Chapter Summaries

After his final day at Hanshin, Koichi ate with Ryuji Wada and Kenichi Ikezoe, then learned his race winnings had arrived and prepared to leave for Tokyo. He checked on Gold Ship’s training with Megumi Mitsumori and stayed focused on the upcoming Satsuki Sho.

• Koichi brought Ryuji Wada and Kenichi Ikezoe to a ramen shop, where they urged him to watch Yutaka Take and Yuga Kawada in the Satsuki Sho.
• Koichi and his colleagues ate ramen and visited Arima Onsen before going their separate ways for the evening.
• Koichi received his race winnings and calculated how much the Satsuki Sho prize could help him repay his debt.
• Koichi asked Megumi Mitsumori about Gold Ship, and she reported that training was improving despite the horse occasionally playing sick.
• Koichi told Megumi he would leave for Tokyo the next day and focus on preparing for the Satsuki Sho.

Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke arrived in Tokyo with Golden Masterpiece to prepare for the Satsuki Sho, the first race in their bid for the three-year-old Triple Crown. Koichi settled into his new accommodation and planned to familiarize Golden Masterpiece with Tokyo Racecourse the next day.

• Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke flew into Haneda Airport and discussed the pressure of competing in the Satsuki Sho and Tokyo Yushun.
• Koichi and Yosuke took Golden Masterpiece to his assigned stable at Tokyo Racecourse after completing the handover procedures.
• Golden Masterpiece dragged Yosuke toward the wrong area, and Koichi left Yosuke to handle the horse alone.
• Koichi ate dinner, walked around the area, and returned to his apartment in Tokyo.
• Koichi planned to take Golden Masterpiece to learn Tokyo Racecourse's track the following morning.

Koichi took Golden Masterpiece to train at Tokyo Racecourse and realized the left-handed course could be a problem after their previous races on right-handed tracks. He asked Hitachi Yosuke to contact trainer Kudo, leaving the team to seek advice before the Satsuki Sho.

• Koichi led Golden Masterpiece through the paddock, where racing fans admired the horse and discussed a promotional video featuring jockey Sasaki.
• Golden Masterpiece eagerly accelerated onto Tokyo Racecourse, and Koichi let him run freely despite his initial overexcitement.
• After Golden Masterpiece ran three thousand meters, Hitachi Yosuke asked Koichi about his condition, and Koichi explained that he had simply run faster than usual.
• Koichi pointed out that Tokyo's left-handed course differed from the right-handed courses Golden Masterpiece had raced on before.
• Hitachi Yosuke agreed the course direction was a major concern and said he would contact trainer Kudo and inform the assistant.

Ayano Aoe ordered trainer Kudo to travel to Tokyo after Koichi Sasaki reported that Golden Masterpiece struggled to run counterclockwise. Koichi, Kudo, and Hitachi Yosuke discussed a training plan, while Koichi and Yosuke prepared to meet for dinner in Tokyo.

• Fujitani Kotomi told Ayano Aoe that Koichi Sasaki wanted advice about Golden Masterpiece's difficulty running counterclockwise, and Ayano ordered Kudo to go to Tokyo.
• Kudo traveled to Tokyo under escort and met Hitachi Yosuke and Koichi Sasaki to discuss a plan for the next morning's training.
• Kudo left the stable without patting Golden Masterpiece and reflected on his strained feelings about Koichi's success.
• Hitachi Yosuke warned Koichi that racing papers were highlighting Golden Masterpiece's poor counterclockwise debut, and Koichi said they were working to address the problem.
• Koichi and Yosuke agreed to have dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Ikebukuro.

Keigo Kudo watched Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece adjust to a new racing style and distance while assessing their chances against strong rivals. After training, Koichi recognized Triumph Ballet as a future rival and longtime stepping stone for Golden Masterpiece.

• Keigo Kudo observed Koichi Sasaki training Golden Masterpiece and judged their rhythm steadier, though he worried about the stronger competition and the horse's untested stamina over two thousand meters.
• Koichi completed a six-thousand-meter trial run with Golden Masterpiece, who followed his instructions to accelerate downhill and slow uphill before receiving a carrot.
• Koichi noticed Triumph Ballet, and Hitachi Yosuke explained that the powerful chestnut had missed the Satsuki Sho and would race in Tokyo instead.
• Koichi recognized Triumph Ballet as a recurring rival who had repeatedly finished behind Golden Masterpiece, and he expected their paths to cross again.
• Hitachi Yosuke relayed that Keigo Kudo had left after the successful training session, prompting Koichi to joke about how quickly he had gone.

A promotional video of Koichi went viral, drawing attention to his growing fame as he prepared for the Satsuki Sho. Ayumu Kusakawa visited Hokkai Ranch and asked Megumi Mitsumori to discuss temporarily housing racehorses after a fire damaged the stables at his ranch.

• Miku Kuchiki showed Megumi Mitsumori the popular video of Koichi, and they watched it together.
• Ayumu Kusakawa arrived at Hokkai Ranch and said people there were already talking about Koichi's video.
• Megumi Mitsumori gave Ayumu Kusakawa the items Koichi had sent and updated him on Gold Ship's preparations for a July Newcomer Race.
• Ayumu Kusakawa explained that a fire had damaged his stables and asked to move several racehorses to Hokkai Ranch temporarily.
• Megumi Mitsumori said she would consult Sasaki, and Ayumu Kusakawa expected the horses to arrive within a few days.

Aoe Ranch's racehorses moved temporarily to Hokkai Ranch, where Megumi Mitsumori met trainer Tetsuya Futawatari and saw Gold Ship. Gold Ship befriended One-Way Passage while reacting badly to Japan Jordan, and Miku Kuchiki shared carrots with both young horses.

• Ayumu Kusakawa introduced Tetsuya Futawatari to Megumi Mitsumori as Aoe Ranch's horses arrived at Hokkai Ranch.
• Tetsuya Futawatari admired Gold Ship, and Megumi Mitsumori said he would enter a Newcomer Race in July.
• One-Way Passage tried to approach Gold Ship, and Ayumu Kusakawa explained that he liked gray horses.
• Gold Ship gained One-Way Passage and Japan Jordan as neighbors, then ran along the fence with One-Way Passage while Japan Jordan grazed separately.
• Miku Kuchiki gave Gold Ship a carrot and tossed another to One-Way Passage, who hoped he could stay at Hokkai Ranch.

Gold Ship and One-Way Passage became close friends after playing together at Hokkai Ranch, while Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke prepared Golden Masterpiece for the Satsuki Sho. The chapter ended with Koichi starting Golden Masterpiece’s bath as the Grade 1 race approached.

• One-Way Passage copied Gold Ship’s playful antics, leaving the paddock muddy and damaged before their grooms came to collect them.
• One-Way Passage refused to walk back until Gold Ship caught up, and Miku Kuchiki and his groom realized the horses had become friends.
• Gold Ship and One-Way Passage spent the following days eating, training, and bathing together, though they did not share carrots.
• Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke discussed Golden Masterpiece’s improving form and the attention Yutaka Take’s challenge had brought before the Satsuki Sho.
• Koichi took Golden Masterpiece back to the stable and began preparing to bathe him.

Koichi cared for Golden Masterpiece at Tokyo Racecourse while Ayano Aoe checked on the horse’s race preparations. After Golden Masterpiece demanded a carrot and a bath, Koichi finished washing the horse as Ayano filmed them.

• Ayano Aoe met Koichi and Golden Masterpiece at Tokyo Racecourse and asked where the groom was.
• Koichi explained that Yosuke had sprained his ankle and reported that Golden Masterpiece’s left-turn issue and track adjustment were going well.
• Ayano said she trusted Koichi and Golden Masterpiece and promised Koichi a long break after the race.
• Golden Masterpiece demanded a carrot before its bath, and Koichi fed it the remaining half after part of it flew away.
• Ayano filmed as Koichi washed and groomed Golden Masterpiece, which kept urging him to hurry.

On Satsuki Sho race day, the commentators introduced the field as Golden Masterpiece faced doubts about its record on left-handed courses and Koichi faced scrutiny as its rookie jockey. Ayano Aoe and her father backed Golden Masterpiece, while Koichi prepared to ride and accepted Ikezoe’s encouragement before the race began.

• The commentators reviewed the crowded stands and introduced Golden Masterpiece as the fifth favorite, noting its gate draw and limited experience on left-handed courses.
• The commentators discussed favorites Swiss Watch and Nakayama Knight, as well as Yutaka Take’s mount, Danon Ballad, and the rest of the field.
• President Aoe told his secretary to bet on Golden Masterpiece because he trusted Ayano Aoe’s judgment, and Ayano declared that Koichi would become a rising star.
• Kenichi Ikezoe warned Koichi to watch Yutaka Take and the other rivals, then promised to treat him if he won the race.
• Koichi warmed up in the jockeys’ waiting room, noted the attention Red Star had gained with its new jockey, and waved to Yosuke and Golden Masterpiece as they passed.

Golden Masterpiece and Koichi Sasaki entered the Satsuki Sho, where Red Star broke away early and Golden Masterpiece ended up boxed in along the rail. The race remained underway as Ayano Aoe and President Aoe watched and trusted the jockey’s judgment.

• Koichi Sasaki mounted Golden Masterpiece and told Hitachi Yosuke to leave the race to him.
• The eighteen horses loaded into the gates, and the Satsuki Sho began with Golden Masterpiece getting a strong start.
• Red Star surged ahead around the first turn, while Danon Ballad and Swiss Watch pursued and Golden Masterpiece stayed near the back.
• Golden Masterpiece was squeezed onto the inside rail and boxed in by the pack as the pace quickened.
• Ayano Aoe worried about Golden Masterpiece’s position, and President Aoe urged her to trust Koichi Sasaki and watch the race through.

As Red Star’s stamina faded in the Satsuki Sho, Danon Ballad and Refined and Elegant advanced, while Golden Masterpiece finally found an opening and began its sprint with 500 meters remaining. The chapter ended as Golden Masterpiece accelerated into a clear path toward the finish.

• Yuga Kawada felt Red Star’s early breakaway leave the horse too exhausted to accelerate again.
• Yutaka Take pushed Danon Ballad toward the final turn as he prepared to contend for the lead.
• At the final turn, the front runners began jockeying for position and Red Star was overtaken.
• With 500 meters left, Koichi used his whip after finding a gap in front of Golden Masterpiece.
• Golden Masterpiece accelerated freely along the inside toward the finish.

Golden Masterpiece won the Satsuki Sho by five lengths under Koichi Sasaki, securing their first Grade 1 victory. Ayano Aoe went to meet them as owners crowded around her to arrange breeding bookings, while the Tokyo Yushun loomed as their next test.

• Koichi Sasaki guided Golden Masterpiece through the final sprint, and Golden Masterpiece pulled five lengths ahead to win the Satsuki Sho.
• Swiss Watch finished second, Danon Ballad third, Refined and Elegant fourth, Nakayama Knight fifth, and Red Star tenth.
• Golden Masterpiece kept running after the finish as commentators praised his performance and looked ahead to the Tokyo Yushun.
• President Aoe left the Viewing Stand after celebrating the win, and Ayano Aoe headed to meet Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece.
• Owners gathered around Ayano Aoe to inquire about breeding bookings, and she told them she needed to take photos first.

Koichi and Golden Masterpiece won the Satsuki Sho by five lengths, earning Golden Masterpiece his first Grade 1 victory and restoring Ayano Aoe's pride. The team prepared for the Tokyo Yushun, while Ayano promised to fulfill her agreement with Koichi.

• Koichi congratulated Yutaka Take after the race, and Yutaka looked forward to competing against him in the next Triple Crown race.
• Hitachi Yosuke celebrated Golden Masterpiece's victory with Koichi and asked about the horse's performance and the next race's added distance.
• Ayano Aoe introduced Koichi to members of the Tokyo Racing Association, who praised his riding and Golden Masterpiece's five-length win.
• Ayano Aoe arranged to celebrate in Minato Ward and promised Koichi she would honor their agreement.
• Koichi left to give an interview while Hitachi Yosuke handled the remaining preparations.

After winning the Satsuki Sho, Koichi Sasaki discussed Golden Masterpiece’s victory in an interview and waited at the racecourse. When a chestnut horse broke loose, he rushed into the paddock and prepared to calm it.

• Koichi Sasaki told the host that Golden Masterpiece’s finishing kick secured their five-length Satsuki Sho victory and said he looked forward to the Tokyo Yushun.
• Koichi returned to the jockeys’ waiting room, where Kenichi Ikezoe praised his performance and mentioned Ayano Aoe’s dinner plans.
• A chestnut horse ran wild in the paddock, frightened nearby horses and fans, and injured two staff members.
• Koichi handed Kenichi Ikezoe his water bottle, activated his skills, and approached the charging horse as people warned him to retreat.

Koichi subdued a rampaging racehorse at Tokyo Racecourse without getting hurt, then rode with Ayano Aoe to settle the debt they had discussed in Kyoto. He signed the promissory note for two hundred million yen, leaving him free to repay her gradually from future prize money.

• Koichi calmed a chestnut horse that had reared and threatened nearby staff, then handed it back to the racecourse workers.
• Kenichi Ikezoe and the supervisor thanked Koichi, while racing fans recognized him and filmed his actions.
• After his uncle, Megumi Mitsumori, and Miku Kuchiki called to check on him, Koichi joined Ayano Aoe's car.
• Ayano Aoe reminded Koichi of her promise to pay off his debts after his first Grade 1 win, and Fujitani Kotomi gave him the two-hundred-million-yen promissory note.
• Koichi signed the note and returned it to the Assistant, agreeing to keep giving his all in future races.

After winning the Satsuki Sho, Koichi received time off to return to Hokkai Ranch and asked Ayano Aoe to take him to visit Shadai Farm. He prepared to fly home the next day, eager to see the horses and people he had missed.

• At dinner, Koichi asked Ayano Aoe for time off to check on Gold Ship's training, and she approved it.
• Koichi asked to visit Shadai Farm, and Ayano Aoe agreed to take him there when she returned to Hokkaido.
• Ayano Aoe discussed the upcoming Tokyo Yushun and arranged for an exercise rider to continue Golden Masterpiece's training while Koichi was away.
• After returning to his hotel, Koichi told Megumi Mitsumori and Miku Kuchiki that he was coming home, then joked that he could find his own way back.

Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch after a business trip and checked in on Gold Ship before talking with Megumi Mitsumori about his plans. He declined to buy broodmares while the ranch still had debts and agreed to hear how Ship had been doing.

• Koichi arrived at Hokkai Ranch, where he found Gold Ship and One-Way Passage grazing together.
• Koichi gave Gold Ship a carrot and watched him run with One-Way Passage.
• Koichi met Megumi Mitsumori in the ranch office and told her he planned a short break before visiting Shadai's ranch.
• Megumi Mitsumori suggested buying broodmares, but Koichi rejected the idea because Hokkai Ranch still had debts and could not afford the costs.
• Megumi Mitsumori offered to update Koichi on Ship's recent progress.

Koichi returned to training Gold Ship and arranged for One-Way Passage to join them. The two horses left the ranch together for the training grounds, with Koichi preparing to assess Gold Ship’s recent progress.

• Koichi greeted the ranch staff and went to groom Gold Ship, using a carrot to persuade him to cooperate.
• One-Way Passage grew restless in his stall and called for his groom and exercise rider so he could train alongside Gold Ship.
• Koichi and Miku Kuchiki decided to wait for One-Way Passage, and Koichi chatted with his exercise rider while they got ready.
• Koichi mounted Gold Ship, and One-Way Passage and his exercise rider followed them toward the training grounds.

Koichi tested Gold Ship’s speed and condition during an intense training session, finding that he had grown stronger and could run fast when he settled into his stride. The chapter ended with Koichi confident that Gold Ship could shine in his upcoming two-year-old Newcomer Race.

• Koichi urged Gold Ship to accelerate during a track workout while One-Way Passage chased behind them.
• Miku Kuchiki noticed Gold Ship’s different rhythm, and Megumi Mitsumori said Koichi might be testing a new idea.
• Gold Ship completed a three-thousand-meter circuit and hill training before Miku practiced leading him around the track.
• One-Way Passage pulled his exercise rider along after the workout, still caught up in the thrill of the run.
• Koichi told Megumi Mitsumori that Gold Ship had grown stronger and could be fast in a sprint, then said he expected Ship to shine in his Newcomer Race.