'Can Platinum run in the Dream Cup?'
The thought struck Lin Anran abruptly, giving him pause.
'But that's the Dirt Dream Cup, not the Turf Dream Cup, right?'
The Dirt Dream Cup had only around twenty slots—reserved for the absolute top competitors from decades of racing history.
And Platinum…
She was globally renowned—hailed as the [Dual-Surface GOAT], [History's Strongest Turf-Dirt Dual Specialist]!
She had claimed the title of history's greatest dual-surface runner in just a single race!
That one battle had cemented her as the GOAT of dual-surface racing, a legendary tale spread far and wide, from Japan to the rest of the world.
Rumor had it that the latest editions of racing history textbooks in Dubai and Japan had even dedicated sections to it, calling it a historic, iconic moment—a classic race that would be remembered for generations.
The good news: she did it with just one dirt G1 win.
The bad news: she only ran that one dirt G1.
Other top-level Uma Musume who might qualify had all notched multiple dirt Grade 1 victories, some even approaching double digits.
Even though the Dubai World Cup carried serious prestige, it couldn't be denied that the only top American dirt specialist in that race was Dubai Millennium—not exactly a full-force turnout of America's elite.
So whether that one race outweighed entire careers of other top Uma Musume… was hard to say.
After some thought, the unscrupulous young doctor concluded it seemed unlikely.
"What if… after the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, we head to the U.S. to rack up some more prize money?"
But if that happened—
Wouldn't the Dream Cup feature not just two Big Reds, but also two Pegasus?
The original Big Red, Man o' War, versus the second-generation Big Red, Secretariat?
No, if it played out that way, it'd turn into Silver Pegasus versus Golden Pegasus—Platinum facing off against The Radiant Knight!
Should they prepare for the Dream Cup or not…
In the end, Lin Anran gave up overthinking it. He got up and headed out to his clinic.
"Work first. The Arc is coming up. After that, we can see about going to the U.S."
Compared to the distant, uncertain Dream Cup next year, the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe—where Platinum would face Sea the Stars, the strongest middle-distance champion bred by the Sea family—was the real main event captivating the world!
After the Sea family's eldest daughter, Galileo, suffered three defeats, now it was the second daughter Sea the Stars' turn to take on the Pegasus!
"By the way, after beating Sea the Stars… the Sea family should be out of contenders, right?"
--+--
Time flew by.
A few days before the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Location: Europe.
The black-haired young doctor pulled his luggage along and pushed open the door to his short-term rental.
In theory, Lin Anran could have stayed where Platinum was living, but there weren't any extra rooms.
They couldn't share a bed, could they? That would be… a bit inappropriate.
Or he could just deactivate his clone function, fly to Europe for a few days, and take over the room the Pegasus had been living in alone for months, playing the "ruthless" original self?
Besides, given Platinum's current popularity and influence in Europe, it wouldn't be surprising if she had fans like Agnes Digital or Satono Diamond around.
If anyone found out and it hit the news—a young doctor frequently entering and leaving the Pegasus Platinum's residence… that'd be trouble.
Lin Anran decided that, logically and reasonably, short-term renting elsewhere was safer.
A while back, Lin Anran had considered whether to accept Harbinger's request for treatment, but after some thought, he eventually agreed.
Well, she was offering just too much.
Plus, Lin Anran was already somewhat famous in the U.S. now, so a short absence wouldn't hurt.
As for Sham, who needed regular treatment, she was already completely cured—so thoroughly that she could even manage a night assault…
Anyway, Lin Anran could now justifiably take time off to come watch the race and treat Harbinger.
"The weather is surprisingly nice."
Lin Anran looked up at the clear, cloudless sky.
There were still a few days until the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and whether it would rain was still uncertain.
This time of year often brought rainy weather. Even one brief, non-stormy downpour…
Rain, combined with the Arc's extremely primitive, poorly draining soft turf, would quickly turn the course into a heavy track for quite a while.
If it rained even once in the days leading up, even if the day of the Arc was hot and sunny, the track could still be soft or heavy.
If it rained on race day, it could even become a bog—a extreme test of adaptability and strength! Turning into a swimming pool that Japanese Uma Musume feared!
No rain today didn't mean much. If it rained even a little in the next few days, the track would become challenging.
If a normal Japanese Uma Musume were racing overseas, she'd probably be praying nonstop before the Three Goddesses statue, hoping for no rain in the days—no, weeks—leading up.
But for the Silver Pegasus, Platinum…
It didn't matter.
It just didn't matter.
In that [Dubai World Cup]—with prize money so high that the unscrupulous young doctor couldn't help but hum happily at the memory—Platinum had achieved the unprecedented: winning two crowns in a single day, in the pouring rain!
Heavy track? She'd already conquered that!
Even if Dubai' turf wasn't as soft as Europe's Arc course, what if she won two races in one day?
1+1 had to be at least 1.5, right?
For a top-tier monster, she could overcome any condition!
From dirt to turf, from firm ground to heavy tracks—she could master it all!
Not too worried, Lin Anran finished unpacking his light luggage and picked up his phone.
"Time to contact the new benefactor."
"Harbinger… she's incredibly talented, and her injury is surprisingly severe. Just from the medical reports, it's the kind of injury that would normally mean retirement."
"So—she's definitely got plenty of gold to offer!!"
For someone so skilled yet facing a career-ending injury, there would surely be additional prize money sharing on top of the medical fees.
And Harbinger, while not a monster like Platinum or Secretariat who could race relentlessly, was still easily a G1-winning talent.
For a golden… ahem, for such a poor little filly, Lin Anran would extend a helping hand full of compassion!
"Now, let's go!"
Just as Lin Anran was about to set off.
His phone buzzed with a text notification.
When he took out his phone and looked at the screen, he saw that the sender was a long-time-no-see… [Galileo]?
[Galileo: Dr. Lin, are you planning to watch the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?]
[Galileo: My friend can't make it and gave me their pre-booked tickets.]
[Galileo: Want to watch the race with me?]
Seeing this, Lin Anran was overjoyed.
Great, now he'd even save on ticket money. These foreign fillies really came through!
Without hesitation, Lin Anran replied.
[Lin Anran: I'll be there!]
--+--
A few hours later.
A black-haired young doctor arrived at an unfamiliar training ground.
At the entrance, a girl with bandages looked at him with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
Harbinger waved at Lin Anran, her breathing slightly quickened.
It was partly from excitement and nerves, and partly because she caught a strangely captivating scent that made her breathe faster.
"You're much younger than I expected."
"Are you… Platinum's exclusive contracted doctor?"
Harbinger had already been seen by many famous doctors hired by her family, but all of them concluded that her injury was severe and recovery would be difficult, if not impossible.
Because of this, she had resigned herself to retiring without a single G1 win—a disappointing end.
Even though she had prepared herself to give it her all one last time… facing the reality was still hard to accept calmly.
But Platinum had given her this young doctor's contact, saying he might be able to save her career!
And after Harbinger sent her medical records, this doctor—all the way in the U.S.—had rushed over without delay!
If he weren't confident, he wouldn't have gone to all this trouble.
From what Harbinger's prestigious family had gathered, this Dr. Lin had earned quite a good reputation in his short time in the U.S.
Well-regarded from Japan to the U.S.? Highly endorsed by Platinum! And confident enough to come all the way from the States, unafraid of wasting his time.
It was clear—this doctor had real skill!
So, despite her disappointment, Harbinger had come to the training ground near her home to welcome Lin Anran.
"Yes, I'm Lin Anran."
Lin Anran nodded gently with a smile.
"Then… please lead me to the rest area for a detailed examination, so we can begin treatment."
Harbinger immediately started guiding him.
But suddenly, a long-buried memory surfaced in her mind.
'Wait… back when I had that practice race with Sea the Stars, before the race, she was on her phone muttering something about "Dr. Lin," sending some long message?'
In Europe and America, there couldn't be many doctors with such a distinctly Chinese surname—let alone one that matched exactly!
'Was the Dr. Lin that Sea the Stars was so fixated on, the same exclusive contracted doctor for Platinum?'
'I have to say, Dr. Lin smells… really nice.'
--+--
A few hours later, nearing evening.
Harbinger returned home, her face full of disbelief.
She was on the phone with her mother, reporting on her physical condition.
"This… just the first treatment, and the pain has already lessened!"
"And Dr. Lin said he's very confident that there's a high chance of a full recovery—that I can return to peak form and race again?!"
"Yes!!"
Though she shone with determined brilliance on the track, she was still just a young filly at heart.
Overflowing with joy, she shared the news with her mom.
"Really? That's the best news possible."
"Let's increase the medical fee a bit more. We should build a good relationship with such a skilled doctor. After all, your body isn't the strongest, and even if you return to racing, there's still a risk of injury."
Her mother's voice was full of delight but also caution.
After the call, Harbinger agreed with her mom's advice.
Right, she needed to properly thank Dr. Lin.
"Then…"
"The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is in a few days."
"Why not invite Dr. Lin to watch it together?"
The thought occurred to her, and she immediately picked up her phone without hesitation.
She dialed Lin Anran's number.
The call connected quickly.
"Dr. Lin, my… my friend bought tickets, but she suddenly can't make it."
"I have extra tickets. Would you like to come watch the race together?"
"It's the [Clash of the Century] between Platinum and Sea the Stars! You can't miss it!"
Harbinger extended the invitation, but to her surprise…
On the other end, the young man's gentle voice sounded slightly puzzled.
"Your friend also… got stood up?"
The young doctor hadn't expected that there'd be more than one "friend" backing out of the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Could it be that Galileo and Harbinger had the same friend?
"Also?"
Harbinger frowned slightly, a bad feeling creeping up.
Had someone beaten her to it?
"Galileo already invited me to watch."
"I've already agreed with her. Sorry."
As Harbinger's heart sank, Lin Anran delivered his refusal.
After a long pause…
Harbinger stared at her phone, unable to process what had just happened.
Galileo?
She hadn't expected to hear the name of that popular senior figure in Europe.
Something wasn't right!
"Senior Galileo… she's Sea the Stars' sister."
"I know Sea the Stars is interested in Dr. Lin."
"So why wasn't it Sea the Stars inviting him, but her sister?"
Harbinger narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing something off.
Maybe… she should find a chance to ask Sea the Stars about it?
--+--
A few days later!
At Tracen Academy.
Today was an immensely important day for Tracen… no, for all Japanese Uma Musume.
As the heart of Japan's Uma Musume world, Tracen Academy was notoriously competitive—even on holidays, it didn't always close.
But today, despite not being a holiday, the entire school was closed!
And it wasn't just Tracen—Uma Musume schools across Japan were doing the same!
The reason was simple: Japan's greatest Uma Musume ever… was overseas, competing in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe! Charging into the race as the absolute favorite, a Foreign King!
This was the most promising year yet!!
No praise exaggerating the Arc's influence on Japan's Uma Musume world could be considered excessive—because it was all true!
So, even strict Tracen Academy had chosen to close, allowing Uma Musume, trainers, and staff to watch the Arc in their own way.
In Tracen's dedicated broadcast hall.
The auditorium, usually reserved for speeches, teaching, or events, was now completely open!
In fact, large screens all over campus were activated, all synchronously broadcasting the live coverage of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
In one of Tracen's broadcast halls, with enough space for hundreds, every seat was filled—more than two or three hours early!
And there were many such halls across Tracen, all equally packed with Uma Musume and staff!
Anticipation, tension, excitement—these emotions filled the Uma Musume-crowded auditoriums.
On the large screen, TV commentators were currently in a discussion segment.
After all, there was still some time until the Arc officially began.
During this warm-up period, commentators from various regions would analyze the race and the Uma Musume involved.
The commentators' voices continued.
"Surpassing [Symboli Rudolf], the strongest Japanese Uma Musume in history, the Pegasus Platinum, will finally make her appearance soon."
"Platinum carries the hopes of decades of Japanese Uma Musume racing— hailed as the [Epitome of Modern Japanese Uma Musume]!"
"She tore through the competition in the Eclipse Stakes, dominated Harbinger in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes—displaying unparalleled strength!"
Daiwa Scarlet and Ovfevre listened with interest in the conference hall, waiting for the broadcast to properly begin.
Besides them, Tokai Teio, Mejiro Dober, and Jungle Pocket—all seniors who had raced against Platinum—were also waiting for the race to start.
Tokai Teio's desk even had multiple cups of her favorite honey special drink.
"The upcoming race… is the world's premier turf race!"
"I wonder if Platinum can defeat Sea the Stars?"
--+--
Europe.
The Silver Maiden was pulling on her long boots.
On the table beside her lay a quiver of arrows.
This time… she wasn't wearing her usual iconic winning outfit. Instead, she had changed into the second set of racing silks she had acquired not long ago!
Light knightly armor in the style of Kazimierz!
"The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Sea the Stars?"
Platinum turned, the knightly armor draped over her shoulders. After pulling on her long boots, she glanced out the window.
The sky was filled with dense, dark clouds.
Her eyes were cold, like an assassin about to strike—a contrast to the knightly armor she wore.
"The Sea family's masterpiece?"
"But I won't lose!"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.