Chapter 117. The Last Chance
In the Dream World, Shuta An was preparing for the Queen Elizabeth Cup with Vega. As long as she won this race, Vega would become the second Triple Tiara mare in Japanese history. The young man was determined to win this Queen Elizabeth Cup — not only for Vega but also for the late Yoshida Zenya.
As for Hokuto Vega, after careful study, she was scheduled to run another G3 heavy stakes race, the Winter Stakes — a 2300-meter dirt race at Chukyo Racecourse in mid-December. Of course, Shuta An would continue to ride her.
(What a shame, in the history Hokuto Vega was the one who broke Vega's dream for Triple Tiara)
"It's a pity that there are still too few dirt races in Japan; Central doesn't even have a single G1, and the only local dirt race available is the Teio Sho. So, I think it would be better to go to America next year."
Shuta An advised Nakano Takayoshi and Horse Owner Mori Shigeru.
Nakano Takayoshi had a different opinion — mainly because if Hokuto Vega was abroad for a long time next year, he wouldn't be able to play much of a role. Mori Shigeru, however, was somewhat tempted.
"If I can get a promise from Shuta-kun that he will ride Hokuto Vega in every overseas G1, I have no objections. It would be even better if we could challenge the Breeders Cup Classic next year."
Shuta naturally agreed wholeheartedly. Although the gender difference in American dirt races leads to a significant disparity in strength, Shuta felt that by mostly aiming for mare-restricted dirt G1s and mixed turf G1s, the final returns would definitely satisfy Mori Shigeru.
On Wednesday, after having Rice Shower-chan undergo her final training for the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes and recording a video, Shuta An clocked out as usual. He went home, continued to study Rice Shower-chan's potential opponents for the weekend, and then went to bed early.
Tonight in the Dream World, Shuta An was to ride Vega for her final training.
After the training, the young man frowned deeply.
"Vega hasn't grown much compared to spring." he said bluntly.
Matsuda Hiroshi immediately understood the young man's unspoken meaning and couldn't help but become nervous.
"Then the Queen Elizabeth Cup—"
"It should be no problem, but after that—" Shuta An pursed his lips. "My personal opinion is to contact Katsumi-san and consider whether it would be better to retire her directly while her performance hasn't plummeted?"
Because of riding in races in Europe during the summer, the young man could now freely suggest early retirement when a racehorse might not be suitable to continue racing.
"Retiring without injury or illness before her older mare year is just too shocking."
Matsuda Hiroshi shook his head. Let alone trying to persuade Yoshida Katsumi, even Matsuda Hiroshi himself wasn't so willing.
Hearing Matsuda Hiroshi's response, Shuta An said nothing. He could take the lead in Hokuto Vega's camp, but he certainly couldn't do so in Vega's camp.
"In any case, I will definitely give my all in the Queen Elizabeth Cup." the young man promised again.
"I also believe Shuta-kun can do it."
Matsuda Hiroshi had a vague premonition that the Queen Elizabeth Cup might be the last time Vega and Shuta An would work together.
—
On Thursday, the final entry list for the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes was released. Rice Shower was to compete against 10 Uma Musume on the 1800-meter track at Tokyo Racecourse.
"The biggest opponents are just Joten Brave and Machikane Hokushin. The rest are nothing to fear." Shuta An confirmed this again.
Even in the young man's eyes, Joten Brave and Machikane Hokushin weren't particularly strong opponents — their best results in stakes races before this were thirteenth and second place in the Sapporo Nisai Stakes.
"I feel that if Rice Shower-chan performs normally, she'll be able to leave both of these opponents far behind."
Shuta An thought to himself.
The next afternoon, when the gate draw results were released, Shuta An was even more convinced.
"Rice Shower actually drew gate 5. This gate makes it easier to get a good position upfront compared to an outside gate, and there's no need to worry about being stuck in the middle of the pack due to a bad start from an overly inside gate. It's simply the most perfect gate imaginable." Shuta An commented.
He also told Rice Shower this.
"Since Trainer says so, Rice must win easily!"
Rice Shower vowed in her heart before leaving Central Tracen Academy and heading to Tokyo Racecourse.
"TEAM SADALSUUD'S TRADITION OF WINNING A STAKES RACE IN THEIR DEBUT YEAR CONTINUES! RICE SHOWER DOMINATES THE TOKYO SPORTS HAI NISAI STAKES WITH TWO WINS AND NO LOSSES!"
On Saturday afternoon, Shuta An stood by the track at Tokyo Racecourse, listening to the loud shouts of the live commentator and the roaring cheers of the spectators behind him on the stands.
"Rice Shower won!"
Tokai Teio gripped her Trainer's hand and shook it hard.
"As expected."
Shuta An said calmly, but the smile on his face was completely irrepressible.
"It's a pity that Dober-senpai won't be competing in the Queen Elizabeth Cup tomorrow to try for consecutive wins, which gives Air Groove a chance."
Tokai Teio pouted.
"Dober went to see her senior. Isn't it better to personally visit a senior at home than to run a race she's already won?"
Shuta An flicked Tokai Teio's forehead.
"Besides, what's wrong with Air Groove? Why does Teio seem to really not want her to win a G1?"
"Kaichou seems to want Air Groove to be the Vice President recently."
Teio's answer made Shuta An suddenly understand.
"If that's the case, Miss Rudolph not nominating Teio is more because she hopes Teio can focus more on the Twinkle Series." the young man said, following the momentum, and rubbed Tokai Teio's head. "She has high expectations for you, and therefore she doesn't want anything else to affect Teio."
Tokai Teio's gaze fell upon her junior, who was waving to the stands, and she whispered.
"Of course, I know, but I still wish Kaichou would tell me herself."
"If Teio wants to surpass Miss Rudolph, then she needs to get rid of this dependent mindset sooner."
Shuta offered his advice.
"Admiration is the emotion furthest from understanding."
"And to surpass a goal, Teio must first understand that goal before she can know how to surpass it." the young man added by way of explanation.
"..." Tokai Teio fell silent.
To be honest, although she had won the Kikuka Sho and become an Undefeated Triple Crown, Teio had no idea how to surpass Symboli Rudolf next.
As long as she couldn't win the Spring Tenno Sho, Teio felt that she couldn't surpass Symboli Rudolf — but it was clear that Shuta Trainer would never allow her to participate in this 3200-meter G1 stakes race at Kyoto Racecourse.