Perspective: Yawata (Trainer)
"Fuji, Ardan. How are you feeling?" I asked, looking over the two of them. "We've got less than two weeks until the Arima Kinen and the Hopeful Stakes. From what I observed today, your running form looks consistent, but how does it feel to you?"
"Yes, Brother. Everything is perfect so far," Ardan replied with a gentle confidence. "It seems the strongest contenders from my generation are sitting this one out, so there are no causes for concern. I will win this race and dedicate the victory to you, Brother."
"I'm in top form, too!" Fuji chimed in, beaming. "If I keep this up, I'll be able to run my race just like always. Nakayama, 2500 meters—I'm going to run safely all the way to the finish line, just watch!"
"Is that so? Good to hear," I nodded, relieved. I turned to the third member present. "Air Groove, you're up for the Hanshin 1600 meters. That distance gives you a significant advantage. As long as the weather doesn't turn against us, it should be an ideal race for you. I'm counting on you."
"Right," Air Groove answered, her expression focused. "I intend to win this year's final Dream Trophy. Keep your eyes on me, Yawata."
The schedule for the final week of December was packed: Ardan's Hopeful Stakes, Fuji's Arima Kinen, and Air Groove's WDT. Part of me wondered why on earth I had crammed so many races into the very end of the year, but... well, it couldn't be helped now.
"Still... we really took on the world this year, didn't we?" I mused aloud. "Starting with CB in Ireland, then Arrow in America. Actually, depending on Arrow's results next year, I'm thinking of sending her back to the States."
"Wait, me?" Arrow perked up.
"Yeah, Arrow. I was just saying that if your performance holds up, I want to send you to America again."
"America..." She paused, processing this. "You mean... aiming for the US Triple Crown?"
"Only if you're up for it. But personally? That's what I want to do."
Arrow's eyes lit up. "Trainer... I want to go. I've actually been looking into it myself. It seems like a lot of runners use the UAE Derby in Dubai or the Florida Derby as a stepping stone before the Kentucky Derby."
"That is a common path," I agreed. "The 'Emperor' apparently ran the G2 Wood Memorial before the Derby, but everyone takes a different route. Aside from the Florida Derby, the Santa Anita Derby and Arkansas Derby are also popular prep races. None of them are at the Kentucky racetrack, though, so no matter which one you choose, you won't gain a home-field advantage. But looking at it another way, that means everyone goes into the main event on an even playing field."
We had decided to pull Arrow from the Zen-Nippon Junior Yushun. She had only debuted three races ago, and the sudden expedition to America had left her fatigued, so we chose to rest her. But now, she was telling me she wanted to go back. To answer that ambition, I needed to start putting together a schedule immediately.
"I didn't realize there were so many options..." Arrow murmured. "So if you include the G2 and G3 races, there are even more?"
"America doesn't have 'Trial Races' in the exact same way we do here," I explained. "But you've already won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Depending on your next race, you should be able to qualify for the Kentucky Derby."
"I'm getting fired up..." Arrow clenched her fist, a grin spreading across her face. "I'm going to come from behind and blow past them all again!"
"Ooh, I love that intensity!" Fuji laughed. "I can't let myself lose to that spirit. But, training is over for today. You're going to have to find somewhere else to vent that heat!"
Just then, a voice called out from the track entrance.
"Yawata~! Slope dashes are all done~♪"
"Haa... haff... C-CB-san is... so fast..." Rice Shower panted, trailing behind her. "But... it was really good training!"
"Oh, welcome back," I said. "So, what was the result?"
"Rice won this time!" Rice announced, her chest heaving slightly.
"Yeah, she got me," CB admitted with a carefree grin. "Rice's run was so tenacious. She just wouldn't let me pass no matter what I did, so I ended up finishing second!"
"Hoh? You managed a winning record against CB?" I looked at Rice, impressed. "That is amazing. If you can pull that off on the turf course and not just the slope, you'll be fully qualified."
"Mm! I'll do my best!" Rice nodded vigorously.
"TRAINER-SAN! WHAT SHOULD I DO?!!"
"Whoa!?" I flinched. "Don't yell so suddenly. You scared the life out of me."
Sakura Bakushin O came skidding to a halt in front of me, looking frantic. "Never mind that, Trainer! It is a catastrophe!! It seems I am about to be overtaken by Maurice-san! What is the meaning of this? What should I do!?"
Behind her, Maurice jogged up, looking slightly bewildered. "Does this mean... I've grown? I was actually able to keep up with Bakushin O-san's speed."
"Maurice's growth must have finally kicked in," I observed. "I heard from her family that she comes from a lineage of late bloomers. She thought so too, but it looks like she's awakened earlier than expected."
"I'm a little surprised myself!" Maurice admitted.
"It's a good thing," I said, looking over the team. "Everyone is improving remarkably."
Next year was going to be busy.
Location: Trainer's Office
"So?" I sighed, looking down. "You're doing this again?"
"Why not? ♪" Mr. C.B. hummed, making herself comfortable. "This is the best way to get rid of fatigue, you know."
"Haa..." I rubbed my temples. "What should we do about this, Rice?"
"Hue? R-Rice?" Rice stammered, looking between me and CB. "U-Um... w-well... Rice won today, so... maybe it's Rice's turn... or something..."
I paused.
...I see. That's one way to handle it.
"You make a compelling point," I said. "Rice won the slope dash today. Therefore, you should yield the spot to Rice."
CB tightened her grip, looking up defiantly. "If you want this spot, you're gonna have to physically move me!"
"Right," I muttered, cracking my knuckles. "How about I drill these knuckles into your ear?"
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