Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 312 The Second Meeting of the Moon
"Three servings of the 'Hormone Set Meal with Egg,' the 'Grilled Pork Set Meal,' and a glass of ice water."

As she said this, the part-time high school girl placed the tray on the table.

"Thank you for your hard work, Saki Yuka-chan. That must have been heavy."

Hattori waved with a smile and greeted the other person familiarly.

"Because I'm used to it, so I won't."

Although the high school girl answered with a smile, the set meal on the tray was noticeably heavier than usual.

It seemed a bit strenuous for the part-time worker who was petite and not very strong.

"Then I'll get started!"

Start with the miso soup that comes with the set meal.

The trainer first gently stirs the miso on the surface with chopsticks to mix it well, and then takes a sip from the bowl.

Amidst the enticing aroma of miso, I used the tip of my chopsticks to stop the broth from flowing in and took a sip of soup first.

Even the other two, who originally had little appetite, couldn't help but swallow hard after seeing this scene.

"Ah—Shugetsu's miso soup is really delicious!"

After letting out a sigh, Hattori finally put down the still full bowl of soup and got to the main topic of the day.

Unlike the usual post-race debriefing and analysis, which focused on predictions for the next round, today's discussion revolved more around Noah Benmar.

"Based on my estimation, even if that child goes to Nanguan or Zhongyang, he should be able to get into a good group in the short-distance race."

As he spoke, the trainer grinned and turned to look at him.

Tobita chewed on the ice cube with a resentful look, muttering something like, "If we win, Mr. Noah can start from the best-of-two series."

There was no proper conversation after that, and Hattori began his performance, which was called "The Hormone Fasting Disappearance Technique," as he wolfed down his food.

The so-called "hormone set meal" is actually just a fairly common grilled offal set meal, only it's been compressed into the spelling "HORUMON" on the menu.

After finishing the enormous set meal that was so satisfying, the trainer still ordered a glass of hot milk, not quite satisfied.

"Next up is the stable transfer."

Taking a small sip of his hot drink after the meal, Hattori remarked with a rare touch of emotion.

"Yes, it should be around March or April. What do you think?"

"No problem, leave it to me until then!"

"Is Mr. Noah going to Daisuke's stables?"

Listening to their conversation, Tobita couldn't help but ask curiously.

"No, the plan is with Uchida-sensei in Miura."

Regarding the racehorses under my name, I have always adhered to the principle of "suitable for the right place".

Specifically, this means changing the stables or the level of competition a horse can participate in, depending on the timing and circumstances.

On the other hand, horses that are gradually hitting a plateau in their performance also have the opportunity to regain their winning status by relocating or to participate in races with relatively better conditions.

When deciding on a transfer to a stable, I will research which racetracks’ rating rules and routes might be more favorable, and I will also consult with the stables I want to transfer to.

Of course, consulting with local trainers or racing associations will also yield quick results.

However, if it is based on one's own understanding and learning of calculation, future transfers will be much easier.

However, aside from studying the guidelines for organizing local and central competitions, not much time was actually spent on it.

Once the aptitude has been determined, the only thing to consider is the horse's inherent strength.

"Even in the central competition, I should be able to try running it and see what happens."

This judgment was made after witnessing Noah's performance today.

"So, it seems we're going to go directly to the central government."

Hattori's tone was calmer than usual.

Neither the trainer nor the rider was too surprised by the horse owner's seemingly bold decision.

After all, it was the two people from the stable who took the initiative to point out that "although the training was quite rigorous, the adaptability to local tracks seemed somewhat insufficient."

The purpose of this transfer is to find a more suitable track and to train at a higher level.

"Then, I wish Mr. Noah success in the central government as well!"

As he said this, the rider took the lead in lifting the nearly empty ice water.

"Me too, I hope that child can continue running healthily."

"I am extremely grateful for your continued cooperation." The meeting concluded with a toast, using milk and ice water poured into glasses instead of wine.

I stood up from my seat and bowed deeply once again to express my gratitude.

When a racehorse fails to perform to its full potential, identifying the specific reasons requires the joint efforts of all relevant personnel, including trainers, training assistants, stable staff, and riders.

We are grateful to all those who contributed to this effort.

He waved goodbye to the trainer and rider, then didn't rush to leave the moon.

Next, there's still the meeting to work on for the rematch.

My stomach is already about 70% full.

In addition, Kikuchi and Asayama, who had originally hoped to share the firepower, also followed Hattori away under the pretext of "going to see Noah".

It's a little bit bad.

After asking the part-time worker known as "Saki Yuka-chan" to tidy up the desk, Majima, the horse trainer, walked in from the door shortly afterward.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they moved back to the dining table.

"The menu hasn't changed even after all this time I haven't been back. I'd like a large grilled pork set meal, and a draft beer, please!"

"I'll just have a regular stir-fried wild vegetable set meal here."

Between ordering and the food being served, the trainer took out several printed documents from his briefcase.

Next year, we'll consider extending the range.

After the Hong Kong Bottle event, we tentatively set this goal.

However, in the case of mares, shooting beyond a mile often leads to an extremely awkward situation.

After excluding the already limited number of female-limited mile races, there aren't many races suitable for Atalanta.

"Therefore, after excluding the Tokyo Diamond Championship (3,400 meters), I personally prefer the Nikkei Prize between the Hanshin Grand Prix (3,000 meters) and the Nakayama Nikkei Prize (2,500 meters)."

"In addition, the Osaka Cup at the Hanshin 2000m is also feasible. Please take a closer look at the specific details."

After saying that, the trainer handed over the materials covered with notes and annotations.

"I have a feeling—"

"These matches aren't really good choices."

"That's right."

The horse trainer also let out a sigh.

In recent years, Japanese horses with various ranges of strength have tended to compete in overseas races, especially those in the Middle East.

Besides the crucial prize money, the lack of appeal of the domestic spring season schedule is also a major reason.

"Speaking of which, Noda's forces are preparing for an expedition to Dubai, right?"

I think I saw a similar message on n○tkeiba while scrolling through my phone not long ago.

"Yes. In fact, until the Takarazuka Kinen Grand Prix in the first half of the year, the strong horses were usually absent from the domestic mid-to-long-distance turf races."

I knew this a long time ago, and the reason is quite clear and straightforward.

"How about we try shortening the distance to run the Osaka Cup?"

Turning to the page on the Osaka Cup, in addition to the analysis of the race itself, the trainer also listed a long list of potential departures.

Noda Riki's name is indeed not listed above.

"But what if it's the Osaka Cup—"

Majima frowned, his tone becoming somewhat hesitant.

Until it was upgraded to a G1 race in 2017, besides securing priority entry by finishing in the first two races of the preliminary races, such as the Nakayama Kinen or Kinshachi-sho, there was another way for local horses to participate in the Osaka Cup—

For any local horse race that has been registered for the Emperor's Sho Spring event, up to two horses can have priority to leave for the Osaka Cup race without any conditions.

Now that it has been upgraded, the only way for local horse races to participate in the Osaka Cup is by participating in preliminary races.

"The 1,800-meter Zhongshan Memorial and the 2,000-meter Golden Shachiho."

Even the Golden Shachiho, which has a slightly longer range, is too close to the Osaka Cup main tournament.

"So even if Ata doesn't go to the main tournament at Amatsu, Osaka University or the Nikkei Prize would be better choices for Ata-chan."

Another addition from the horse trainer.

(End of this chapter)