While Yasui Makoto sorted through race data in his temporary office, Kitasan Black sat nearby, watching race footage on his tablet.
Once finished organizing the documents, Yasui walked over to his Uma Musume and glanced down at the screen.
"Oh? Wakaba Stakes?"
"Ah? Yup."
Lifting her eyes from the tablet, Kitasan smiled wistfully. "This time tomorrow, Gold Ship-senpai will be racing just like this, won't she…?"
Her eyes brightened again, quickly refocusing on the screen.
"Here she comes! Go! Go! Push through!"
Drawn by Kitasan's excited shouts, Yasui watched as a chestnut-haired Uma Musume dashed across the finish line, accompanied by the commentator's enthusiastic voice:
"Akagane Zenshun! It's Akagane Zenshun!"
"A dominant two-horse-length victory!"
"Let's congratulate Akagane Zenshun on her spectacular Wakaba Stakes win!"
"Wooow! That was amazing!" Kitasan cheered enthusiastically, turning toward Yasui with hopeful eyes.
"Trainer, do you think Gold Ship-senpai will also win this brilliantly tomorrow?"
Yasui paused to consider the question.
In his previous life, he hadn't been an expert in horse racing. Most of his knowledge was hastily gathered for specific tasks.
Thus, he mostly remembered famous racehorses and major races—like Gold Ship's victories in the Satsuki Sho, Kikuka Sho, Takarazuka Kinen, and Arima Kinen.
But minor races like the G2 Hanshin Daishoten were harder to recall clearly, though he vaguely remembered Gold Ship winning it.
Even so, his accumulated experience allowed him to analyze it with confidence.
"It's highly likely—at least, for this Hanshin Daishoten."
Motioning for Kitasan to hand over the tablet, Yasui continued thoughtfully:
"Judging by past results and current data, Gold Ship has a clear advantage in long-distance races."
"In terms of abilities, apart from her somewhat problematic starts, her stamina, strength, and determination are exceptional, with above-average speed."
"Actually, her racing type is similar to yours—but due to her richer racing experience and…unconventional tactics, her advantage at mid-to-long distances is obvious."
"Furthermore, this race is at Hanshin Racecourse, where she's practically unbeatable. Aside from a single G3 loss during her rookie year, she's dominated there—Kobe Shimbun Hai champion, two-time Hanshin Daishoten champion, and two-time Takarazuka Kinen champion. Hanshin might as well be her backyard."
"So, unless…"
He hesitated for a moment.
Since hearing about this Uma Musume a few days ago, he'd taken the time to recall related events from his previous world—especially regarding the Takarazuka Kinen. Though not immediately remembering specifics, he knew something significant had happened with Gold Ship.
Then he remembered that infamous incident—"The 12.1-billion-yen high kick."
Horse racing betting had been legal in Japan back then, with colossal sums of money wagered, especially on prominent horses. Gold Ship had been among the biggest stars.
Like in this world, she'd maintained near-unbeatable dominance at Hanshin Racecourse, causing the betting pool for her third Takarazuka Kinen attempt to swell to an astonishing 12.1 billion yen.
And that's precisely when disaster struck.
She performed a massive high-step leaving the gate, instantly falling behind by more than 20 meters. Even novices watching knew catching up was impossible.
Realizing this herself, Gold Ship seemed to abandon the race altogether, casually trotting home in 15th place.
All bets placed on her evaporated instantly, turning her infamous high-step into the legendary "12.1-billion-yen high kick."
Yasui's hesitation stemmed from the eerie similarity in how smoothly Gold Ship's current career was progressing compared to his previous life. If events unfolded similarly, something equally shocking might happen during this year's Takarazuka Kinen.
But this wasn't the time to discuss such things. Returning to his senses, Yasui stared seriously at the black-haired girl before him.
"In any case, Gold Ship's chances of winning the Hanshin Daishoten are high."
"However, her racing style is extremely peculiar, and not exactly something you should emulate."
"So, unless I specifically instruct you, don't you dare copy her."
Kitasan Black had been attentively listening to Yasui's analysis, fascinated by his detailed insights. She never expected him to suddenly turn stern, speaking in such a solemn tone.
Stunned, she blinked blankly before hastily nodding.
"Oh, um…right, got it!"
She scratched her head, suddenly looking troubled.
"Honestly, I also thought Gold Ship-senpai's training methods were really…strange. I never understand what she's doing, but somehow, she always wins anyway."
"If Trainer says so, I definitely won't recklessly imitate her!"
"That's good," Yasui nodded, visibly satisfied. He then shifted his gaze toward a nearby whiteboard, expression serious once again.
"Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's go over your race tomorrow."
"My luck recently hasn't been great, and unfortunately, you've drawn gate 1 this time… No, I'm not apologizing—just venting. Listen carefully now."
"Unless in extreme circumstances, starting from either the innermost or outermost gates presents unavoidable disadvantages."
"The other trainers likely already guessed that you're good at running as a front-runner or stalker, and they'll definitely plan tactics against you—especially gates 2 and 3."
"Unless something unexpected happens, those two opponents will likely try a blocking maneuver right from the start."
"Forget about what 'blocking' means for now… Actually, no, let me briefly explain."
"'Blocking' is a legally permissible tactic to obstruct opponents."
"Don't worry about it too much for now; I'll teach it to you when necessary, and maybe even practice it with you."
"Now, back to the early stages."
"Although the odds are low, if by chance no one obstructs you at the start, immediately seize the lead using the techniques we've practiced."
"Then, between the 600m and 1100m marks, establish enough of a lead based on the racing situation."
"Doing so denies your opponents the opportunity to deploy their late kicks."
"But, as I've mentioned, other Uma Musume will almost certainly try to hinder you, intentionally or not, especially at the start."
"Remember, if that happens, never fight for position—under no circumstances should you force it."
"Steady your rhythm and endure until the first turn."
"Unless something extraordinary occurs, that's when your race really begins…"
Yasui spent considerable time on this pre-race analysis, meticulously illustrating points through diagrams, video references, and computer-generated simulations.
After completing the tactical briefing, he proceeded to analyze her opponents.
As in her last two races, despite consecutive victories, the girl still wasn't the favorite.
She was ranked fifth this time—slightly better than her previous ninth place.
Ahead of her in popularity were Furao Shinkou, Noda Gold, Sacred Angel, and Black Bailey.
Compared to the latter two, Yasui was significantly more concerned about Furao Shinkou and Noda Gold.