Chapter Summaries

Rain was forecast for the Tokyo Yushun, raising concerns about Golden Masterpiece's performance and Koichi Sasaki's inexperience on heavy going. Aoe Ranch kept Sasaki as the jockey and planned extra dirt training before the race.

• Fujitani Kotomi warned Ayano Aoe that rain could make the track heavy and that Koichi Sasaki had never ridden on heavy going, but Ayano decided to trust him rather than replace him.
• Officials announced an eighty-to-ninety-percent chance of rain, and Koichi received worried messages from people including the Assistant, Megumi Mitsumori, Wada, and Yosuke.
• Koichi patiently answered the messages and remained confident that Golden Masterpiece could handle heavy going.
• Online critics demanded that Koichi be replaced, but Aoe Ranch announced that there would be no personnel changes for the Tokyo Yushun.
• Trainer Kudo chose not to object, while Yosuke sent Koichi a revised training schedule to help Golden Masterpiece adjust to dirt and the anticipated track conditions.

Koichi completed a pre-race interview and returned to Tokyo Racecourse, where he learned that Golden Masterpiece was struggling to adjust to the expected rain. With three days left before the race, he reassured the horse that its training routine had to change.

• Fujitani Kotomi encouraged Koichi to focus on his interview, and Koichi completed it with a modest introduction and answers.
• Koichi ate lunch with Ayano Aoe, who told him not to put pressure on himself and accepted responsibility if anything went wrong.
• Ayano Aoe dismissed the public chatter as useful publicity, while her Assistant asked about it.
• Koichi returned to Tokyo Racecourse, where Hitachi Yosuke told him that Golden Masterpiece's preparations were difficult and Asho was struggling to adapt.
• Koichi saw Golden Masterpiece agitated by its changed training routine and told it that they had to adjust because the rain was coming.

Koichi and Golden Masterpiece focused on adapting to muddy conditions ahead of the Tokyo Yushun, while Keigo Kudo discussed the horse and Koichi with other trainers. After training left Golden Masterpiece exhausted, Koichi promised to stay with him and help with his bath.

• Golden Masterpiece, Nakayama Knight, and Triumph Ballet practiced sprinting through a muddy curved tunnel as their trainers prepared them for the rain.
• Keigo Kudo told the other trainers that Golden Masterpiece’s future in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe depended on the owner and described Koichi as talented but still under observation.
• Koichi gave the tired Golden Masterpiece a carrot, then walked him across the muddy ground after training.
• Koichi greeted Nakayama Knight's exercise rider and agreed to help Hitachi Yosuke wash Golden Masterpiece, promising to stay with him through the difficult training days.

On a rainy Tokyo Yushun day, Golden Masterpiece and rookie jockey Koichi Sasaki faced intense scrutiny as they prepared to contend for the Derby. As the eighteen horses were introduced and the race approached, Koichi received last-minute advice on handling the wet conditions.

• Hitachi Yosuke cared for Golden Masterpiece at the stable and reassured him before the race.
• Hitachi Yosuke heard spectators question Koichi Sasaki’s inexperience and resolved that Koichi would prove himself.
• Golden Masterpiece and Nakayama Knight entered the paddock as the second and fourth betting favorites, while the rain unsettled the horses.
• Kenichi Ikezoe advised Koichi to watch the first two turns, but Koichi expected the other jockeys to make gaining position difficult.
• Koichi prepared for the race and, after Iwata’s reminder, learned to change his raincoat and put a visor on his helmet.

Koichi prepared Golden Masterpiece for the Tokyo Yushun despite the horse being unsettled by the rain and crowd, while Ayano Aoe worried about the heavy turf and strong rivals. The race was about to begin as Golden Masterpiece settled beside Koichi in the starting gate.

• Hitachi Yosuke warned Koichi that Golden Masterpiece seemed out of sorts, and Koichi mounted and tried to calm the horse.
• Koichi led Golden Masterpiece onto the rain-soaked course, where the horse circled restlessly as spectators cheered.
• Koichi noticed Triumph Ballet's jockey watching him, while Ayano Aoe worried about Golden Masterpiece's condition, the heavy turf, and its gate position.
• Fujitani Kotomi told Ayano Aoe that everything had been taken care of, and Ayano watched as the horses prepared to race.
• Golden Masterpiece backed away from the starting gate before staff guided the horse inside, where Koichi steadied it as the Tokyo Yushun was announced.

Koichi rode Golden Masterpiece from the rear through the early turns of the rainy Tokyo Yushun, conserving energy while several rivals tracked his position. As the horses entered the second turn, three jockeys watched for his move, and the race remained undecided.

• Eighteen horses broke from the gates, and the jockeys battled for position as the rain slowed them on the turns.
• Koichi kept Golden Masterpiece near the rear, where the horse avoided the early squeeze and the waterlogged inside track.
• Swiss Watch moved toward the outside near the front while number three pulled four or five lengths ahead on the second turn.
• Triumph Ballet and Yutaka Take’s horse followed Golden Masterpiece, while Nakayama Knight’s jockey kept watch from just ahead.
• Koichi remained unaware that three jockeys were waiting for him to accelerate as the race continued toward the final turn.

Koichi Sasaki held Golden Masterpiece back until the final turn, then guided him through the pack for a powerful late sprint. Golden Masterpiece took the lead and reached the finish with Triumph Ballet chasing behind.

• Megumi Mitsumori reassured Miku Kuchiki that Golden Masterpiece still had his finishing kick and could win on the final straight.
• As the horses entered the final turn, Koichi Sasaki prepared to unleash Golden Masterpiece while the other leading runners began accelerating.
• Koichi used his skill to send Golden Masterpiece sprinting down the outside, and the horse surged forward on his own.
• Golden Masterpiece broke through the pack and passed the tiring number three, while Triumph Ballet and Nakayama Knight followed behind.
• Golden Masterpiece widened his lead over Triumph Ballet as the finish line approached, and Ayano Aoe jumped up in excitement.

Golden Masterpiece won the Tokyo Yushun by a wide margin, becoming a Double Crown Winner despite the rain and a difficult race. Koichi Sasaki and Ayano Aoe looked ahead to the Kikuka Sho, where Golden Masterpiece could claim the Triple Crown.

• Golden Masterpiece pulled clear of Triumph Ballet to win the Tokyo Yushun by eight lengths and earn the second crown.
• Koichi Sasaki slowed Golden Masterpiece after the finish and thanked the mud-covered horse for its effort.
• Koichi encountered Iwata Yasushiro, who congratulated him and rode away with Swiss Watch.
• Hitachi Yosuke hurried over to help Koichi and praised Golden Masterpiece as they prepared for the post-race proceedings.
• Ayano Aoe arrived to congratulate Koichi and Golden Masterpiece, and the group looked toward the Kikuka Sho as their next crucial race.

After Golden Masterpiece won the Tokyo Yushun, Koichi Sasaki celebrated his first Derby victory and spoke about their goal of winning the Triple Crown. The chapter ended with Koichi leaving the racecourse to return to the hotel and rest.

• Ayano Aoe and Koichi Sasaki joined the owners and others for victory photos with Golden Masterpiece.
• Koichi attended an interview and described his excitement and nerves during the race, while thanking Golden Masterpiece’s caretakers and cheering spectators.
• Koichi said he and Golden Masterpiece would work toward winning the Kikuka Sho and hoped the horse would enjoy his summer break.
• Koichi changed clothes, received congratulatory messages, and signed an autograph for a staff member.
• Koichi found the familiar black sedan waiting outside, and the driver offered to take him to the hotel.

After Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece won the Tokyo Yushun, news of their victory spread as Koichi prepared to return to Hokkaido. Over dinner, Ayano Aoe discussed his racing plans and confirmed she had secured auction places for him and his trainer.

• Koichi received messages from the Assistant about his prize money and the interview video, which was being rushed out to capitalize on his trending victory.
• Koichi read reports praising him and Golden Masterpiece, including news that Aoe Ranch was considering sending her to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Koichi told Ayano Aoe over sushi that he would practice at home before heading to Hakodate Racecourse, where he had reserved stable space.
• Ayano told Koichi she had secured two auction places and offered to help him choose a horse, including one from Aoe Ranch.

After winning the Derby, Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch and discussed Gold Ship’s upcoming Newcomer Race with Megumi Mitsumori. He planned to rest briefly, then take Megumi to a July auction while she oversaw Gold Ship’s training.

• Miku Kuchiki gathered the ranch staff to celebrate Koichi’s Derby victory, and Koichi told them to return to work.
• Haruki Kuchiki praised Koichi’s win and mentioned his father, but Koichi dismissed the subject and went to the office.
• Megumi Mitsumori offered to handle Gold Ship’s training while Koichi rested, and Koichi stressed the importance of Gold Ship’s Newcomer Race and its prize money.
• Koichi told Megumi that Gold Ship might not rank highly in the betting because spectators doubted Koichi and credited Golden Masterpiece for his success.
• Megumi confirmed that the ranch’s electric fans had been installed, and Koichi invited her to accompany him to a racehorse auction in July.

Koichi skipped Gold Ship’s training holiday, but joined Megumi and Trainer Futawatari to record a session focused on Gold Ship’s come-from-behind running. The horse showed good form, and Koichi planned to add starting-gate practice before the Newcomer Race.

• Koichi and Megumi had One-Way Passage lead a training run so Gold Ship could practice closing from behind.
• Trainer Futawatari asked Koichi whether he planned to use a closer’s strategy and offered to recommend horses, but Koichi chose to focus on Gold Ship until the Newcomer Race.
• Gold Ship accelerated during the chase and finished the session in good form, with Koichi’s data showing no major changes.
• Megumi and Futawatari discussed Japan Jordan’s upcoming Takarazuka Kinen and Dream Journey’s final race before retirement.
• Miku took Gold Ship for a bath, and Koichi told her to give the horse a carrot afterward; he planned to use a portable starting gate for future practice.

Koichi took Gold Ship to Aoe Ranch for a final checkup before their trip to Hakodate and invited Hitachi Yosuke to watch his July race. Back at Hokkai Ranch, Koichi discussed the online reaction to his interview with Megumi Mitsumori and denied her guesses about his next horse, hinting only that he had inside information.

• Koichi took Gold Ship to Aoe Ranch for grooming, new horseshoes, and a health check before heading to Hakodate Racecourse.
• Koichi invited Hitachi Yosuke to Gold Ship’s July 9 morning race, and Hitachi agreed to attend.
• Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch and found Megumi Mitsumori watching his interview, which had drawn many hostile comments.
• Megumi Mitsumori encouraged Koichi to prove himself with Gold Ship and said she would recommend him to owners if she acquired more horses.
• Koichi denied wanting any of Aoe Ranch’s yearlings and hinted to Megumi Mitsumori that he had inside information.

Yutaka Take discussed his recent losses to Golden Masterpiece and revealed that Koichi Sasaki would enter a two-year-old Newcomer Race in early July. As online criticism targeted Sasaki, rookie trainer Megumi Mitsumori, and their horse Gold Ship, Koichi and Megumi prepared to travel to Hakodate, planning to visit Golden Masterpiece first.

• On his television channel, Yutaka Take praised Golden Masterpiece and acknowledged Koichi Sasaki’s ability while discussing his own tactics in the Derby.
• Yutaka Take revealed that Koichi Sasaki would ride a Deep Impact offspring in a two-year-old Newcomer Race against him in early July.
• Racing fans reacted to the announcement with criticism of Koichi, rookie trainer Megumi Mitsumori, and Gold Ship.
• At Hokkai Ranch, Megumi grew angry at the online comments, while Koichi stayed calm and reassured her.
• Koichi and Megumi confirmed their preparations to travel to Hakodate after visiting Golden Masterpiece the next day.

Koichi visited Golden Masterpiece at Aoe Ranch before preparing to take Gold Ship to Hakodate for a two-year-old Newcomer Race. He left Golden Masterpiece enjoying his break and spoke with his uncle Ayumu Kusakawa, while the trip was set to begin the next morning.

• Koichi visited Golden Masterpiece in his paddock and gave him a carrot and a banana.
• Golden Masterpiece ate the treats, then ran off as Koichi said he would see him in September.
• Koichi visited Ayumu Kusakawa, who had been promoted to stable manager.
• Ayumu asked about Koichi’s racing silks and offered help with the trip to Hakodate.
• Koichi said the preparations were complete and that he and Megumi Mitsumori would leave the next morning.

Koichi Sasaki, Megumi Mitsumori, and Miku Kuchiki took Gold Ship to Hakodate to prepare for his Newcomer Race. They completed the racecourse check-in and settled Gold Ship into a new stable, leaving Koichi to finish arranging their stay.

• One-Way Passage watched Gold Ship leave as Miku Kuchiki led him to the transporter.
• Koichi left Haruki Kuchiki in charge of the ranch, then drove Gold Ship and the others toward Hakodate.
• At Hakodate Racecourse, Megumi Mitsumori submitted the required documents and staff inspected Gold Ship.
• A racecourse staff member recognized Koichi Sasaki and welcomed him, noting the attention his matchup with Yutaka Take had brought.
• Koichi settled Gold Ship into a stable, parked the transporter at their rented house, and took a taxi back to make further arrangements.

Koichi brought Gold Ship to Hakodate Racecourse for its first public appearance and let it run on the turf, where it showed strong enthusiasm and speed. Megumi Mitsumori and Miku Kuchiki judged the track suitable but planned to use a blindfold to address Gold Ship’s resistance to the starting gate.

• Koichi secretly ate ice cream while Megumi Mitsumori and Miku Kuchiki were away, then watched racing coverage about the upcoming Takarazuka Kinen.
• Koichi took Gold Ship to Hakodate Racecourse, where reporters and fans gathered to photograph and cheer for the imposing gray horse.
• Gold Ship posed for the cameras, then made a stylish exit toward the track with Koichi riding.
• Koichi let Gold Ship accelerate across the turf, and the horse ran with excitement as riders and onlookers watched.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Miku Kuchiki observed Gold Ship’s training, approved of the track, and prepared a blindfold to help get it into the starting gate.

Koichi took Gold Ship for a seaside walk after training while Megumi Mitsumori and Miku Kuchiki explored Hakodate Racecourse. On the way back, Koichi and Megumi discussed Gold Ship’s progress and prepared for her debut against Yutaka Take.

• Koichi led Gold Ship along the shore and fed her an apple as they enjoyed the sea breeze and waves.
• Koichi and Gold Ship walked toward a small pier before turning back, where Miku Kuchiki took the reins and jogged with Gold Ship to the stables for a bath.
• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori returned to their rented house and discussed Gold Ship’s two training laps, her focus, and the possibility of adding equipment if needed.
• Megumi warned Koichi that Yutaka Take would compete in Gold Ship’s debut, and Koichi promised to take the race seriously.

Koichi watched Gold Ship improve during training while Miku Kuchiki filmed him and grew more confident riding him. After Megumi Mitsumori was mocked while seeking horses to train, Koichi suggested she ask Ayano Aoe for yearlings, and Megumi planned to bring it up after Gold Ship’s upcoming race.

• Miku Kuchiki asked Koichi how Gold Ship had trained, and Koichi said his condition and concentration were improving ahead of his race.
• Koichi helped Miku mount Gold Ship so she could film from the saddle, and Gold Ship walked steadily with her.
• Megumi Mitsumori told Koichi that a prospective horse owner had mocked her while she tried to find horses for her stable.
• Koichi suggested Megumi ask Ayano Aoe for yearlings from Aoe Ranch, and Megumi decided to approach her after Gold Ship won the two-year-old Newcomer Race.
• Miku Kuchiki served curry for dinner, and Koichi appreciated having her cook after training.

Koichi took Gold Ship for a walk through a forest near Hakodate Racecourse and used ten draws after feeding him a carrot. He won carrots, fruit, and two Magical Potions, then stayed while Gold Ship claimed the grass as his own.

• Koichi took Gold Ship for a stroll and followed the Stable Manager's directions to a nearby forest.
• A small animal startled Gold Ship, so Koichi jumped down, calmed him, and gave him a carrot.
• Koichi used ten draws and received carrots, assorted fruit, and two Magical Potions that could help racehorses recover from injuries.
• Gold Ship resumed grazing and nudged Koichi away when he approached, leaving them to rest in the forest.