Statue of Liberty - 2025 Victoria Mile, Kurama S, Niigata Daishoten, Horse Racing Novel Cafe de Eagle -

■ Goddess

Friday, May 16, 2025, 8:00 PM
- Cafe de Eagle, Hayaki Village, Iwate Prefecture -

Cafe de Eagle during bar time. The short hand of the clock had just landed on the number 8.

"Before Kan-chan arrives, let's summarize our views so far."

Mr. looked around at everyone and said. Everyone nodded. Kechako had informed them that Kanichiro would be late today due to a moving job.

"The headline announced yesterday. Lavel is emerging, isn't it?"

( 20th ) Victoria Mile Headline "From beyond the fragrant breeze, a graceful
goddess comes running through."

2015 ( 10th ) Victoria Mile "A beautiful
goddess who has kept on fighting, I want to welcome the moment of her best smile."

[ Bracket 3, Horse 5 ] Straight Girl *The following year [ consecutive victory ] (Keita Tosaki, Hideaki Fujiwara, Toshihiro Hirosaki HD)

[ Bracket 3, Horse 5 ] Lavel *If Hideaki Tsumura wins, it will be a Victoria Mile [
consecutive victory ]

~~~

2019 ( 80th ) Oaks "Bloom beautifully, a strong and beautiful
goddess descends."

( Luv )s Only You (M. Demuro,
Yoshito Yahagi, DMM) 2nd place: Curren Bouquetd'or (
L ) ( Hideaki Tsumura )

2025 ( 20th ) Victoria Mile (
Luv )e ( L ) ( Hideaki Tsumura, Yoshito Yahagi )

~~~

Kechako said.

"This is the third time the word 'goddess' has appeared in a headline since 2012. The first time was exactly 10 years ago, the 10th Victoria Mile, a milestone year just like this one. The winner was the one who would win consecutively the following year Bracket 3, Horse 5 Straight Girl... consecutive victory and Bracket 3, Horse 5. What overlaps is Hideaki Tsumura's Lavel."

President Ika nodded and continued.

“The next one is Loves Only You’s Oaks. This was also a milestone event, the 80th running. It was from the same Yoshito Yahagi stable as Lavel, and the first two characters of the winner were 'Love' and the last character of the second-place horse was 'l' with Hideaki Tsumura. Lavel is a horse that perfectly combines the first and second place finishers of this Oaks.”

( Love)s Only You (Yoshito Yahagi) 2nd place: Curren Bouquetd'or (
l) (Hideaki Tsumura)

【 Bracket 3, No. 5 】 (Love)e (l) (Hideaki Tsumura / Yoshito Yahagi)

Mama Seiko continued.

“It’s also worth noting that Lavel herself has 'Goddess' in her race record. Her first graded stakes victory was the Artemis Stakes. According to the special race name commentary, Artemis is the Goddess of the Hunt and Chastity who appears in Greek mythology.”

Victoria Mile Headline
“From beyond the fragrant wind, a graceful Goddess comes running through.”

2022 Artemis S (= Goddess of the Hunt and Chastity)
1st place: 8-10 Lavel
2nd place: 3-03 Liberty Island (≒ Goddess of Liberty)

Silence fell over the shop.

In conducting this analysis, it is inevitable to arrive at the name Liberty Island.

The Triple Crown filly Liberty Island, who became a star in Hong Kong and returned to Japan in the unfortunate form of remains. It is said that those remains will rest at a monument in her hometown of Hokkaido.

Mister opens his heavy mouth to break the silence.

“The subject line of the email from Club JRA-Net also contains the phrase 'Goddess of Victory'.”

“Since Liberty Island is a Triple Crown filly, it might be a preview for next week’s Oaks, but if they are emphasizing it this much, it might happen this week. It is also Bracket 3, No. 5... Liberty Island’s Oaks saddle cloth number.”

2023 Oaks
3-05 Liberty Island

Victoria Mile
( 3-05 ) Lavel

■ Madison Girl

“Come to think of it, the Artemis Stakes from earlier. Liberty Island was number 3, right?”

Everyone looked at Kechako, the speaker.

“Look at Madison Girl’s gate for tomorrow’s Azusa Sho!”

5/17 (Sat)
Kyoto 9R Azusa Sho 10 horses
7-(08) Madison Girl (Reverse 3)
*Half-sister to Yankee Rose and Liberty Island

2022 Artemis S (= Goddess of Hunting and Purity Goddess)
1st: 8-10 Ravel
2nd: 3-03 Liberty Island (≒ Statue of Liberty)

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Liberty Island has run in 12 races in total. She has never been in gate 8. Gate 3 was the gate for the Artemis Stakes, where she was defeated by Ravel for 2nd place, and her victory in the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Oka Sho.

Mr. said.

"It's a bit weak that it's a reverse number, but perhaps by using her younger sister Madison Girl, it's a hint toward the Artemis Stakes."

■ Kanichiro's Souvenir

Just then, a customer came in, out of breath. It was Kanichiro in his work clothes. He said he had come straight from a moving job.

"Man, I'm late. I'll have a draft beer for now! I'm going to the restroom."

Kanichiro's reserved seat is at the far right of the counter, the exact opposite position of President Ika, but he seemed too impatient to even put his luggage there, so he left a large plastic bag on the seat to the right of President Ika and went into the restroom.

"Oh. Looks like he brought back another souvenir."

President Ika, without even asking for Kanichiro's permission, began rummaging through the contents of the plastic bag.

Kanichiro, who runs a handyman business, often receives various items when doing estate liquidation or moving jobs, with people telling him to either throw them away or keep them as he likes. This time, it seemed he had received a large amount of game software.

"W-what is this!"

President Ika tucked one of the game software cases into the inside pocket of his jacket, then crossed his arms and closed his eyes. It seemed he had gained a major hint.

■ The Truth About the Horse Racing School

When Kanichiro returned from the restroom, Kechako told him that President Ika had been messing with his game software, but he didn't seem to care at all. He gulped down his drink with satisfaction, and his draft beer was already nearly gone.

A few minutes later, after Kanichiro had taken a few sips of his second draft beer and settled down, President Ika opened his mouth.

"We might have been looking at the trees but missing the forest."

When Kechako asked what he meant, President Ika replied that it was the horse racing school videos. Everyone re-watched the two horse racing school videos on their smartphones and computers.

Hmm... I don't really get it.

Kanichiro tilted his head, but it was no wonder. To begin with, President Ika's question was vague, and it was unclear what he was trying to say.

The questioner. The questioner is consistent across both videos, right?

Yukito Ishikawa... right?

President Ika grinned at Kechako's question.

Exactly! Ishikawa is the one asking the quiz! That was the keyword!

When President Ika took a game cartridge out of his inner pocket, Mr. and Mama Seiko let out a cry of surprise. However, it didn't mean anything to Kechako and Kanichiro, who were from a different generation.

The game cartridge was the Game Boy version of "Trans-America Ultra Quiz".

Mr. explained to the two who were looking blankly.

Trans-America Ultra Quiz. It was a popular NTV quiz show that aired from the late 1970s to the 1990s. The catchphrase was...

Do you want to go to New York!!

President Ika and Mama Seiko shouted while raising their right hands high, and the three of them, including Mr., laughed.

Speaking of New York, Miss New York. She ran in the Victoria Mile once.

2022
17th Victoria Mile
(3-05) Sodashi

10th place: 6-12 Miss New York

2025 Victoria Mile
(3-05) Ravel

I understand how she connects to Sodashi through Miss New York. How does Ishikawa connect?

At Kanichiro's words, Mr. said "Oh, that's right" and resumed his explanation.

The Trans-American Quiz involved traveling from Japan to overseas while conducting quizzes, and the studio broadcasts were hosted by Tadao Takashima and NTV announcer Makiko Ishikawa. See, Ishikawa is right there at number 1 in the Victoria Mile, isn't she?

Victoria Mile
1-01 Christmas Parade (Ishikawa Yukito)

2022 Champions Cup
(3-05) Jun Light Bolt (Yukito Ishikawa) *
Yukito Ishikawa's first G1 victory

2025 Victoria Mile
(3-05) La Verite

It seemed that Kechako and Kanichiro finally understood the meaning as well. Mama Seiko continued.

"If the Trans-American Ultra Quiz is the keyword, then the composition of the top image on the JRA website makes sense."

"A rare composition showing the audience. This is the Yes/No quiz at Korakuen, isn't it, President?"

"That's right. Speaking of the Yes/No quiz at Korakuen, the first question is always related to the Statue of Liberty... which means Liberty Island. In the end, the Horse Racing School video is teaching us about Liberty Island."

■ Green Big Doll

After that, Kechako and Kanichiro, who had received explanations about the history of the Trans-American Ultra Quiz from Mister, Mama Seiko, and President Ika, finally seemed to see the full picture of this scenario.

"The Statue of Liberty... so that's why it was Akane Hotta!"

Regarding Kechako's discovery, it was now the turn for President Ika and the others to receive a lecture.

"Listen, Akane Hotta is coming as a presenter for the Niigata Daishoten tomorrow."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"She's one of the Degawa Girls."

"It's the same NTV show as the 'America Ultra Quiz', '"ItteQ!'. You know that classic segment where Degawa uses his 'Degawa English' to see if he can make it all the way to the Statue of Liberty!"

Everyone let out an 'Oh!'

NTV's long-running program 'Sekai no Hate Made ItteQ!'. One of its popular segments is the mission-based '"Tetsuro Degawa's First Errand' where Degawa's English causes fits of laughter.

In the mission to go to the Statue of Liberty, there's a part where he refers to the Statue of Liberty as the '"Big Green Doll' and mishears the foreigner's pronunciation of '"Statue of Liberty' as '"Studio Every'."

■ Just Meat

"The JRA homepage top image, the Horse Racing School video, Akane Hotta... everything is starting to connect."

Mr. said.

"Lavel, who entered the red frame. It also connects to the theme I received from Hayao Kimura, '"Victoria, Mile (to visit)'."

Hayao Kimura's note

Hayao Kimura's theme, '"Victoria, Mile (to visit)' refers to the topic of Morioka City and Victoria, Canada, producing a commemorative beer to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their sister-city partnership.

"Lavel, who entered the red 3rd frame. In the NHK news, it clearly says 'red label'."

Everyone let out a cry of surprise. President Ika delivered the finishing blow.

“When you think of the Trans-America Ultra Quiz, you think of announcer Ko Fukudome. The one who took over from him was Akira Fukuzawa of 'Just Meat' fame. His outfit was red, wasn't it?”

Victoria Mile
3 - 05 Lavel

Everyone agreed with a nod, and the favorite horse for Cafe de Eagle was decided unanimously.

Cafe de Eagle
Victoria Mile Favorite Horse
◎ No. 5 Lavel

■ Kurama Stakes

After a 10-minute break, Mama Seiko said that the Kurama Stakes in Kyoto tomorrow looked interesting.

She said that numbers 1 and 2 make a 'Shichi-Go-San'.

5/17 (Sat)
Kyoto 11R Kurama S
1-01 (Nana) O
2-02 Ana (Gosan)
→ Shichi-Go-San

“I see... how do you read it from there?”

Mama Seiko answered President Ika's question.

“When you think of Shichi-Go-San, you think of Chitose Ame (thousand-year candy), right? Conveniently, there is exactly one horse bred in Chitose.”

Kurama S
3-03 Bandel Oura (Breeding area: Chitose City)

“Wow! Even though it finished 3rd in its last race, it’s being treated as a fluke and isn't popular at all.”

Kecha-ko, who had shown interest, said.

“That’s right, Keiko-chan. I’m going to spread my bets wide starting from this horse.”

Cafe de Eagle
Kurama Stakes
◎ No. 3 Bandel Ouro
Quinella/Wide: 3-6 (Main)
Quinella/Wide: 3-1, 2, 7 (Backup)

■ Niigata Daishoten

It was Kan-ichiro who said that No. 1 might be the key horse for the Niigata Daishoten.No. 1 Kanefura is, he said, thehorse bred in Chitose City that came up earlier.

<5/17 (Sat) 3-Track Main Races, Origin: Chitose City>

Niigata 11R Niigata Daishoten
1-01 Kanefura
6-11 Sairun
8-15 Born This Way

Tokyo 11R Rokusha Stakes
1-01 Eikai Mackenro

Kyoto 11R Kurama Stakes
3-03 Bandel Ouro

“The No. 1 horses at both Niigata and Tokyo are horses bred in Chitose City. No. 1 Kanefura has ‘Kafune’ in it.”

While many didn't quite get it, Mr. noticed and said.

“Um, Kan-chan. Was that theJapan Booksellers' Award winner?”

Kan-ichiro nodded deeply.

“That’s right, Mr. The author isAkiko Abe. And believe it or not, she isfrom Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. TheIwate Prefecture trivia I got from Hayao Kimura. I wonder if it connects here too...”

Everyone nodded in understanding.

“And so, naturally, what I’m looking into isowners with the surname Abe. Tomorrow, there’s only one!”

<5/17 (Sat) Owners with the surname Abe>

• Kyoto 1R
  6-06 Hishi Kalinan (Masahide Abe)

Niigata Daishoten 16 horses
1-01 (Kafune) La
3- (06) Meiner Memory (Sei 22)

(22nd) Japan Booksellers' Award
(Kafune) (Abe) Akiko

Everyone let out a voice of surprise. Mister provides covering fire.

That sounds good, Kan-chan! Speaking of Meiner, there was news that Meiner Emperor, who ran in the Tenno Sho (Spring), got injured. The Tenno Sho was Gate 11. Meiner Memory is Reverse 11!

Tenno Sho (Spring)
6-11 Meiner Emperor (Yuji Tannai) 5th place
*5/16 JRA News Report of left first phalanx avulsion fracture

Niigata Daishoten 16 horses
3-06 (Meiner) Memory (Yuji Tannai) (Reverse 11)

I see... the news of Emperor's injury is a topic of concern for the Japanese.

President Squid clapped his hands and said.

Everyone, don't worry, with the same Meiner and the same Yuji Tannai, there might be a big hit.

Everyone nodded in agreement, and the winning betting ticket for Cafe de Eagle was decided.

Cafe de Eagle
Niigata Daishoten Winning Betting Ticket
◎ No. 6 Meiner Memory
Win/Place: No. 6

■ Editor's Note

I started listening to audiobooks on Audible (Amazon) when I began commuting on foot. It's been about a year and a half now.

It just so happened that I started listening yesterday to the 22nd Japan Booksellers' Award winner, 'Kafune' by Akiko Abe.

Such coincidences happen, but the big thing this week was, above all, the exchange of encouragement with Hayao Kimura.

It was deeply moving to have Mr. Kimura, who can be called a legend among horse racing sign-reading players, tell me that he was inspired by this horse racing novel, and I felt it was truly worth continuing for so long.

The news that Morioka Mayor Shigeru Uchidate is visiting Victoria City in Canada, with which they have a sister-city partnership (Mairu = Mile). It hadn't caught my antenna.

Last week, Shohei, also known as Shohei Ohtani from Oshu City, won the Kyoto Shimbun Hai, and this week, Akiko Abe from Hanamaki City, which is adjacent to Oshu City, teaches us about the Niigata Daishoten. I am harboring such delusions.

Well then, I wonder if I've managed to grasp a winner.

I would like to express my gratitude once again to Hayao Kimura for the wonderful inspiration and for fueling my creative drive.

And, to all of you who always support me, thank you so much!

I may not be able to give 100% every single week, but I will continue to give everything I have every week!

I look forward to your continued support!!