races depending on the horse’s recovery and condition.
• Ayano Aoe met Koichi after the race and wished him luck in the Arima Kinen, where Gold Ship and Epiphaneia were ready to compete.
• Saki Ikegami went to find an overindulgent Megumi Mitsumori, who was preparing to return to the Training Center for the Arima Kinen.

Koichi Sasaki, Megumi Mitsumori, and Kenichi Ikezoe prepared Gold Ship and Epiphaneia for the Arima Kinen, where both horses showed excellent form in their final workout gallops. They awaited the starting-stall draw and planned to appear on a public program that evening.

• Megumi Mitsumori arranged for Man o' War to stay at the ranch in Chiba while Gold Ship and Epiphaneia continued training.
• A sports channel's racing staff predicted the Arima Kinen, rating Gold Ship and Epiphaneia among the strongest contenders and praising Japan Jordan and Triumph Ballet.
• Koichi Sasaki and Kenichi Ikezoe discussed their horses' preparations and tactics, noting that the starting-stall draw could affect their plans.
• Koichi Sasaki patted Epiphaneia and reminded the horse to rest before the afternoon workout gallop.
• Gold Ship delivered a powerful final kick in its workout gallop, and Epiphaneia showed strong responsiveness while running between two other horses.
• Megumi Mitsumori was pleased with both horses' condition, and the three prepared to attend the public starting-stall draw program that evening.

Koichi Sasaki won five races on Saturday as Gold Ship and Epiphaneia prepared for the Arima Kinen. The chapter ended with their team reviewing the horses’ condition and race tactics ahead of Sunday’s retirement race.

• Gold Ship, Epiphaneia, and the Hokkai Ranch staff arrived early at Nakayama Racecourse for the Arima Kinen.
• Koichi Sasaki won two races by midday, and Saki Ikegami said both horses were maintaining their condition.
• Koichi told Ryuji Wada that he felt confident, then went on to win five races that day.
• Haruki Kuchiki asked about Gold Ship at dinner, and Mirai said Megumi Mitsumori expected Gold Ship to perform as well as in the previous year’s Arima Kinen.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Ayano Aoe discussed the starting stalls and tactics: Kenichi Ikezoe would position Epiphaneia forward, while Koichi would hold Gold Ship back as a closer.

Gold Ship began his farewell Arima Kinen from the rear, conserving his strength before launching a late charge, while Epiphaneia secured a forward position and accelerated ahead of him. As the field entered the final stretch, the two rivals moved toward a showdown.

• Before the 58th Arima Kinen, Gold Ship and Epiphaneia had another spat, and their stablehands separated them.
• Gold Ship started from gate fourteen and settled at the back, while Lelouch took the lead and Epiphaneia secured fourth along the inside.
• Gold Ship conserved his energy through the early stages and stayed near Yutaka Take's mount as the field approached the third turn.
• Japan Jordan launched an early move from the outside but showed signs of tiring after spending energy wide.
• With six hundred meters remaining, Koichi Sasaki urged Gold Ship into a closing run, and Yutaka Take followed behind him.
• Epiphaneia accelerated with just over four hundred meters to go as Kenichi Ikezoe urged him on, while Gold Ship steadily closed from behind.