Chapter 38. Divergence Ideas in Trainer and Trainee
Two rare weeks without a G1 race passed, and this weekend would usher in the NHK Mile Cup. However, unlike the real world, this week's race in the Dream World was the G2-level NHK Cup, contested over 2000 meters on turf. Regardless of whether it was the NHK Mile Cup or the NHK Cup, both were held at Tokyo Racecourse, and as a jockey based in Kansai, Shuta An naturally had no intention of traveling to Tokyo Racecourse. He would remain in Kansai.
The major race in Kansai this week was the Kyoto 4-Year-Old Special, which would determine two entry spots for the Japanese Derby. Although Shuta An did not have any particular aspirations regarding this year's Classic Triple Crown, if there was a riding request, he would naturally accept it.
At present, he had already helped two horses secure tickets to the Japanese Derby. This weekend, his partner was Utsumi Kaiser.
However, after watching Indian Symbol win the NHK Mile Cup during the day, Shuta An, who fell asleep with Silence Suzuka in his arms that night, suffered a heavy blow in the Dream World.
Utsumi Kaiser developed a fever after arriving at Kyoto Racecourse.
Under no circumstances could a sick racehorse participate in a race. Therefore, Utsumi Kaiser's Trainer, Tadashi Fuse, found Shuta An and repeatedly bowed in apology.
"I'm truly sorry! It was our oversight that caused Utsumi Kaiser to develop a fever and withdraw from the race, preventing Shuta-kun from participating in today's major event."
"It's alright." Shuta An waved his hand. "I understand. Health comes first. I hope Utsumi Kaiser can rest properly and recover soon."
Although the young man said it was fine, after Trainer Tadashi Fuse left, Yutaka Take teased him.
"Ann-san's face looks terrible."
"Heh heh." Shuta An revealed a rather terrifying smile. "Take-san, I just can't participate in a major race. I still have six mounts to ride today."
An ominous premonition immediately filled Yutaka Take's heart.
Then, exactly as he expected, Shuta An won all six races, earning a total of 59 million yen in prize money, precisely 19 million yen more than the amount Yutaka Take earned from winning the Kyoto 4-Year-Old Special.
Meanwhile, Yutaka Take won only two races that day, earning a total of 49 million yen in prize money. After this week's race meeting, Shuta An, who sat at the top of the jockey standings, led Yutaka Take in second place by a full fifteen wins.
This was despite Shuta An having gone overseas and missed riding during Satsuki Sho week.
At this point, virtually everyone believed that this year's Champion Jockey title would once again belong to Shuta An.
"He's still so young—"
While drinking with a friend, Yukio Okabe could not help grumbling.
"I feel like us old veterans probably won't have another chance to become Champion Jockey."
—
With NHK race week concluded, Mejiro Dober and Tokai Teio resumed training in preparation for their respective upcoming races.
Compared to the Yasuda Kinen, however, the Japanese Derby attracted far more discussion.
That was hardly surprising.
Meanwhile, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen being held that week barely received any attention, a phenomenon that could only make Shuta An lament the seemingly low status of sprint races in Japan.
However, Twinkle magazine once again approached him on Monday, hoping that he would write a preview column for the Takamatsunomiya Kinen.
Shuta An naturally agreed without hesitation.
As for the protagonist of the column, he selected Sabuno Hana Park, last year's Sprint Champion.
In order to write something substantial, the young man sought out Kitahara during lunch break and invited him for a quick drink at a bar.
Kitahara was a straightforward person. He openly shared Sabuno Hana Park's recent condition, his expectations, as well as all sorts of useful and useless information.
Since Team Sadalsuud did not currently have any Uma Musume specializing in sprint races, Kitahara felt there was no issue with sharing such information with a good friend.
Shuta An organized everything mentally, determining what could be disclosed without affecting Sabuno Hana Park and what should remain confidential.
By the time the workday was nearing its end, he had finished writing the column.
"Can the Sprint Queen Create Another Glory? — Takamatsunomiya Kinen Preview"
For this nearly ten-thousand-word article, Shuta An received only a six-figure payment from Twinkle magazine.
"I'm really too honest."
The young man muttered to himself.
"When Tojo-san wrote the Spring Tenno Sho preview for their magazine before, it seemed like she only wrote four thousand words."
After today, there were three weeks remaining until the Japanese Derby and one month remaining until the Yasuda Kinen.
The Takamatsunomiya Kinen itself ended in an overwhelming victory for Sabuno Hana Park.
Although Shuta An did not watch the race live, he watched the broadcast together with Team Sadalsuud's Uma Musume in the activity room.
"It was incredible! Everyone thought Sabuno Hana Park-senpai was going to lose, but right at the finish line she practically threw herself forward, stretching out her head and beating the second place by just one centimeter!"
Tokai Teio could not help exclaiming.
"This is a G1 race. Even a single inconspicuous centimeter demands everything you have."
"This is just the Takamatsunomiya Kinen."
Shuta An looked at her.
"In the Japanese Derby, the opponents you'll face, Teio, will be even more desperate than the Uma Musume in this race."
"I know." Tokai Teio met her Trainer's gaze directly. "I won't let my guard down. I'll approach it with an even more desperate attitude."
"No, that's not what I mean."
Shuta An shook his head.
"Health comes first. Once you're sure you can win, I actually hope you'll ease off a little, reduce the strain on your body, and avoid injury."
Tokai Teio fell silent.
The atmosphere in the activity room also became noticeably tense.
The other Uma Musume all turned to look at Tokai Teio, sensing that something about her reaction felt unusual.
After a long moment, Tokai Teio stared at her Trainer and slowly shook her head.
"I understand what Trainer means, but I can't agree with that instruction."
Immediately afterward, she explained herself.
"Because I'm running in the Derby, I can't guarantee I'll have the luxury of relaxing in the final stage, nor can I afford to check on my surroundings near the finish. I'll only be thinking about giving everything I have."
This time, it was Shuta An who fell silent.
The young man let out a deep sigh.
"Teio, you're right. Even so, I still hope you won't push yourself too hard. Absolutely, absolutely do not get injured, and try your best to avoid collisions with other competitors."
"Naturally."
After seeing her Trainer relent, Tokai Teio's tone immediately became lighter.
"I'm challenging the achievement of the Undefeated Triple Crown! Getting injured here simply isn't an option."
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