Hachiman's Perspective
Ever since CB's victory at the Irish 2,000 Guineas, Team Polaris has been riding a wave of success. The very next week, Maurice absolutely blossomed at the NHK Mile Cup, delivering such an overwhelming performance that she left all her peers in her dust, claiming her first G1 title. I vividly remember how thrilled she was, practically vibrating with excitement, as it was her first G1 race and her first win.
Next, Bakushin O's debut in a graded race, the Aoi Stakes, was an easy win. I knew 1200m was well within her capabilities, but it's clear she's unrivaled among the sprinters of her generation. As expected, she let out a hearty laugh after her victory, but I decided to let it slide.
Then came the Japan Derby, where Rice faced her rival Mihono Bourbon for the third time. Mihono Bourbon was the overwhelming favorite, while Rice was fourth, yet our preparations had been meticulous, focusing on training specifically designed to counter Bourbon and enhance Rice's finishing burst. During the actual race, Rice maintained a position right behind Bourbon, applying pressure throughout. Then, at the third and fourth corners, she launched a powerful sprint, turning it into a one-on-one showdown.
Rice may not possess an explosive burst of speed, but her sustained running power is her defining characteristic. If she could seize the lead with her sprint and maintain it, it would be incredibly difficult for even Bourbon to overtake her. And so... Rice claimed the Japan Derby, following in Fuji's footsteps from last year. This victory brought her record against Bourbon to one win and two losses, finally allowing her to strike back. Rice truly excels over longer distances. She was so moved by the crowd's cheers after winning the Derby that she cried.
Our team's performance in May was a massive leap forward, with a perfect record in all graded races. Now it's June, the week after the Derby, which means it's time for the Yasuda Kinen—Fuji's moment to shine.
As for Fuji...
Fuji: "Hmph... hmph..."
She's incredibly focused. Her final track work is done; all that remains is to await the main event. Fuji is well aware of her opponents, many of whom also ran in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen. More than half are direct entries from that race, or have run one race in between, but none of that seems to matter to Fuji. Just watching her, it's as if she's silently urging race day to arrive sooner.
Arrow is also set to debut this month in Kyoto, and Aldan will debut next month in Tokyo. With these two, everyone on our team will have made their debut. I'm truly looking forward to their futures.
Well, that's enough for last month's report and this month's schedule. Now, back to focusing on training. Though, it's almost over, so there isn't much left to instruct.
Hachiman: "...Hmm." (scribbles)
Rice: "Onii-sama, how was it?"
Hachiman: "Ah, your movements were good. The Kikuka Sho is still some time away, so you have plenty of time, but your movements now are more than satisfactory."
Rice: "Really? I thought I did pretty well myself, too."
Hachiman: "Is that so? That's good to hear."
Aldan: "Nii-sama, how were my movements?"
Hachiman: "You still need to improve your final straight. Tokyo has a gentle but long uphill climb. While your current form might be adequate, it's best to eliminate any weaknesses now to prepare for future grand stages."
Aldan: "I see... I understand. I'll do my best to overcome it before my debut."
Hachiman: "It's not something that can be fixed overnight, so if you can overcome it during the junior class, that would be more than enough. After all, we have four members on our team who have won in Tokyo, so we're in a good position."
Everyone's motivation seems to have significantly increased. This must be CB's influence. She ran such an incredible mile, and I can't wait to see what kind of performance she'll deliver in the upcoming Irish Derby. In addition, they must also be feeling that they can't afford to lose.
Hachiman: "Still, without CB here, my arm feels strangely empty."
Air Groove: "What, did you want to be hugged?"
Hachiman: "No, it's not like that, but it became so normal for CB to hug me when she was around. And now I'm eating lunch just with Fuji, so I guess CB had become a surprisingly big presence in my life without me even realizing it."
Fuji: "Then Hachiman-san, should I hug you instead of Senior CB?"
Hachiman: "You've developed a hugging habit since the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, haven't you? Don't make it worse. Rudolf told you to tone it down, didn't she?"
Fuji: "That's my weak point, huh... Alright, I'll pass this role to Air Groove."
Air Groove: "What are you talking about?! As the Vice President, I would never do such a thing!"
Fuji: "Hahaha, just kidding! But Hachiman-san, we absolutely have to win the next Yasuda Kinen. I really want to win the Yasuda Kinen."
Hachiman: "Alright, we'll return the favor for the Takamatsunomiya Kinen with interest at the Yasuda Kinen."
Fuji: "Yeah, leave it to me."
I can sense Fuji's genuine determination. This is a good sign.
Maurice and Rice achieve their first G1 victories, and Bakushin O takes her first graded race!
Can Fuji make her comeback?!
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