The Hopeful Stakes, once overshadowed by the Arima Kinen, became the final G1, spotlighting future Classic stars. Initial resistance faded as it fueled anticipation for the next generation. Last year, Twin Turbo took second; this year, Canopus's beloved sister, Rice Shower, carried their hopes.
"Rice Shower leads! Following Mejiro Rampage's Arima triumph, she runs with unstoppable force!"
Unlike Tannhäuser's miler challenge, the 2000m Hopeful suited Rice's stayer nature. Her stamina and mental grit shone as she clung to escape artists like a specter, unshaken by their inner-rail tactics. When rivals faltered, Rice surged past with precision.
"Under 200m! Rice Shower unleashes a fierce spurt! She's pulling away from Sanctuary—six, seven lengths! Flawless! Rice Shower claims first, Nakayama's brightest star! She steps toward the Classics with a record time of 2:00.9, following Rampage's lead!"
"Rice… made a record! Big sis, I did it!" Rice shouted, her usual reserve replaced by unrestrained joy. Matching her revered sister's stage and setting a record overwhelmed her with pride.
"Way to go, Rice!" Rampage cheered, happier than at her own Arima win, leaving Minamisaka with a wry smile.
"Thanks for a great year, everyone! Cheers!" Rampage raised a glass.
"Cheers!" Canopus echoed in their rented Tresen room, celebrating the year and rallying for the next. It was a stellar year: Rampage's undefeated streak hit three years, heading abroad; Turbo claimed the Triple Tiara; Nature became a Derby Uma Musume; Ikuno won her first G1; Tannhäuser took second in the Asahi Hai; and Rice set a record in the Hopeful.
"Next year, Ticket's debut!" Minamisaka noted.
"So excited!" Ticket beamed.
"Dream's the Derby, right? I'm counting on you," Rampage said.
"Absolutely! I'll follow Nature-senpai!" Ticket vowed.
"Expect a true Derby win, not a tie like mine!" Nature teased.
With Nature's Derby experience, Canopus was ready for the Classics, where Rice and Tannhäuser would compete. "Rice, Tannhäuser, Classics, right?" Rampage asked.
"Mile's not my thing, so Classics it is," Tannhäuser said.
"I considered the Tiara, but I'm weak at miles. Sorry, big sis," Rice added.
"No worries. We're not chasing back-to-back Tiaras," Rampage reassured.
No Canopus runners aimed for the Tiara this year; Rice and Tannhäuser's stayer builds favored the Classics' longer races, like the Kikuka Sho. "We've got tons of member applications, but we'll need to filter them. Never thought Canopus would need a Rigil-style entry test," Minamisaka chuckled.
From a mid-tier team to a top contender, Canopus's rise was remarkable. "Who's applying?" Rampage asked.
"Some you know—Hishi Amazon, Dragoon Lance," Minamisaka replied.
"Amazon and Dragoon? Nice!" Rampage grinned. Their interest in Canopus over Rigil made sense, drawn to Rampage's one-on-one challenge style. "Anyone else?"
"Sakura Laurel. Know her?" Minamisaka asked.
"Nah, heard of her from Brian," Rampage said.
Laurel, aiming for the Arc de Triomphe, likely saw Canopus as a stepping stone, especially with Rampage's Arc ambitions. "Next year's gonna be fun. Shame I'll miss some," Rampage mused.
"You're not gone forever," Nature said.
"True," Rampage laughed.
With Air Groove joining, 2026 promised excitement. Entering her fourth year as an Uma Musume and athlete, Rampage wondered what awaited abroad—tough races, but more thrillingly, new rivals.
"One more toast! Here's to next year!" Rampage cheered.
"Cheers!"
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