Race day arrived as scheduled.
After a month of targeted, high-intensity training, Myriad Dreams could clearly feel the improvement in her endurance and strength. Her strides had become steadier and more powerful.
On the other side, Marvelous Sunday had undergone systematic preparation under Fuji Kiseki's guidance and was now brimming with confidence, determined to win.
Myriad Dreams stood at the entrance of the paddock tunnel, gazing at the sea of people in the stands.
The massive circular racecourse was packed to capacity, and the roar of tens of thousands of spectators merging into a boiling ocean of sound.
The air was thick with tension and anticipation.
"Is this the scale of a graded stakes race...?" she couldn't help but murmur, her palms sweating slightly from excitement.
"You're that Myriad Dreams, right?"
A crisp voice with a hint of pride came from behind her.
Myriad Dreams turned around to see a petite Uma Musume with energetic twin-tails.
She wore a vibrant racing silk adorned with decorations that sparkled like tiny light bulbs, making her exceptionally eye-catching.
"You're... Marvelous Sunday?"
Although Myriad Dreams hadn't met her in person, she had repeatedly studied the footage of her main rivals to prepare for this race.
She was naturally familiar with this opponent who had three wins in three starts.
"That's right, it's me!" Marvelous Sunday put her hands on her hips and lifted her head, her eyes filled with confidence and fighting spirit.
"I've heard many people say you're strong and talented, but—"
She shifted her tone, pointing an index finger at Myriad Dreams. "Even so, today's victory will definitely belong to me!"
Looking at this vibrant senior who was like a little sun, Myriad Dreams simply nodded calmly and replied, "I look forward to your performance. Please look after me."
At that moment, the announcer's booming voice echoed through the stadium via the speakers, beginning the introduction of the competing Uma Musume.
"...Next to take the stage is the second favorite! The rising star of Spica who stunned everyone with an eight-length victory in her debut and possesses immense popularity online— Myriad Dreams!"
Myriad Dreams stepped forward under the spotlight.
With a sharp motion, she unfastened her cape and tossed it coolly toward the cheering crowd, drawing an even more enthusiastic response.
"And now, the heavy favorite to win this race! Three wins in three starts since her debut, achieving total victory with overwhelming dominance in every single race— Marvelous Sunday!!"
When the announcer reached Marvelous Sunday, his voice rose significantly, filled with passion.
The entire crowd erupted in a deafening cheer, highlighting her immense popularity.
As the introductions concluded, all the Uma Musume stepped onto the track and were guided into their starting gates.
The atmosphere tightened instantly, all the clamor seemed to freeze in that moment.
Bang!
The gates swung open with a crash!
Over a dozen figures shot out like wild horses breaking free.
At the G2 graded stakes level, starting errors almost never occurred. Every Uma Musume launched with precision, immediately diving into the battle for positioning.
As the race began, several Uma Musume using Front Runner or Pace Chaser strategies immediately pushed forward, forming the lead group and fiercely contesting the advantageous inner lane.
The two main protagonists of this race, Marvelous Sunday and Myriad Dreams, coincidentally chose "off-the-pace" strategies.
As a master of the Late Surger running style, Marvelous Sunday skillfully hid herself in the front-middle section of the pack.
Like a lurking hunter, she calmly observed the situation ahead, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Myriad Dreams stuck to her best End Close tactic.
After the start, she consciously controlled her rhythm, settling herself firmly at the very back of the pack, like a shadow gathering strength in the eye of a storm.
Despite the distance between them, their sharp gazes remained locked on one another.
Both Marvelous Sunday and Myriad Dreams had already identified the other as their greatest rival in the race.