"Nishino Flower, it's Nishino Flower! She's charging down the final stretch! Trendy Blue holds the lead! Nishino Flower's closing, closing! Dina Thank You's two lengths back, one length—can she catch up? They hit the line! Trendy Blue holds on! Trendy Blue avenges her Cherry Blossom defeat and claims the Oaks! Dina Thank You takes second, Nishino Flower third—what a brilliant run! The crowd erupts in thunderous applause, honoring these magnificent racers. What an incredible race!"
"Man, Flower's final kick was unreal," Rampage says, sprawled in front of the TV.
Watching the Oaks, Rampage notes the absence of a Triple Crown winner this year, but the mood at the venue is far from heavy. The crowd's gratitude for the spectacular performances fills the air. Flower, aiming to conquer both the Cherry Blossom and the Oaks, fell short due to her distance limitations, settling for third. Still, for a miler and sprinter to run that fiercely at 2400 meters? That's no small feat.
"What a race," Air Groove remarks. "She'll probably shine in the Autumn Flower too."
"Maybe," Rampage replies, tilting her head. "Her trainer's talking about sticking to mile races, though."
The Autumn Flower could be an option, but Rampage shifts her focus. The Derby's next week, where Rice and Tanhoiza will face off against Bourbon, the undefeated Satsuki Sho champion who's gunning for her again.
"Get this—Kuronuma had the nerve to tell me at the Satsuki Sho, 'I'll show you an undefeated Triple Crown,'" Rampage says, smirking. "Talk about confidence."
"She's got the strength to back it up," Air Groove says soberly.
Bourbon's been training relentlessly under Kuronuma's guidance at the academy, a dragon among trainers. It's rare to push a Triple Crown contender so hard—risking injury—but Kuronuma ignores the naysayers, forging ahead with Bourbon, who trusts her implicitly.
"Bourbon's already hitting seven times her limit," Rampage says, scratching her head. "I don't think I was that fast at her stage."
"It's not just Kuronuma's training," Air Groove adds. "Bourbon's growing at a terrifying rate, but it's not reckless. Her foundation's solid, so her progress is sustainable."
"Ugh, what a pain," Rampage groans.
Rapid growth is a trainer's dream, but it can strain the body. Kuronuma, however, has meticulously tailored Bourbon's regimen to balance growth and safety, keeping her ahead of the curve.
"At 2400 meters, Rice and Tanhoiza have a shot as stayers," Air Groove says. "But Bourbon's only getting stronger. It's going to be tough."
The longer distance favors Rice and Tanhoiza's stamina, but optimism is tempered. After all, their own team has a certain Uma Musume who dominates at 3200 meters with a blistering front-running style.
"Where are those two, anyway?" Rampage asks.
"Training with Turbo," Air Groove replies. "They're getting used to keeping up with Bourbon's pace."
"Smart move," Rampage says, frowning. "But this time, I'm drawing a blank on any clever strategies."
For once, Rampage feels the weight of what she's put her rivals through. Her own relentless front-running style—her signature big escape—has always been a nightmare to counter. Beating it requires either praying for the leader's stamina to falter or pacing yourself perfectly to unleash a final burst while staying close. It's a brutal challenge.
"Man," Rampage muses, "I'm starting to realize how tough I am to beat."
"No kidding," Minamisaka says, chuckling. "You mix up your pace on top of that escape. Opponents have to juggle so many variables—you're a nightmare, Rampage."
"Lucky you're my partner, huh, Minami-chan?"
"Absolutely."
Their banter is interrupted when Rampage's gaze lands on a trophy case in the clubroom. Among the gleaming awards, Nature's co-winning Derby trophy catches her eye. Rice and Tanhoiza are about to take on that same stage, facing a formidable foe in Bourbon. How can they overcome her? Just then, Nature bursts in.
"Sorry, sorry! Cleaning duty held me up," Nature says, then notices Rampage's expression. "What's up, Ran?"
"Hey, Nature. Just stressing over Bourbon countermeasures."
"Oh, gotcha," Nature says, picking up her Derby trophy with a nostalgic smile. "Kinda reminds me of me and Teio. I racked my brain trying to beat her."
"No kidding. You tied her in the Derby—that's wild."
"Coming from you, that feels like a backhanded compliment," Nature teases, squinting.
Rampage decides to stop overthinking and focus on helping Rice and Tanhoiza directly. Action beats endless planning. As Nature heads to change, Rampage and Minamisaka step outside, where Minamisaka makes a sudden suggestion.
"Hey, Rampage, could you run with them in their next session?"
"Sure, but my big escape's way different from Bourbon's style."
"I know," Minamisaka says with a sly grin. "That's why I want you to go all out."
"Huh? What's that mean?"
"You'll see. I'll explain with Rice and Tanhoiza there. It's gonna be marvelous!"
Jackpot! Pulled it in the gacha!
-------------------------------
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