I went to the medical room with Rice-chan. And the diagnosis?
"No particular illness. Just fatigue from hard work and environmental change. Please get some rest and you will be fine."
Easier said than done.
I still had to oversee Thank You's training, Rice's support routines, and manage the team's logistics. Resting wasn't exactly an option.
As I pushed through my tasks, the team pushed back.
"You have to rest properly!"
"Yes. We can handle adjustments ourselves."
With that, Rice and Thank You began managing their own training. The overall plan was already set, and both were in good shape. As long as they didn't overdo it, they would be fine.
"I can help with paperwork."
Rivera stepped in—and didn't just help. She took over it.
All I had to do was stamp things. She handled everything else with quiet efficiency.
Rivera was serious, sharp, and clearly gifted. Considering her lineage, it wasn't surprising.
"Rivera, why don't you take the trainer exam?"
"Why the sudden suggestion?"
"I just think you'd pass easily."
"Well… maybe I'll try next time."
"It's worth it. You get perks at school."
"Like what?"
"No summer homework."
"That's… very tempting."
Of course, passing the trainer exam is no small feat. But Rivera? She could probably do it without breaking a sweat. Honestly, it might be more impressive than winning the Triple Crown.
Despite all the care I was receiving, my condition only improved slightly. Something still felt off. I was gaining weight—probably from my increased appetite. It was unsettling.
After nearly a month in Hokkaido for summer training and race prep, we arrived at the Sapporo Junior Stakes.
"It's not popular…"
"Everyone's fresh off their makeup debut. So it is hard to stand out."
Sanei Thank You was ranked 6th in popularity. Nishino Flower was 5th. Hagino Grandeur topped the list, with Adorable in second.
But popularity was based on hype. Everyone had just debuted. So there was no solid data.
Rivera and I analyzed every runner. And I believed Thank You could win.
"Basically, you can win by breaking clean and holding a good position. Don't get swept up in the pace. Nishino Flower is especially sharp, so time your spurt carefully. Don't let her pull you off rhythm."
"Understood."
Race strategy was mostly up to Thank You. At 1200m, the race would be fast and simple. Overplanning could backfire after all.
And with our preparations complete, we stepped into our first major prize race.