Chapter 34. The Opportunity to Take Over from Oguri Cap
In the Dream World, Shuta An had already arrived in Paris.
This was his first visit here since his debut as a jockey in this world.
Although he had been to Paris several times in the real world, the version before him now felt noticeably different—older, worn by time. The streets and buildings bore visible marks of age, a stark contrast to the polished image many carried in their minds.
For Tokai Teio's accompanying staff, that contrast proved difficult to accept. Their enthusiasm for sightseeing faded quickly, and a few were so shaken that they began to exhibit symptoms of what was known as "Paris Syndrome."
This condition, first identified about a decade ago by a Japanese psychologist in France, primarily affected Japanese tourists. It occurred when the reality of Paris diverged too sharply from their idealized expectations.
Symptoms ranged from nausea and insomnia to anxiety, fear, and even delusional thoughts.
Fortunately, Shuta An noticed the issue early and arranged for those affected to return to Japan for recovery.
"Honestly, there's no need to be so disappointed," he said calmly to the remaining staff. "Europe has always been idealized. Seeing the real thing shouldn't come as a shock."
He paused, then added with a firmer tone,
"We didn't come here for sightseeing. We came to win." His gaze swept across them. "Focus on Tokai Teio. That's all that matters."
"Understood!" the staff responded in unison. "We won't let it affect our work!"
"We may not be the first Japanese team to race in France," Shuta An continued, "but we can be the first to win a G1 here."
The room fell silent for a moment.
"I've already told Trainer Matsumoto Shoichi that I'll win this race for Teio. So I won't accept anything less from any of you."
The staff nodded seriously.
Even if their romanticized image of Paris had shattered, their respect for European racing had not. If anything, the challenge ahead only sharpened their focus.
—
Despite his status as an undefeated Triple Crown Racehorse, Tokai Teio was not particularly popular among the French crowd.
To them, Japanese racing still carried the image of a developing scene. While Japan had proven competitive in races like the Japan Cup, many in Europe still viewed its overall level as inferior. In their eyes, Tokai Teio's undefeated record might simply be the result of weak competition.
In contrast, Shuta An himself was widely recognized.
Even if Europe's traditional elite looked down on American racing, they could not ignore the prestige of an American Triple Crown jockey. As a result, he received multiple riding invitations.
But most were for races held in places like Deauville or Bordeaux—races he had no interest in.
He declined them all. For him, there was only one priority—helping Tokai Teio adapt to Longchamp.
—
"According to the staff, he struggled a bit when she first arrived," Shuta An said, riding lightly on Tokai Teio during morning training. "But now—"
He looked ahead at the track.
"He's adapted well."
The cool, damp air of Longchamp filled his lungs as he guided her through the turf.
He was satisfied.
If Tokai Teio could fully adapt to this course, their chances of winning would increase significantly.
The competition was strong. But his confidence did not waver.
"Teio is no worse than any of them," he thought. "And I'm better than their riders."
—
Nearby, several European Trainers observed the session.
"What do you think now?" Lelluoche, the Trainer of Pistolet Bleu, asked his assistants.
"Does Tokai Teio pose a threat?"
"He looks comfortable on the track," one assistant replied. "But his jockey has no European race experience. Even if he's an American Triple Crown jockey—can he really perform here?"
Lelluoche considered this for a moment.
"I was initially relieved when he declined all riding invitations," he said slowly. "But now…"
His gaze lingered on the pair.
"seeing their coordination, I'm not so sure anymore."
He turned away.
"In any case, we can't focus only on Subotica anymore."
His tone grew firm.
"Include Tokai Teio in our plans."
"Yes!"
—
Shuta An was well aware that they were being watched.
But he didn't mind.
If anything, he welcomed it.
As an undefeated Triple Crown Racehorse, Tokai Teio should not be overlooked—even on unfamiliar ground.
At the same time, he had been quietly observing his opponents as well.
And contrary to public opinion—
He was not particularly wary of Suave Dancer.
"To be honest—his condition isn't good," Shuta An said during a call with Matsumoto Shoichi. "Beating him won't be a problem."
"That confident?" Matsumoto Shoichi sounded genuinely surprised. "He's last year's Arc winner. It's only been half a year—has he really declined that much?"
"Yes," Shuta An replied calmly. "This is his first race of the season. His Trainer probably already knows something is wrong—but they're still holding onto hope."
Matsumoto Shoichi fell silent for a moment.
"Then what are you planning?"
A faint grin appeared on Shuta An's face.
"I'll take Teio and—"
He paused slightly.
"send him to the stud farm early."
The meaning was clear.
He wasn't just aiming to win—He intended to end the narrative entirely.
Because there is still some time before the Japanese Oaks, Shuta Ann did not immediately increase the intensity for Mejiro Dober's training. He also requested that Mejiro Dober not continue extra training in private.
After all, if she were to get injured at this time—even if the injury weren't serious—for the sake of the future, there is a high probability she would have to avoid the Japanese Oaks that everyone is looking forward to.
Mejiro Dober understood this reasoning herself. Just look at the unlucky Sakura Star O from a few years ago; the trainers in the academy often use her as a negative example to make those horse girls who like to increase training intensity in private realize that their behavior sometimes does not bring entirely positive results.
However, Mejiro Dober did not need this kind of example to remind her. The horse girls of the Sa dalsuud team had already become accustomed to training according to the trainer's plan.
—
As for the Dream World side, Shuta Ann and Tokai Teio's training intensity is being maintained well. Other camps are paying attention to Tokai Teio; most believe Tokai Teio is worth keeping an eye on during the race.
That being said, although that is the case, there isn't a single trainer sending multiple horses to participate in this Prix Ganay, so wanting to use tactics is impossible—letting them work together to deal with Tokai Teio? Never mind Tokai Teio, even if Ribot were brought back to life here, these trainers would not cooperate.
Therefore, Shuta Ann is not worried at all that he and Tokai Teio will be targeted by opponents working together at the Longchamp Racecourse this weekend.
"However, I should still be more proactive when taking a position this time," Shuta Ann thought to himself. "The weather in Paris this week is quite good. Longchamp Racecourse will likely have 'Good' track, which is favorable news for Teio."
Although the young man was confident that Tokai Teio would have no problem facing a heavy track, he had seen the turf here at Longchamp Racecourse in the real world.
"I still don't really want Teio to challenge a heavy track at Longchamp Racecourse," he thought.
—
On Thursday, after finishing his work during the day, Shuta Ann returned home early. Although it was still some time before dark, he became excited after finishing dinner. It wasn't because Silence Suzuka was coming tonight, but because the draw for the Prix Ganay was taking place in the Dream World tonight.
This year's Prix Ganay has a total of 8 horses confirmed to start, including Tokai Teio—though, of course, they can still withdraw before the race begins. However, Shuta Ann guessed that these opponents probably wouldn't withdraw. After all, the current turf conditions at Longchamp Racecourse should be considered satisfactory for all participating horses.
Surely no trainer would withdraw just because they drew an undesirable gate position, right?
If such a trainer really existed, it would certainly be a new experience for the young man.
"Being able to see an oddity with my own eyes is also a stroke of luck."
Sitting in the living room, he had already begun thinking about which gate position would be most suitable for Tokai Teio.
"Drawing a middle gate would be best; the worst would be the innermost lane," Shuta Ann muttered to himself.
During this time in the Dream World, although the young man hadn't gone to ride in races, he had been following the rides of top European jockeys. These jockeys are all very eager to save ground. Therefore, the innermost lane will inevitably be a "contested territory for all."
However, the inner turf of Longchamp Racecourse will definitely become more muddy compared to the outer lanes, and Shuta Ann himself was unwilling to let Teio run on the inner track.
"Even if he runs on the inside, I don't want to waste extra stamina on physical confrontations with opponents," he thought.
If he drew the outermost lane, Shuta Ann felt it wouldn't be a problem either. He could consider letting Tokai Teio stay slightly away from the pack; even if it consumed more distance, it would avoid physical contact with opponents.
Perhaps because the pasture in France is more nutritious, Tokai Teio has reached 490kg after arriving in France. This is a 20kg increase compared to last year's Kikuka Sho, and a 10kg increase from when he departed Japan.
However, the weight measurement isn't precise, because the racing association here in France does not provide weight detection services. This weight was something Shuta Ann found a way to measure by using a scale intended for other purposes for Tokai Teio.
"+10kg, I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse." Shuta Ann frowned, "Trying to make Tokai Teio lose weight now will only further affect his condition."
So the young man planned to slightly control Tokai Teio's diet over the next few days, while other weight-loss training would be temporarily postponed.
"I hope the weight he gained can also transform into Teio's strength."
The track at Longchamp Racecourse has very high requirements for a horse's power. Although Shuta Ann felt Tokai Teio's power was decent because of the Satsuki Sho, no one would complain about having too much muscle power when facing the Longchamp Racecourse that Tokai Teio has not yet challenged.
—
After entering the Dream World, Shuta Ann opened his eyes. He was standing in front of Tokai Teio's stable. At this time, Tokai Teio was undergoing a physical examination by a veterinarian; after confirming there are no issues, he will be taken out by Shuta Ann for light training.
"Once the training is done, we can go see the draw results in the afternoon," a staff member struck up a conversation with the young man. "I hope we can draw a good gate position."
"I'm thinking the same thing," Shuta Ann turned his head and replied, "I hope the French racing association can be a bit more hospitable."
"Ahahaha~ I would have thought so too if I hadn't come to Paris."
The staff member wiped away some sweat. It could only be said that after arriving in France, their romantic fantasies about Paris had already shattered into tiny fragments.
"But regardless of where we draw, we will do our best this time." With the help of the staff, Shuta Ann sat firmly on Tokai Teio's back. "Back in Japan, there are countless fans looking forward to Tokai Teio's performance. No matter what, we cannot let them down."
"Yes!" the staff and the veterinarian nodded repeatedly.
After the local economic bubble was burst years ago, Oguri Cap had previously become a "National Idol" amidst a decadent atmosphere; now that Oguri Cap has retired, everyone can feel that the opportunity for Tokai Teio to take over that mantle of popularity lies in this Prix Ganay.
"If we win, I'll be able to tell the tale about it to my wife and kids back home," one staff member thought to himself.
As Shuta Ann galloped Tokai Teio away from the stable, he could feel the burning gazes fixed on his back.
"Everyone trusts me so much and follows my instructions." Shuta Ann held his head high and puffed out his chest. "As the leader of the expedition team, I can't let everyone's hard work go to waste!"
As if sensing the mood of the person in the saddle, Tokai Teio let out a snort, appearing very high-spirited.