This time, Sanei Thank You's goal is clear:
Win her makeup debut in Sapporo Then claim victory in the GIII Sapporo Junior Stakes, the first major prize in the junior class
Makeup debuts can be attempted multiple times in a season—as long as it's not every day. So even if she loses once, we're prepared to run two or three times. But ideally, we should win on the first try. At least that's the plan.
To make it happen, we scheduled her debut for the first Saturday of July, meaning we had to arrive Friday morning. A tight and demanding schedule.
"Maybe that's why the number of rivals is small…"
"Well, you're right."
Only six runners were entered in the 1200m turf race Thank You would compete in. The other race that day had seven. Not bad.
Compare that to Sunday's races, where entries easily exceed ten. The difference was clear as day.
"Also, you can get a good look at your rivals."
"Nishino Flower is also coming."
Thank You's rival, Nishino Flower, was in Sapporo too—likely aiming for the same Junior Stakes.
She was entered in the 1000m dirt race on Sunday, with ten participants.
"Nishino's being bold."
"I think it's better to win when it's easier to win."
"What is that?"
"Nothing."
You can choose your debut. So why not pick the path of least resistance? But that's up to each trainer.
"Let's do our best tomorrow. We'll meet at the waiting area at 10. Let's leave here at 8, just to be safe."
"Understood. See you tomorrow."
Back in the room, Rice-chan was waiting.
We had four team members. Rice was assigned as support this time, so naturally she'd room with Thank You. I expected to bunk with Rivera.
But Thank You said, "There's no way I'm tearing the two of you apart," with mysterious conviction.
Rivera added, "I'm scared of Rice… just a little…"
Rice-chan, what are you doing to people?
So, as usual, I ended up sharing a room with Rice.
As we prepared for tomorrow, chatting casually…
"Viola, you feeling okay?"
"Hm? Thank you is used to moving around."
"Viola's health. Not Thank You's."
"Huh?"
Rice-chan was worried about me.
"It was your first time flying. And you've been busy lately. Let's take it a little slower."
She was right. I was tired.
The paperwork, the procedures, the travel—it all added up. Flying long distances takes a toll. Horse girls from good families like Rice and Thank You are used to it. They've been traveling since they were young.
I understood that.
So I tried to sleep early.
But the excitement for tomorrow's race kept me awake.