June arrived, bringing with it the highly anticipated Tokyo Racecourse.
The sky was overcast, a haze of moisture hanging in the air. The chilly breeze made people in thin shirts shiver involuntarily.
Though summer was just around the corner, the day felt colder than a typical spring day. Yet, the spectators stood their ground in the stands, hugging their shoulders or rubbing their hands together, refusing to back down.
The [New Zealand Trophy], following right after the [Japan Derby], was another major stakes race. While it didn't carry the same prestige as the Derby, every spectator was eager to catch a glimpse of this year's only potential rival to Narita Brian—the monster known as Hishi Amazon.
Last year, employing a front-running strategy, she had secured third position early on, only to unleash an overwhelming burst in the final stretch, winning by a staggering five lengths over the second-place finisher.
She had even shattered the track record for a GI mile race at Hanshin Racecourse.
Then, in this year's GIII [Crystal Cup], in the last hundred meters, she closed a four-length gap, overtaking the leader to win by a nose. Everyone was in awe of her devastating late kick and almost manic chasing ability.
Some even said that if Narita Brian were ever to be defeated, the one to do it would undoubtedly be the formidable 'Heroine of Justice,' Hishi Amazon.
Much like the legendary 'Super Car,' Maruzensky, who was once hailed as the strongest of her generation with an unmatched speed that dominated the field, Hishi Amazon, being a 'returnee' student, was barred from classic races like the [Japan Derby] due to the Central Racing Association's strict regulations.
This was also part of why Symboli Rudolf had acknowledged Narita Brian's achievements. The Central rules were indeed rigid and harsh.
Had Hishi Amazon been eligible for the Derby, the race would have been a completely different story.
Those two words—'not eligible'—were a regret not only for the potential competitors but also for countless spectators.
However…
Not long ago, a certain Uma Musume had completely overturned everyone's understanding. She had trampled underfoot the rules that countless Uma Musume were bound by, shattered the centuries-old tower of the Central association in mere minutes, and appeared on the track with the undeniable aura of a true champion, moving audiences to their core.
That black-clad Uma Musume, whose true identity remained a mystery despite all investigation attempts. That powerhouse known as the 'Track Phantom.'
"Will she show up for this race, I wonder?"
Someone murmured the question softly.
Like a spark igniting a powder keg, the words spread, growing louder and wider, quickly fueling a wave of discussion through the crowd.
Although Central had declared Narita Brian the winner of the last Derby, on the victory stage, Brian had resolutely struck the same pose as the backup dancers behind her.
The victor's dance was never performed for the audience. To the very end, she stubbornly refused the winner's crown. That ceremony was called by all who witnessed it the 'Victoryless Stage.' Everyone knew the one who should have been standing in the winner's spot never appeared.
"Yeah, will that black Uma Musume come again?"
"I missed her last race, such a pity…"
"A shame you can't see her on TV. My friend said it was the most thrilling Derby he's ever seen."
"Speaking of which, why can't she be seen on TV? Is it really like they say online, that the competitor is some kind of… unphotographable…"
"Ghost?"
"Very possible!"
"Don't joke about that. As adults, we should have outgrown such childish fantasies."
"Be realistic. That sort of thing has never been proven."
"I'm more inclined to believe what the experts call the 'Synchronicity Principle.'"
As the debate grew more heated, the competitors began to make their way onto the track. Wearing numbered bibs and short-sleeved athletic uniforms, they waved to the crowds.
As a GII race, the Uma Musume wouldn't be wearing their formal racing attire, but that did nothing to dampen their determination to win.
"Hey, kiddos—!"
A bold, hearty voice cut through the roaring crowd, reaching a few Tracen Academy students in the front rows of the stands.
"Go, Boss!"
"Go, Amazon Sis!!"
They cupped their hands around their mouths, shouting cheers for their dorm leader, who always looked after them.
"Haha, you've got more energy than I do!"
Hishi Amazon laughed without a hint of restraint.
On the other side, a petite, short-haired Uma Musume emerged onto the track, met immediately by enthusiastic cheers from the spectators.
Beneath short, chestnut bangs, blue eyes burned with a fierce desire for victory. This was Biko Pegasus, the Uma Musume who, not long ago in the [Keisei Hai], had defied the odds as the third favorite and overtaken Hishi Amazon with her tenacious spirit, earning her the nickname 'Tiny Hero.'
Barring any surprises, this race would likely be a showdown between these two. Would Hishi Amazon secure victory and demonstrate the might of the 'Amazon Queen'? Or would Biko Pegasus triumph, once again showcasing the glory of the 'Hero'? The audience buzzed with anticipation.
--+--
Meanwhile, near the stands, Ginjirou Musaka, wearing a felt hat and leaning on his cane, repeatedly tapped the ground with his walking stick, testing the soil. He then spoke to the roan-haired young woman beside him.
"The spring [New Zealand Cup] often brings windy and rainy weather. Especially on a damp day like this. It might not look like much, but since last night, the air's been thick with mist."
He pointed with his cane; with a little pressure, it sank deep into the softened earth.
"When thick soil absorbs this much water, every step will make your shoes sink in. For Uma Musume who excel on firm turf, this is undoubtedly very bad news."
"The dirt becomes stickier, requiring more strength with each stride. It's challenging for Uma Musume who prefer turf, and even for those accustomed to dirt tracks."
"Your hooves sink in, picking up heavy clumps of mud, weighing your steps down tremendously. Oguri Cap, if it were you, given your current stamina, could you handle ground like this?"
This was the kind of track condition that all trainers feared and all Uma Musume dreaded experiencing.
A heavy, waterlogged track.
Oguri Cap scraped her shoe against the ground, feeling the sticky pull on her sole. She thought for a moment.
"It would be difficult."
"Racecourse conditions are complex and ever-changing," Trainer Musaka continued. "The longer your racing career, the more types of tracks you'll encounter, both turf and dirt."
"What you need to do now is learn. Watch how these seniors, who've experienced all kinds of courses, adapt to these conditions."
"Different running styles suit different tracks. No one can dominate the circuit by mastering just one single skill."
"The more techniques you have at your disposal, the more flexibly you can handle any track. So, observing others, learning from their movements, and summarizing your findings is an incredibly valuable skill."
"I see. I understand," Oguri Cap nodded. "If it's something that can be learned just by watching, then I'll watch as many times as it takes."
"Haha, it's not that simple. You still need constant practice." Trainer Musaka adjusted his felt hat and chuckled. "If there really were someone who could master a running form just by watching… well, there's only one possibility."
"She would be a born natural. A one-of-a-kind… genius."
--+--
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.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.