Perspective: Rice Shower
Hawawawa... Why does it feel like this? I've seen this view so many times before, but today it looks completely different. I went to watch Bourbon-san's race last week, but watching from the stands and actually standing on the track are two completely different things.
Hachiman: "...Rice. Are you nervous?"
Rice: "E-Ehehe... Just a little bit."
Hachiman: "Is that so? ...Then don't forget that feeling. Don't try to erase it. Excessive nervousness makes the body stiff, sure. But where you are right now? That's just about right."
Rice: "W-Why?"
Hachiman: "If you get too nervous, like I said, your body stiffens up. Your field of vision narrows, and you stop hearing the voices around you. Your five senses dull. But if you have zero nervousness, your performance drops. You can't tap into your full potential."
Rice: "I-I see..."
Hachiman: "As long as you can still see your surroundings clearly, you're safe. If that nervousness hits the max... well, then you get what I described earlier."
I knew running wasn't just physical, but I didn't realize how much the unconscious mind changes things... Tension, huh?
Rice: "Hey, Big Brother... how do I look to you? Do I look like I'm in good shape?"
Hachiman: "Yeah. You're in top form. I knew it from your final breeze, but your speed has developed significantly. And your stamina is impeccable—you're a natural stayer, so I'm not worried about that. Just do what you always do. If you show them your best, you will win."
Rice: "Un! Rice will do her best!"
[Waiting Room]
Hachiman: "...That uniform really does suit you."
Rice: "Thank you, Big Brother. But I was so surprised... to think Rice is the number one favorite... Everyone else has run in so many more races than me. Is it really okay?"
Hachiman: "That's for the crowd to decide, not you. Besides, popularity is just a metric. No one knows the result until the race is over. Just because someone produces results doesn't guarantee they're the strongest. Rice, just run your race. I know that's harder than it sounds, but it's the only way."
Rice: "...Un!"
Hachiman: "...Alright. Go get 'em!"
[Paddock / Gate Area]
The people around me... do their expressions look a little stiff? Is it because this is a G1? Is this how Bourbon-san felt, too? Though, Bourbon-san never shows it on her face...
Announcer: 『 We are moments away from the final G1 race of the year, the Hopeful Stakes! Young thoroughbreds dreaming of the Satsuki Sho have gathered here on the Nakayama 2000-meter turf! The final, decisive battle of the Junior Class is about to begin!! The Hopeful Stakes is under starter's orders! 』
Rice: "Alriiight... do your best... oh!" (whisper)
Announcer: 『 And finally, the undefeated Rice Shower—two wins from two starts—enters the outermost 12th gate!! The field is set. The Nakayama 11th Race, the G1 Hopeful Stakes... 』
CLACK-BANG!!
Announcer: 『 They're off!! It's a clean start! Meister Singer and Mighty Monarch are fighting for the lead! Behind them are Ines Bloom and Hayatora! And joining the front group, side-by-side, are Rice Shower and Gold Disc as they curve into the first corner! The first favorite, Rice Shower, is sitting in 4th or 5th position! Let's watch how this unfolds! 』
From this position, I can launch my spurt anywhere... besides, Rice finds it easier to run on the outside!
Announcer: 『 They've rounded the second corner and entered the backstretch! Meister Singer still leads, followed by Mighty Monarch in second! A little further back is Ines Bloom, and half a length behind her, Hayatora and Rice Shower are running abreast on the outside! Gold Disc is one length back, rounding out the leading pack! Behind them, the second favorite Peer Prima Donna, Persian Spot, and Takeden Junior are three abreast! Trailing them are Strawberry Size and The First! The entire field is compressed within about 15 lengths! 』
(Hachiman's Thoughts): Rice is keeping a forward position... and staying wide. Staying inside would conserve stamina, but this style suits her better. If she wants to utilize both her speed and stamina, being on the outside is actually preferable here.
We're past the halfway point... I can start my spurt soon. But not yet... not just yet.
Announcer: 『 They've passed the halfway mark and are approaching the third corner! 』
Okay... NOW!!
ZSCCHHH!!! (The sound of dirt kicking up)
Announcer: 『 Meister Singer still holds the lead but—oh! Rice Shower is surging up from the outside!! It's a long spurt!! Can anyone follow this move?! 』
Rival A: "From that position!?"
Rival B: "No way!? The pace is slow, I have to go now or—!"
Rival C: "B-But what is that!? Look at her legs!!"
Announcer: 『 Entering the far turn, Rice Shower has taken the lead and is pulling away! Can she hold this pace?! Will her stamina last?! The pack is chasing hard from behind! They're rounding the final corner and heading into the straight!! 』
Rice did so much speed training with Big Brother. But Rice also wanted to make sure I could keep my stamina, so every morning I went to the track and ran 3000 meters! That's why Rice's legs... still have plenty left!!
Announcer: 『 Rice Shower maintains the lead!! Who is coming from behind?! The front-runners are hanging on, but what about the closers?! Rice Shower's momentum isn't stopping!! She's charging up the hill!! Her stride is still extending!! It's Rice Shower in front! Rice Shower in front! This is absolutely overwhelming!! 』
Hachiman: "...You exceeded my expectations, Rice."
Announcer: 『 Rice Shower is tearing away from the pack! And now, she crosses the line!! GOAL IN!! Rice Shower is strong! This is more than just a win; she is in a league of her own!! She is simply too strong!! 』
I did it... Rice really did it!!
Hachiman: "...Well done. That was one hell of a run."
[Nakayama 11R - Results]
1st: ⑫ Rice Shower - 2:03.5
2nd: ② Hayatora - 7 Lengths
3rd: ⑦ Meister Singer - 1 Length
4th: ① Persian Spot - 1 ½ Lengths
5th: ⑨ Mighty Monarch - Neck
...
Rice wins with an overwhelming lead!
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