Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 271 Under Heavy Pressure
Despite being a small mares, they possess a medium-to-long-range shooting range that most stallions cannot match.

It's really a bit of a headache.

With the Queen Elizabeth Cup in mid-November excluded, the options for leaving have become quite limited.

I opened the [Advisory Group] interface, but hesitated about the specific matches.

"The Japan Cup—"

Although the venue and distance were manageable, the time allotted for the Japan Cup was still a bit tight.

In the first week of December, Zhongshan's 3600-meter G2 long-distance championship was held again.
The fourth week of December will feature the Arima Kinen Grand Prix, a 2500-meter race held in Zhongshan.

Neither of these matches was an easy one to handle.

Overseas expeditions targeting Europe, America, and Australia were also ruled out.

Even disregarding the difficulties of transporting Atalanta, there aren't many decent medium- to long-haul offers worth trying globally in December.

Just as I was about to think that, my phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket.

How is Ata-chan doing? (*)

When I took it out, a LINE notification popped up on the standby screen.

After clicking on it, I found a message from Rachel Ho in the ranch group.

A flash of inspiration—

That's not actually quite accurate.

At best, it can only be considered a belated reaction.

There are also matches in Hong Kong.

Although it is also an overseas expedition, it is much more convenient than the occasions in Europe and America.

To ensure that my memory was accurate, I switched to the browser interface to perform the search.

“That’s true.”

He let out a sigh without realizing it.

The next second, both the incessantly chattering trainer and the riders who were also staring at the race schedule turned their gazes toward them.

A silence followed for a while.

"So, what does President Kitano think?"

Majima raised his arm straight up, asking a question like a primary school student.

"We have indeed given some consideration to Ata-chan's next goal."

With that said, we finally found our target in a long list of events.

The G1 Grand Prize at Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong (2400m), is a Hong Kong Vase.

Click to use.

Switching back to the LINE interface, three red dots representing unread messages appeared.

It's just a mild cold, you'll be fine soon.

First, I replied to Rachel Ho's message in the ranch group.

Then, I clicked on the topmost unread message.

Changfeng:
The shoulder muscles have been strengthened recently, and the previously weak explosive power has increased slightly.

The weight gain is still not significant, and it is unlikely that there will be any explosive changes in the body in the near future.

Mental weakness is gradually compensated for with age, and perhaps overseas expeditions will become an opportunity for transformation.

Recommended rider: Wu Feng (Li/Zi)

By drastically changing the environment of the competition, the mental aspect can be enhanced.

It seems there have been many similar examples in the past.

Of course, it's not impossible that their temperament might worsen after the expedition.

Then I opened the next unread message.

[Kappa wood:

Although he has been troubled by a minor injury recently, if he can make good use of the relatively relaxed window before the game, he should be able to enter the game in good condition.

In races with long straightaways, even small horses have a chance to take the lead. Their superior stamina is enough to handle the gentle uphill section leading to the third bend, giving them a certain advantage overall.

On a short track with a lighter load, you might be able to put on a surprising performance thanks to your faster cadence and above-average speed.

Recommended Rider: Tsubasa Sasakawa (Local·Oi)]

It leans slightly towards the positive side.

Of course, the advantage wasn't that significant. Just as he was about to open the last unread message, Majima cautiously spoke up.

"What are President Kitano's considerations?"

And so, the silence ended.

"There are two races that I think I should be able to run, but I haven't decided on the specific ones yet."

Putting down his phone, Kitano nodded slightly to the trainer in apology.

"Huh! Two games?"

Mashima seemed somewhat surprised by this answer.

Sasagawa also turned his head to look at him with a surprised expression.

"Well, I haven't decided which race to run yet, the Hong Kong Bottle or the Arima Commemorative Race."

Of the remaining three options, the long-distance championship, which offers the lowest prize money and the longest distance, was the first to be eliminated.

As for the remaining two matches, although Kitano himself has become more inclined to favor the Hong Kong Bottle, he will not make a decision until he has read the [Advisory Group's] evaluation of the two matches.

"Hong Kong. Bottle?"

The trainer repeated the somewhat unfamiliar word.

"An expedition would be a bit troublesome."

Sasakawa frowned slightly and spoke.

"That is indeed the case."

Kitano nodded in agreement.

Even before its debut, Atalanta's weak transport capabilities and inability to adapt to environmental changes had been a constant source of trouble for the faction.

"However, Hong Kong is indeed an option. If we're going, how about we bring Chutaro along?"

As he spoke, the rider turned his head and stared at Majima for a long time.

In the period immediately after Atalanta entered the stable, in order to calm the restless Atalanta, Majima specially adopted an orange cat according to the method of the senior trainer.

The orange cat named Chutaro quickly settled into the stable and seemed to get along quite well with each of the horses.

Although, Atalanta's temper did not improve much as a result.

"If the goal is overseas expeditions, the accompanying horses for transport should also be taken into consideration."

Recalling his experience before the Breeders' Cup expedition, Kitano added.

Compared to the calm and collected Sakuya, Atalanta's situation will likely be much more difficult.

"However, there are still significant problems with their mental state."

Majima wore a pained expression, clearly worried about the child.

"That's true."

The consideration of the expedition's arrangements was temporarily suspended, and Kitano then picked up his phone.

[Meixiang:
Although it was 2400 meters, which is a bit long for a mare, she was able to keep up with her own pace.

For this race, a lead-first approach seems like a good choice.

The growth of the skeletal structure can be considered to be basically complete, but slightly weak leg muscles may become a disadvantage during the sprint phase.

In the case of overseas expeditions, a lack of temperament may become a weakness, so please keep this in mind.

Although they have the ability to achieve a high ranking in this level of competition, mental instability could very well affect their performance.

Recommended rider: McDowell (outside)

It wasn't that simple after all.

The possibility of Arima Kinen leaving must also be taken into consideration.

Thinking this, Kitano raised his head.

"That magnificent horse admired by Chrysanthemum Garden—"

"I wish we didn't run the Arima Kinen race."

------------

"【Pay attention to horse movements】

Chrysanthemum Appreciation Winner: Noda Riki (3-year-old male, Kurihira & Ikee Yasutoshi stable, father Kita Genko, mother Daimei Daiho) Aiming for Japan Cup

"He's in great shape, and we're ready to put him through this level of challenge," said coach Taiju Ikee.

——《n○tkeiba》

(End of this chapter)