They're being called the "countdown to revenge," these final days before Japan Cup 2006, the countdown to Sunday, when the heart and soul of a nation, no matter where its money has been placed, is going to be behind one horse when he makes his jump from the gate.
If hopes can push that one colt across the finish line in first place and not have his victory snatched from him weeks afterward, then every fan of the surely over 100,000 that will be packing the stands at Fuchu is going to be hoping.
Anyone watching that race who has ever felt wronged, anyone who's ever felt he wasn't getting his rightful share, his moment in the sun, is going to be praying that Deep Impact gets his.