TV-Series
Description
Amago Vaccine is a thoroughbred racehorse and a significant character in the series, recognized as the full younger brother of the dual-crown winner Peter II. Born in 1992, he possesses a bay coat and was bred at the Ritto training center under the care of the Tachihara stable, with his name chosen by his owner, Amago. His early career is marked by a profound lack of self-confidence, leading to a string of defeats at his debut. This insecurity stems from the immense pressure of living in the shadow of his accomplished older brother, who was forced into retirement due to a fracture. However, his injured brother entrusts him with the unfulfilled dream of winning the Triple Crown, an event that ignites his determination and sets his sights on defeating the dominant rival, Cascade.

In terms of personality, Amago Vaccine presents a calm and composed exterior, often engaging in easygoing conversation with the protagonist, Midori Makibao, which makes him seem quite approachable. Despite this placid facade, he possesses a fiery and indomitable fighting spirit. This hidden intensity is revealed in private moments of frustration, such as when he secretly pounds his head against a wall after being caught up in a racing accident caused by another horse. This duality defines him as a passionate and resilient competitor who internalizes his struggles.

His primary motivation throughout the story is to honor his brother's legacy by winning the Triple Crown, a feat his sibling could not achieve. This goal fuels his rivalry with the top horses of his generation, particularly Cascade and Midori Makibao, with whom he forms the celebrated trio known as the three top horses. His role in the narrative is that of a determined heir to greatness, constantly striving to overcome adversity and prove his worth on the highest stage. A key relationship is with his jockey, Yamanaka Mabonosuke, who provides crucial encouragement during pivotal races.

Amago Vaccine's development is a classic arc of overcoming hardship. After being recognized as a top contender following a second-place finish in the Asahi Hai, his path is derailed at age four when he suffers a fracture in an accident during the Kyodo Tsushin Cup. This injury forces him to miss the Japanese Derby and undergo a long period of rehabilitation. He makes a triumphant comeback in the Hakodate Kinen, the same race where his brother was injured, and goes on a winning streak. His crowning moment of development arrives when he finally claims a long-desired Grade 1 victory in the Kikuka Sho, defeating his powerful rivals Makibao and Satomi Amazon by fully utilizing his stamina and home-field advantage. His career continues into his later years, including an overseas campaign in Dubai and notable victories such as the Tenno Sho (Spring) at age six, before he is retired due to developing tendonitis.

Regarding his notable abilities, Amago Vaccine is defined by his exceptional stamina and natural aptitude for long-distance races. His primary racing strategy involves taking an early lead and using a masterful, ever-changing pace to bewilder his rivals, earning him the nickname Magician of the Pace. He is particularly effective on the flat, straight tracks of Kyoto, as his heavier build makes him somewhat vulnerable on courses with inclines. While he lacks the explosive finishing speed of a horse like Cascade, his ability to control the race's tempo from the front is his greatest weapon. His bloodline, similar to his brother's, is noted to be prone to leg issues, a vulnerability that plagued his career.