4:51 p.m. Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you are all having a nice vacation. As for me, I've settled myself in a single room of a business hotel to work on the tasks that's been put aside for the past year. This would also give me a brief respite away from the restless nights, hopefully.

I'm eager and willing to work on my tasks if one of them is to prepare for my side job which would possibly bring me this peace in my future life. So let's get right on with it!

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Caterpillar

4:49 p.m. Second day of seclusion. My tasks haven't moved on much since I've been roaming around in search for a cafe or a restaurant where I can have a proper breakfast, use free wifi, smoke and stay comfortably for a couple of hours. The thing is, most of the potential shops near this hotel are not open until after January 3rd or 4th. Must come up with a countermeasure.

Think I have to start checking out Kinpai, though concidering my working pace I just can't jump to it yet. Oh yes, and thanks to you all for pushing us up to number one again on the ranking. It feels good to be on the top from the beginning of a new year.

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Caterpillar

4:37 p.m. Third and last day of my peaceful days. Will definitely miss the silence and the large, outdoor baths that were included in my hotel price. Aaand the freedom to go wherever I like at whatever time I like and eat or drink whatever I want to. Hell starts again from tomorrow afternoon...

My tasks have inched forward a bit, so I gave myself a prize to check out the entrees of Kinpai. The barriers won't be announced until tomorrow, a day before the race.

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6:03 p.m. Too bad my quiet days are over. Now I'm back in this noisy and stressful house�@and must hang on with my life until who knows when?

Have struggled a lot with the Kinpai, especially Nakayama and finally managed to come up with my conclusion. For Kyoto, my key is Pax Americana, and on the wheel would be Salacia, Mieno Succeed, Admire Alba. For Nakayama, I picked out Cosmic Force, Time Flyer, Mount Gold and Win Bright. Good luck, everyone!

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Caterpillar

6;36 p.m. I wan't so sure about Nakayama, I admit. At least I got the key horse right..

but Kyoto! What have you done, My Style! What did I possibly miss to let such a huge payout slip away? I don't think I can forgive myself for a while...

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8:33 p.m. Have seen Shinzan Kinen, a gateway race for 3-year-olds to success.It didn't seem as impressive as last yaear when Almond Eye swept up all her rivals from behind and earned herself an easy win. Still it flies my mind to the coming spring season, wondering about what great races these young horses might perform before my eyes.

My vacation will be over in a couple of hours. Of course I know the old saying, not to put off till tomorrow what you can do today, I'd rather put off my tasks till tomorrow and fully enjoy what's left of my vacation.

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Caterpillar

3:13 p.m. Back at work. Nothing has changed much except for my condition. I have been met with a queer situation after I got back from my seclusion, that the left side of my body caanot be moved as smoothly as before. I'd suspected a brain hemorrage but as there has been no headache and I'm still up and moving, I'm thinking this possibility could be crossed out.

It is quite troublesome when I type the keyboard, because my left hand doesn't move when I want it to, also very much irritating since it takes twice as long to do one thing than usual. I drop things holding in my left hand, have spilt drinks twice a day, bumped into things on my left side too often, slanted to the left side while walking. I wonder what kind of disease it could be?

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Caterpillar

2:56 p.m. My condition hasn't improved much but well, life goes on. I'll have to review Kyoto Kinpai and work on Nikkei shinshun-hai this week.

Thankfully, healing music of 528Hz has worked well for my hands and now I have less trouble typing the keys than yesterday. I still have some trouble in breathing and talking,though those might also improve.

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Caterpillar

4:49 p.m. As it's the beginning of a new year, things seem to be moving rather slowly and news of each horse's racing schedule is coming in one by one. Etario's big goal for this spring is to win the spring Tenno-sho, making Nikkei-sho as a step. Not a bad plan, but nmaybe he should make Osaka-hai his step, in my humble opinion.

Meanwhile, my condition is gradually getting better. Hopefully, I'll be back in my normal selfin a couple of weeks.

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Caterpillar

2:24 p.m. We're having a cold wave currently which has brought snow to Ritto training center. It might affect trainig menus of some horses, though will have to wait for further information.

By the way, I've come across an article saying that Manhattan Cafe descendants perform better during winter season. All in good timing, Meisho Tekkon entering NIkkei Shinshin-hai is a Manhattan Cafe descendant. Wonder how he would perform? The entries will be closed today.

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Caterpillar

2:32 p.m.It seems the barrier draw for Nikkei Shinhun-hai has been ammounced. I forgot, it was Friday.

Masahaya Dream in post number1, Glory Vase in 2, A T Thunder in 3, African Gold in 4, Super Lumiere in 5, Solace in 6, Ganko in 7, Ein Tenderness in 8, Kento O in 9, Look Twice in 10, Noble Mars in 11, Meisho Tekkon in 12, Dashing Blaze in 13, Aithon in 14, Lord Vent d'Or in 15, and Muito Obrigado in 16.

Meisho Tekkon actually might do well, at least better than his previous race,since he'd drawn an outer post.

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Caterpillar

1:39 p.m. I've been to the nearest clinic to have my blood checked. The results came today which revealed I didn't have any apparent health problems. I hadn't taken any medical checks for decades, so I decided this was a good chance and made a reservation for MRI at a hospital. If there's nothing wrong with my brain, that would surely be assuring.

Now that I have observative data that at least prove my physical health, it cannot affect my calls for Nikkei Shinshun-hai. My key is African Gold. It would be better for him if the lap becomes tighter or the track condition becomes soft. On the wheel would be Glory Vase, Meisho Tekkon, Muito Obrigado and perhaps for 3rd place, Kento O. On triplet, I'd say.

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Caterpillar

8:09 p.m. African Gold has sunk in 15th place in Nikkei Shinshun-hai. The reason could be that he had left-over damage from his autumn races or he simply wasn't ready for the high-level race in higher categories.

As a matter of fact, I've been thinking I should have keyed Glory Vase on my way home yesterday, regardless of his low win odds. It was easier for him to raise his performance than African Gold. The facts only show that I wasn't observative enough, I guess I need a good rest.

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Caterpillar

4:35 p.m. I didn't see today's Kesei-hai, just checked the results. I mean, thsese 3-year-olds' races aren't easy to call. The Ohka-sho champion from 2011, Marcelina's son Last Draft has won, but that doesn't automatically give him a lisence to Satsuki-sho, you see.

I worked hard today, scraping off the iron print on my new bag that said "Lubricant". Why "Lubricant" of all words? I felt like I was a lude person carrying a backpack with "Lubricant" iron printed, and couldn't help myself to try and get rid of it.

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Caterpillar

2:29 p.m. It has been announced that Le Vent Se Leve is passing February Stakes due to his slight injury in his left foreleg. Related to this, the crew didn't enter Dubai races either. Pity really, as he must have won if he ran in February Stakes.

Persian Knight seems to be aiming for Osaka-hai, running Kinko-sho as a step while Sungrazer has been announced to also target Osaka-hai as his spring goal. And this week, Fierement, last year's Kikka-sho champion is appearing in AJCC. That would be interesting, though I wonder what's become of Wagnerian and Epoca D'Oro?

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Caterpillar

2:41 p.m. Besides AJCC, there is another grade race this weekend at Chukyo, Tokai Stakes. The setting is the same as the autumn G1 Champion's Cup, so I can't aford to let it pass without a look.

This year, the center of attraction is a five-year-old named Inti. Slinging his 5 wins in a row, he is the most favored for the moment. Pretty much looking forward to his performance this weekend. If his career is not just a succession of lucky wins, he might be the one to replace Le Vent Se Leve in February Stakes next month.

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Caterpillar

3:53 p.m. Inti's odds are dropping down as expected.

Fierement entered in AJCC would probably also have low odds considering the member and the number of horses competeing in this race. But well, you can't just ignore him, you see. He's a Kikka-sho champion after all.

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Caterpillar

2:13 p.m. The barriers for AJCC has been announced.

Generale Uno in pot number 1, Action Star in 2, Meiner Milano in 3, Fierement in 4, Danburite in 5, Miraieno Tsubasa in 6, Stay In Seattle in 7, Sciacchetra in 8, Shonan Bach in 9, Maitres d'Art in 10, and Sakura Empereur in 11. Nice draw for Fierement, I guess.

Meanwhile, Inti also seems to have drawn a good post number 4, in Tokai Stakes.

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Caterpillar

2:37 p.m. Ojuchousan seems to be going back to steeplechase according to the announcement made by the crew. Though they haven't given up the G1 challenge completely and there is still a slight possibility that Oju will run in Takaraduka Kinen. Good for him.

Now, my call for AJCC. I'd key Generale Uno instead of Fierement. Have decided it's too risky to key a horse that has run up to a G1 winner in just 4 races of career. I'm afraid of the backlash. I'd put Generale Uno on top, Maitre d'Art and Stay In Seattle on 2nd, and Danburite on 3rd on trifecta.

As for Tokai Stakes, I'd put Chuwa Wizard on top, Inti on 2nd, and Ange Desir on 3rd, okey dokey.

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Caterpillar

5:37 p.m. Sciacchetra!!!!

Who would buy a horse in his first race after 13 months of blank!? Well, Tanabe could have taken the lead. If he did, then the lap wouldn't have lagged that much. If Generale Uno could have taken the lead and kept the lap average, then he would have come within 3rd place and Sciacchetra might have sunk to 4th place instead.

I'm not going on my weekly running today, as I have a full day of medical check waiting tomorrow. Starting from 2 litters of laxatives for an endoscopy including colonoscopy, I've got an ultrasound scan and MRI all lined up in one day. It's going to be a hell day for me but God didn't spoil me with any candy before it. That's why I don't believe in his existence.

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Caterpillar

5:19 p.m. It transpired that Kitasan Black has been blessed with his first son last Saturday. The broodmare sire is Numerous, whose father is Mr. Prospector so the colt might not be good for turf races, but you never know until he runs. Let us wait and see.

On the other hand, I've been blessed with my first encounter with doctors that encourage me with a broad expression of "hang in there" while I struggle with my first endoscopy, thank you.

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Caterpillar

4:00 p.m. This week we're having Negishi Stakes, a step race for February Stakes. Races will be run on Tokyo tracks starting this Saturday.

Speaking of Negishi Stakes, I've been blown by Nonkono Yume last year, but Nonko is not entered this year. Instead, last year's NHK mile Cup winner K I Nautique is entered assumingly, hoping to draw out some changes from the horse. What to make of this?

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Caterpillar

2:14 p.m. The list of horses entering Dubai races have been announced, and I've found Nonkono Yume's name in it. He seems to be entering Godolphin Mile and Dubai World Cup. There are other horses that are also entered in this weekend's Negishi Stakes, but well, I guess Nonko's crew are game to win.

Meanwhile, Aerolithe is running in Pegusus World Cup Turf (G1, 1900m) in Gulfstream Park race tracks, U.S.A. In the race, Aerolithe will race against Yoshida, a Japan-born Heart's Cry descendant G1 winner in both turf and dirt. Sounds a bit exciting. The race will be run this Saturday.

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Caterpillar

1:45 p.m. Mikki Rocket, last year's Takaraduka winner has been announced to leave the turf. News reports that he was suspected of a leg injury, although being scheduled to run in Kyoto Kinen as his first race this spring.

Because Mikki Rocket had won Takaraduka KInen, I raised my hopes to buy his win ticket in Arima Kinen. Perhaps he already had some damage at that point, come to think of it. The G1 champion crown he earned in his last year is a great blessing. Best wishes for his second life.

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Caterpillar

2:11 p.m. The barrier draw for Negishi Stakes has been announced.

Queen's Saturn in post number 1, Yuranoto in 2, Satono Phantasy in 3, K I Nautique in4, Love Bullet in 5, Moanin' in 6, Kurosuke in 7, Yamanin Imprime in 8, Wonder Lider in 9, Red Guernica in 10, Kopano Kicking in11, Sunrise Nova in 12, Meisho Utage in 13, Nobo Baccara in 14, Kitasan Mikazuki in 15, and Matera Sky in 16.

The outmost post will not be an advantage for Matera Sky, but he might be able to hang in if he could take the lead smoothly.

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Caterpillar

2:43 p.m. Don't have much time so I'll make it quick.

Here's my call for Negishi Stakes. Will key Kopano Kicking on 1st and 2nd place on a wheel of Matera Sky, Sunrise Nova, Yuranoto and Queen's Saturn. Sunrise Nova and Queen's Saturn to be on 3rd.

I'd suggest you buy tomorrow's Silkroad Stakes (kyoto) though, if you're looking for a longshot. That is, if Kyoto won't be closed for snow.

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Caterpillar

9:02 p.m. Yay, I won a trifecta! And why don't I have the tickets!!???

I decided that I stay home and rest my body and soul that has become weary from all the medical check-ups and mental stress caused by them... But well, a win's a win. Congrats to those who bought the tickets!

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Caterpillar

2:48 p.m. It's been announced that Kopano Kicking, yesterday's Negishi Stakes winner will enter February Stakes (G1) with Nanako Fujita, currently the only female jockey belonging in JRA as his rider. The rider yesterday was Oisin Murphy, for your information.

Well, it wasn't that big a surprise for me, as I'd read or heard somewhere before that Dr. Kopa the owner of "Kopano" horses mentioned this plan. Though I was quite decided with myself of not buying Kopano Kicking in February Stakes considering his damage. It changed to even a firmer decision after I'd heard Oisin's interview yesterday, that Kopano Kicking's best performance might be on 1200m rather than 1400m, and also on a flat, wide course like Tokyo.

Not to mention my decision has turned into determination at this point.

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Caterpillar

3:23 p.m. Since I felt deeply regretful about not buying betting tickets for Negishi Stakes, I'm game to win back in this week's Tokyo Shinbun-hai.

Tokyo mile is not my specialty, but well, I think I'm getting the knack of it. Names like Leyenda, Tower Of London, Satono Ares, Lord Quest, and Logi Cry are entered so far and I have a hunch it's not going to be a quiet race.

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Caterpillar

2:05 p.m. My morning has been terrible since I overslept and got late for work, but as a matter of fact, a G1 race Kawasaki Kinen will be run on Kawasaki tracks this afternoon.

I hadn't been checking it out thanks to the frequent visits to the hospital, though there seems to be little to consider for this race. K T Brave should be the reliable key horse as his win odds prove. Mitsuba, All Blush and perhaps Salsa Dione would fill out the rest, I think.

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Caterpillar

2:20 p.m. The results of yesterday's Kawasaki Kinen was Mitsuba 1st place, K T Brave 2nd, and All Blush 3rd as expected. That wasn't a surprise at all. The surprise was the appalling payout of the trio tickets.

Because K T Brave had freaked out against the bumping of Mitsuba to settle for 2nd place, the trifecta payout turned out to be 2,960 yen. However, the trio payout ended up as an astonishing 220 yen, not even reaching one third of winner MItsuba's win payout. Not to mention things like this happen on local rae tracks pretty often. This is Kawasaki, remember?

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Caterpillar