Chuck Nate, aiming for a comeback after finishing 14th in the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring), had his final prep on the woodchip track at Hakodate Racecourse ahead of the G3 Hakodate Kinen. After a rigorous workout on the woodchip track at Miho Training Center a week earlier, this session was more about maintenance, but his footwork was as light as ever. Newly appointed jockey Daisuke Sasaki hinted at a promising connection, setting the stage for a resurgence from the northern grounds.

Having been put through a demanding session on the woodchip track at Miho Training Center the previous week, this week's workout was a more relaxed 5F in 73.2 seconds, with splits of 41.3 and 13.5 seconds, focusing on maintaining form. Sasaki noted, "He was running with great balance and looks to be in excellent form."

Since his debut, Chuck Nate has been a consistent performer, entering Open Class last fall. In his first graded stakes challenge, he finished a commendable third in the G2 Copa Republica Argentina and followed that up by securing his first title in the G2 America Jockey Club Cup. Despite finishing outside the top five for the first time in his career in his last race, his top handicap status clearly indicates he is among the top contenders in a G3 race.

Sasaki, reflecting on the horse's ability, remarked, "I knew he was a good horse from riding him during his handicap days, but he's even better than I thought." He added, "He has a smooth, powerful stride and a calm temperament. Having raced at Hakodate before, there's nothing to worry about."

For Sasaki, this weekend offers the chance for his first graded stakes victory, with both the G3 Hakodate Nisai Stakes (riding Satono Carnaval) and Chuck Nate's race. "Opportunities like this are rare, so I don't want to let it slip away," he said with determination. As Chuck Nate, now in his prime at six years old, teams up with last year's youngest leading jockey at Hakodate, they aim to make a significant impact this fall.