The 88th Derby Champion, Shahryar is gearing up for a return to JRA action, with an eye on the major races of the autumn campaign. Jockey phenom, Takeshi Yokoyama, is set to deputize in the saddle.

According to connections, training in Hakodate is progressing smoothly. When asked about the expectations for the new partnership, Shahryar's work rider, Fujiwara, dismisses questions of the new partnership with a chuckle. "That's just the media hyping things up on their own. The horse is easy to ride, and we've prepared well" he states.

Shahryar and Yokoyama came together for the first time in a workout one week ago. The new duo did a piece of work together with two other stable companions on the turf course of Hakodate.

Jockey Yokoyama remarked, "He's a fine horse, but it feels like there's another gear waiting to be revealed." Assistant Trainer Fujiwara offered reassurance, saying, "Unlike jockeys like Yuichi Fukunaga who grasp things quickly, there might be an element of trial and error. Nevertheless, the horse is free of quirks and keeps improving with each session. If he rides again next week, it should be just fine."