Akasaka Misato's commentary was filled with worry regarding the current situation of Tamamo Cross and Inari One.
The audience is easily influenced by such remarks. The cheers, which had been perfectly uniform on the TV, became a bit scattered. One could feel the concern of the fans at the track, even through the screen.
Isaki also concurred with Akasaka Misato's comments, sounding somewhat contemplative.
"As it stands, both Tamamo Cross and Inari One are in unfavorable positions."
"Having rushed to the front earlier, they have both expended a significant amount of stamina."
"The opponents ahead are experienced racehorses who will likely not surrender their positions easily."
"To break through this predicament, an acceleration similar to what we saw at the Hanshin Daishoten would be an excellent choice. Let's hope they can find that state."
These words carried a certain tone of comfort and suggestion. Most people in the stands were very excited, their attention focused on the track, but quite a few attentively listened to the analysis from the commentator and the guest.
Following this, the sounds coming from the TV screen roared once again. Many spectators had watched the previous Hanshin Daishoten and still vividly remembered the astonishing acceleration of Tamamo Cross and Inari One then, immediately cheering with renewed expectation.
"That's it! As long as they have that speed, everything will be fine!"
"Sprint! Charge! Use that speed, charge, Tamamo Cross, Inari One!"
"Go, Tamamo Cross, Inari One!"
Driven by this enthusiasm, Akasaka Misato also became excited.
"It seems Mr. Isaki has given very appropriate advice. I wonder if the Eisei team considered an acceleration method like the Hanshin Daishoten this time?"
"If they use that speed, the current situation will surely change. So, at what moment will these two racehorses choose to make their move?!"
The images and sounds from the TV all indicated the heated atmosphere at the track, yet Kitahara, Oguri Cap, and the Special Week mother and daughter in front of the TV remained relatively calm.
The reason was the explanation Kitahara had given earlier, specifically when Izaki was halfway through his remarks.
"What Isaki is talking about is the 'domain' (or 'aura')."
He shook his head. "But I told them before the race not to use the domain in this race."
"The previous races were aimed at entering that state so that we could move on to the next step of 'mastery' training."
"However, before it is mastered, this state is unstable. To win this Tenno Sho (Spring), they must rely on other abilities to determine the outcome."
Hearing this, Little Special Week grew curious.
"So Uncle Kitahara is the one who told Big sister Tama and Big sister Inari not to use that 'domain' thing?"
She hesitated before continuing, "But the uncle on TV said both big sisters are in a very unfavorable state. What should they do?"
"Don't worry, Little Special, the situation Little Tama and Inari are facing isn't as bad as Izaki says."
Kitahara said confidently, "This situation is essentially just about finding a way to pass the opponents ahead, something they have trained for many times during practice."
"With their abilities, passing the others shouldn't be too difficult."
"Besides, look, they have already started to accelerate."
As Kitahara said, the camera on the TV screen was a long-distance wide-angle, clearly showing the horses on the track from the inner side of the course.
In the long line rushing forward along the inner rail, Denko Sekka and Meisho Eikan were leading, one in front of the other.
The gap between the two was not large, only a little over a horse length, and this distance was constantly changing, lengthening and shortening.
Right behind them was Gold City, closely following.
Judging from her charging posture, she seemed to have reversed her earlier indifferent state, sprinting with all her might, as if determined to leave a perfect memory for her retirement race.
Then came Running Free and Mejiro Durren. These two horses were running almost side-by-side, contesting for position while subtly forming a "barrier" of moderate width.
And behind this "barrier" was Tamamo Cross, whose eyes were fixed on the figures ahead.
Almost identical to Kitahara, her mind was focused on the task of overtaking the opponents.
Tsk, these two.
Gazing at the two parallel backs ahead, the small figure slightly pursed her lips.
Are they doing that on purpose or is it a coincidence?!
Just happening to block me?
Are they trying to hold me back with this method?
How troublesome...
The inner lane has no chance. The inner lane conditions aren't very good today. Even if I pass through the inner lane, my footing will be affected, and the state I spent so long adjusting to will be wasted. I'd have to waste more energy accelerating again...
The outside lane...
Tsk, passing on the outside isn't a problem for me, but that one (Inari One) will probably think the same thing...
If I compete with her on the outside, it might turn into a situation like the Hanshin Daishoten again, and I might accidentally enter the domain state.
That would be trouble. There are still over 1,000 meters left in the race. If I accidentally trigger the domain at this distance, I'll enjoy the burst, but I'll have absolutely no chance at the finish line...
So...
Tensely watching Mejiro Durren and Running Free ahead, Tamamo Cross's perked-up ears were alert to the heavy thudding footsteps coming from behind. She gritted her teeth.
Should I wait for an opportunity, or go to the outside?
Just as Tamamo Cross continued to increase her speed and rapidly consider her next move, coincidentally, Inari One, who was gradually catching up from behind, was doing the same thing.
This race is easier than I thought. It seems Arō and the others were right; I already have a clear advantage in terms of various basic abilities.
Though Inari One thought this, her focus did not waver.
Because she knew that she wasn't the only one in the group with this level of ability; Tamamo Cross was also there.
So, do I force my way through the middle? Through the opponents in front...
I have the power for that, but if I squeeze through the middle, that one...
Damn it, I really don't want to clash with her this early.
Arō has said many times that the domain still needs further training, otherwise it's easy to trigger at an inappropriate time, especially when clashing with that Little Tama...
If it triggers at this distance, how will I have the energy to run the whole course? Wouldn't that just benefit the other guys?!
So, I can only go to the outside lane...?
But Little Tama probably thinks so too. In that case, the clash is unavoidable...
Ahhhh, how annoying! Why is it so complicated?!
Forget it, whatever. I have to pass them sooner or later, and my condition has been adjusted to the peak. I'll just make my move now!
Inari One is not the type who likes to analyze endlessly. After instantaneously confirming the race condition, she made her decision without hesitation.
"Little Tama! Don't let me catch you!"
With a roar, feeling the scorching heat the sustained acceleration brought to her entire body, she slammed her foot down. Her entire figure instantly blurred.
Accompanying her acceleration, the entire Kyoto Racecourse erupted like a bowl of water poured into a boiling oil pot.
"Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh! Is that the acceleration?! Is that the Hanshin Daishoten-like acceleration?!"
"Charge, Inari One! Charge straight to the finish line!"
"Go, Inari One!"
Not only did the spectators begin to roar, but commentator Akasaka Misa also suddenly stood up from the commentary booth, excitedly clutching her microphone and shouting with a cracking voice.
"It's happened! Finally, a racehorse has broken the stalemate—it's Inari One!"
"Her rival Tamamo Cross seems to still be observing, but Inari One has chosen to accelerate again!"
"With about 900 meters left to the finish line on the second downhill, Inari One has made her move!"
"She chooses to pass on the outside, speeding up dramatically, and has continuously passed one, two... a total of three opponents!"
"In the blink of an eye, from the second straight, she has instantly positioned herself behind the leaders, Denko Sekka and Meisho Eikan!"
"Likely feeling immense pressure, Gold City, who was previously in third, has also chosen to speed up."
"She is running parallel with Inari One! The two racehorses are fiercely competing for position!"
"Denko Sekka and Meisho Eikan are also accelerating further! They must maintain their lead advantage!"
"The atmosphere has instantly boiled over! The battle has suddenly become intense!"
Compared to the excitement of the spectators and Akasaka Misato, Isaki, the guest, maintained a tone of calm analysis in his words, even though his voice was also hurried.
"An excellent choice!" He was somewhat excited, too.
"We observers can clearly see that the next section is a 400-meter downhill slope. Choosing to accelerate at this time will save more energy than at other places!"
"But the racehorses can only see the opponents ahead and part of the track, not the overall picture!"
"Therefore, to be able to choose to accelerate perfectly here, Inari One is worthy of the public's expectation!"
"It's magnificent, an excellent choice!"
After a moment of excitement, he spoke more calmly: "However, judging by the speed measuring device at the distance marker, Inari One's acceleration at this moment is not as exaggerated as the Hanshin Daishoten. It appears to be a normal racing tactic."
"A very level-headed choice. That kind of acceleration in the Hanshin race was powerful but also consumed a lot of stamina. Choosing that running style now would be unwise. The current conventional style is the most suitable."
"An outstanding choice from this competitor, Inari One!"
Repeating the final sentence, he became somewhat excited again, "Maintaining this running style and then making the final sprint, she has a great chance!"
Very similar to the commentary booth, the scene in front of the TV was filled with excited cheers and calm analysis.
"Wow, that's amazing! Big Sister Inari is incredible! Swoosh—she just charged right up!"
Waving the rattle drum in her hand, making a rattling sound, Little Special Week exclaimed excitedly, "If she can keep running like this, she's definitely going to win!"
...If this race only included Inari One, that would indeed be the case.
Kitahara did not speak to correct Special Week's statement, only mumbling to himself. Then, just as he was about to ask Oguri Cap's opinion, he heard his horse girl speak softly, deep in thought.
"Passing on the outside, huh... If it were me, I would probably also choose this position and this strategy..."
Hearing this, Kitahara glanced out of the corner of his eye at the Special Week mother and daughter, who were focused and happy, watching the TV screen. Seeing that they were both focused on the TV, he turned his head and also lowered his voice to ask.
"It seems you've spotted a problem, Oguri Cap... What's your take?"
"...I wouldn't call it a take..."
She replied softly, pointing at the TV. "I don't feel there's anything wrong with Inari's choice."
"I'm also very good at this outside passing style."
"I won many of my previous races with this running style."
"However, this method uses a lot of stamina and leg strength. The reason I would choose this method is often because I can't secure the inner lane and am frequently stuck on the outside."
"And when I go around a bend, my body always can't help but lean outward, as if someone is pulling me."
"So, I just got used to passing on the outside."
At this point, she showed a bit of worry. "If I were the only one competing, I wouldn't be worried about this running style."
"But with Little Tama in the field, this expenditure of stamina... might affect the final sprint."
"I can tell from regular training that Little Tama's speed, power, stamina, and skill are all formidable. Competing against her, if I don't have enough speed advantage, this kind of finishing run might not be good."
"I don't know if this counts as a problem. What do you think, Kitahara?" she finally asked Kitahara.
"I don't have any different opinion. I'm very pleased that you could think of all this."
Kitahara nodded, smiling somewhat easily. "In a 3,200-meter race like this, when there are still 800 or 900 meters to the finish line, there is still energy to think. The final sprint will be almost entirely reliant on instinct."
"Planning everything in advance is necessary. Little Tama and Inari should have both considered their next strategy. Inari just made the first move."
"If all goes as expected, Little Tama is about to make her move as well."
"Since the outside lane has been occupied by Inari, and the inner lane conditions are poor, the only strategy she can choose to avoid an overly fierce clash with Inari and the poor inner track conditions..."
Staring at the group on the screen that was beginning to descend into the fourth bend, Kitahara mused for a moment.
"Should only be that position-switching running style."
Almost the moment his words fell, Akasaka Misato's shriek erupted from the TV.
"The front runners have passed the fourth bend—! Now... Ah-ah-ah!"
"From the inner circle, here she comes! Tamamo Cross!!!"
"She did not choose the same outside passing style as Inari One; she chose to charge out from the very center of the group!"
"This is completely unexpected! The pre-race data showed that Inari One has more power, so she was supposed to be the one most likely to burst out of the pack. I never expected it to be Tamamo Cross!!"
"Is this also part of the Eisei team's strategy?! This is truly surprising!!"
"So fast, so fast, so fast!"
"I didn't even see how she charged out between Mejiro Durren and Running Free; she's too fast!"
"She immediately caught up to Gold City and Inari One, and she's still going... I see! It's that signature Lightning Running Style!"
"Truly like a bolt of lightning, Tamamo Cross seized the opportunity in the momentary gap that appeared, surging out through the narrow space where Gold City and Inari One were competing!"
"She is heading straight for the leaders, Denko Sekka and Meisho Eikan!"
As commentator Akasaka Misa described, the front section of the group on the Kyoto Racecourse, which had been two pairs competing for position, suddenly felt as if it had been struck by a lightning bolt.
Between the clashing Mejiro Diurren and Running Free, and Gold City and Inari One, that small, silver-gray figure burst through the narrow gap without delay, closing in on the two leading horses.
The cheers that had been rising for Inari One suddenly stopped for a few breaths. Immediately after, as if by prior agreement, the name "Tamamo Cross" began to resound throughout the track.
The sound echoed across the massive Kyoto Racecourse, soaring straight up to the clouds.
Seeing this scene, Akasaka Misa became even more excited.
"Charge, Tamamo Cross! If she wins, it will be her 6th consecutive graded stake victory, her first G1 win! If she wins, she will be the strongest active older horse!"
Even Isaki, who had maintained his composure, couldn't help but stand up, his voice rising sharply.
"It's so brilliant! This position switch is absolutely brilliant!"
"Any slower or faster, it would have been impossible to burst through that gap. It's truly brilliant, this position switch!"
"A worthy display from the White Lightning! To employ such a tactic—it's completely unexpected!"
"As expected... she's overtaken! Tamamo Cross has surged to the very front, bursting through the gap between Denko Sekka and Meisho Eikan!"
In his excitement, Izaki momentarily took over Akasaka Misa's role, passionately commentating on the race.
"Still with that lightning-like stride, Tamamo Cross brilliantly executed three lightning strides! She has instantly overtaken five opponents and charged to the front!"
On the TV screen, the spectators' astonishment, as described by the commentator and guest, was faithfully reflected.
In the long-distance shot, there was a long stretch of empty track behind the two leading horses, as if they were all alone on the course.
In an instant, a silver-grey and red-blue-white blur abruptly flashed into the frame from the edge of the blank space.
The silver-grey was her tied-up long hair. Pulled by the rushing wind, her loose hair was like a silver-grey cloak, whistling as it rose high, nearly parallel to the green grass-covered ground.
The silver-grey ponytail was also parallel to the ground.
During the high-speed sprint, that usually cute, long ponytail looked like the flame at the tail of a rocket engine, or the fleeting afterimage of a flash of lightning, suddenly flickering with streaks of afterimages in mid-air.
The red, blue, and white were the racing silks of this petite horse girl.
The long red and blue headband, like the cloak-like hair and the flame-like tail, was pulled straight backward by the wind, parallel to the ground.
Her red and blue jacket and sports bra also blended into a blur due to the speed. Only by straining to look could one see a white "lightning" pattern in the center of the sports bra.
The white parts were her frantically interchanging legs. Those legs, which usually appeared short, now exploded with terrifying power, leaving indentations several inches deep in the ground with every stride.
With tremendous power, grass clippings and soil flew wildly backward. The force that propelled them was converted into an exaggerated reaction force, driving the petite, grey-red-blue-white figure forward like a bolt of lightning splitting the air.
But it was like a jump-cut technique: from the perspective of the live audience, the commentary box, or the TV camera, if one merely lost focus for a moment or blinked, the scene from one second to the next was completely different.
In the previous second, all eyes had just captured the grey-red-blue-white figure appearing right behind the leading horses.
In the blink of an eye, as if shattering the time and space between herself and her opponents, the figure had already passed them and appeared at the very front.
The "White Lightning's" overtake and ascent to first place happened in just one instant.
However, unlike the powerful impact that the astonishing sprint had on everyone, Tamamo Cross was now focused, bearing a look of excitement. She fiercely gritted her teeth, keeping her eyes glued to the finish line faintly visible after the fourth turn, driving her legs with every ounce of strength.
No problem! I have no problem!
Komiyama was right, and so were the Uncle and the others. I am the strongest one right now!
Even when facing Inari, I won't be outdone!
I'll just pass them in one go, lead in one go, charge to the end in one go, and cross the finish line in one go!
My sixth consecutive graded stake victory—I'm going to take it!
Perhaps due to her focus, the finish line had become incredibly clear, and the excitement in her smile intensified.
The more than 2,000 meters she had already covered seemed to have brought no fatigue, or perhaps the excitement of impending victory allowed her to ignore the tiredness. She felt like her entire body had never been so full of power.
She firmly believed that in this state, she was invincible!
Suddenly, her ears twitched slightly, and her smile briefly froze, instantly returning to a brilliant one. Her gaze flickered to the back left.
There was no figure there yet, but the roar she had just heard and the rapidly approaching footsteps made her realize that the opponent who could genuinely threaten her in this race had arrived.
"Tamamo Cross, don't think you can get away!!!"
The race instantly shifted from a breakout to a pursuit. The silver-grey and brown figures rushed forward at the very front of the pack, one after the other.
Damn it, taking the outside lane cost me a little stamina. I didn't expect that Little Tama would burst out from the center of the pack...
I forgot that even though her power is slightly less than mine, her balance and position-switching ability...
Damn it, I was careless, but...
"Don't even think about escaping, Tamamo Cross!!!"
Inari One let out another roar full of fighting spirit, her eyes locked on the slightly blurred grey-blue-red-white figure ahead, chasing with all her might.
At this moment, the atmosphere of the entire racetrack reached its peak.
"She's burst out! Tamamo Cross has burst out! Inari One is catching up without giving an inch! Is this going to turn into a one-on-one battle?!"
"There's still a gap of more than 4 lengths. Did passing on the outside cost her stamina?! While there's no noticeable difference in speed, at this rate, Inari One won't catch up!"
"It's absolutely thrilling! Charge on!"
"Go, Tamamo Cross! Go, Inari One! We still hope to see the miracle of you crossing the line side-by-side!"
"The final straight! The gap hasn't noticeably narrowed... No! It's starting to shrink! Inari One's finishing kick is indeed worthy of its reputation; she's closing the distance!"
"Still 4 lengths, 3 and a half lengths... There's not much distance left! Tamamo Cross's speed isn't slow either; she's also accelerating, and the gap is pulling back out!"
"Can Inari One catch up?! Can Tamamo Cross maintain this advantage?! Just... over 300 meters... over 200 meters! It's all straight track now! What will the outcome be?!"
The shouts from the venue were intertwined, making it impossible to distinguish between the voices of Akasaka Misato, Isaki, or the spectators.
In front of the TV, the voices were also interwoven. Kitahara and Oguri Cap, who had maintained their calm analysis, and the Special Week mother and daughter, who had long been cheering themselves hoarse, were now only left with shouts of encouragement.
"Big Sister Tama is amazing! Big Sister Inari is amazing! Go, both of you!"
"Little Tama, don't lose! Inari, hurry up and catch up!"
"Go! Win this Tenno Sho (Spring) beautifully!"
Just as Tamamo Cross burst out of the pack like lightning and instantly charged to the front, the entire 400-plus meter final straight sprint felt very long when described, yet in the eyes of all the spectators at the track and in front of the TV, it felt as though only the blink of an eye had passed.
Akasaka Misatp's cracking exclamation rang out.
"At this moment... they've crossed the line!"
"It's Tamamo Cross!"
"Tamamo Cross is the winner!"
"The victor of the Tenno Sho (Spring) is Tamamo Cross!!!"
"It's a great pity. With a persistent speed advantage, Inari One unfortunately failed to catch up to the 3-length deficit, but..."
"Oh my goodness, this is astonishing!"
"A new record has been broken! The final three-furlong speed of Tamamo Cross and Inari One has shattered the historical record!"
"Although there was a difference in the outcome between the two competitors, their 3F time is both 49.1!"
"The fastest three-furlong data of the entire race, a full 0.3 seconds faster than the historical record!!!"
"Truly magnificent! Congratulations to both competitors!"
Akasaka Misa's voice was a bit hoarse now, proving with her actions that commentating on a horse race is a strenuous job. However, she persisted in speaking with an excited tone:
"It's obvious, just as predicted before the race, the two best competitors in the end were indeed these two."
"Tamamo Cross has even tied Mejiro Ramonu's record with 6 consecutive graded stake victories! Without a doubt, she is well-deserving of the title of the strongest active older horsegirl of the year!"
"Next, let's hear Mr. Isaki's commentary on this race..."
The cheering on the TV continued, but the atmosphere in the commentary booth gradually calmed down.
It was the same in front of the TV. Kitahara and Oguri Cap were fine; they were used to going to the races and cheering loudly.
However, the Special Week mother and daughter were clearly experiencing this level of excitement for the first time. They both had excited expressions but were slightly frowning, uncomfortably touching their throats.
"...I guess I should have reminded you earlier: don't shout with your throat; use your abdomen to project your voice. That way, it won't strain your voice as much."
Sharing a cheering tip with a wry smile, Kitahara picked up two unopened honey drinks from the table and handed them over.
"Honey is good for your throat. Drink plenty."
"Th-... cough, cough, thank you, Uncle Kitahara..."
"Thank you, Mr. Kitahara... cough, cough..."
Both mother and daughter coughed for a while, gratefully accepted the drinks, and in a synchronized move, put one hand on their hip and the other holding the bottle, tilting their heads back to chug it down.
"Ahhh—I feel much better now..."
After finishing most of the bottle in one go, Little Special Week was radiant.
"Uncle Kitahara, Big Sister Tama and Big Sister Inari are seriously incredible!"
She exclaimed excitedly, "You said I could participate in a race like the Tenno Sho (Spring) someday. Can I be as amazing as those two big sisters?"
Aiko, who was next to her, didn't speak, but her gaze towards Kitahara was filled with expectation.
"Don't worry, you're heading to Tokyo soon, aren't you?"
Kitahara smiled confidently. "Then you'll see how we train every day, and you'll gradually start participating in that kind of training."
"When that happens, you'll realize that you are an extremely talented horse girl, and a race like the Tenno Sho (Spring)—you will definitely be on the field."
"Yay! I'll work hard!" Little Special Week cheered.
Seeing this, Kitahara smiled again. Aiko also reached out and affectionately stroked her daughter's head, then pondered for a moment.
"Well, Mr. Kitahara, how about Little Special and I start packing our luggage now?"
After the Tenno Sho (Spring), the mother clearly hoped her daughter would have a bright future and that she could fulfill her late friend's wishes. She said eagerly:
"If you and Oguri Cap want to continue your trip, we can wait, but we shouldn't just sit around."
"If we pack up in advance, it will be much easier to set off."
"Ah... Actually, I feel like this trip is pretty much over."
Kitahara responded to Aiko with a smile. Seeing her look of surprise, he turned to Oguri Cap.
"See, although my horse girl is still here, I suspect her mind has already returned to the training track."
Hearing this, Aiko was stunned for a moment, then looked over at Oguri Cap. Special Week also looked over curiously.
Oguri Cap was intently staring at the TV screen, seemingly oblivious to the conversation happening next to her.
On the TV, the camera was slowly switching and zooming in.
It first showed the bustling crowd, clearly showing tens of thousands of spectators raising their arms, waving their flowers and banners, and shouting loudly.
They were almost all shouting the name "Tamamo Cross."
Then it cut to the green carpet of the racetrack, first showing the finish line, then moving forward, passing one after another of the horse girls who were slowing down to recover their stamina after the race.
It finally focused on the small figure with silver-grey long hair at the very front.
The camera zoomed in. The petite figure was facing the audience, holding her arm high, her fist clenched towards the sky. Her excited smile, the glistening sweat trickling down her cheeks, and the small canine teeth showing through her slightly opened mouth were clearly visible.
Oguri Cap was also clenching her fists, but her arms were hanging by her sides, and the expression on her face was not as relaxed but filled with fighting spirit and determination.
"Little Tama... the strongest active older horsegirl...?"
Just as she muttered this, she heard a slightly amused voice beside her.
"What, do you want to compete against Little Tama on the racetrack?"
"Ah, yes... Ah? Kitahara...?"
After instinctively responding, she was momentarily stunned. Turning her head, she saw Kitahara smiling at her, and Aiko, who was further away, had a similar expression.
Only Little Special Week looked blankly from one to the other, then scratched her head, appearing completely confused about what was happening.
"Yes, I want to challenge Little Tama."
Still tightly clenching her fists, she raised her arm, placing her fist on her chest. Oguri Cap said in a low voice, "I realized during the Satsuki Sho that I don't really understand fame, 'undefeated Triple Crown,' or any of that."
"Even becoming a great horse girl, as Mom said, I still don't quite understand it, even though you, Kitahara, have told me about it many times. I just don't get it."
"Running all this time, I've realized that I yearn to run."
"I yearn to run with strong opponents."
"And then win the race."
"Little Tama is very strong. She's strong in training and in races. And you, Kitahara, even said not to let her or Inari use the domain this time."
"She's that strong without the domain. You'll continue training for that, right? Then Little Tama will become even stronger."
"I want to compete against Little Tama," she stated firmly, looking at Kitahara.
Kitahara's smile remained, but his tone gradually became somewhat serious.
"Then, do you believe you can easily defeat all your other opponents in the Japanese Derby and the Kikuka Sho?"
"Huh? That..."
Oguri Cap was immediately taken aback.
"Or, do you think you can be 100% certain of beating Ardan, Super Creek, and also Dicta Striker, Sakura Chiyono O, and Yaeno Muteki?"
"That... I have great confidence, but to say 100%..."
Oguri Cap was stunned again, instinctively responding, then instantly understood Kitahara's intent.
"...I'm sorry, Kitahara, I think I was getting a little ahead of myself..."
Hearing her apology, Kitahara's smile returned to a relaxed one, as he merely intended to give his horse girl a reminder.
"Winning the Tenno Sho (Spring) by a 3-length margin indeed proves Little Tama's powerful dominance demonstrated through a string of graded stake victories after her consecutive losses last year."
Looking at the slightly apologetic and thoughtful Oguri Cap, he patiently smiled:
"Such an opponent is certainly worth challenging. In fact, having an opponent like that as motivation will make any horse girl stronger."
"But you have to eat bite by bite, and strength has to be built step by step."
"You definitely possess extraordinary talent. Challenging the Older Horsegirl division in your Classic year is not entirely without a chance."
"But you also understand that your chance of winning against opponents in your own Classic year is not 100%."
"So, when facing Little Tama, who is more experienced and is already being called the 'strongest active horsegirl' by everyone, isn't your chance even smaller?"
At this point, seeing his horse girl's expression gradually become serious, Kitahara's tone became light again.
"Besides, if you truly want to compete against Little Tama, there will be plenty of opportunities at the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen at the end of this year."
Oguri Cap's race schedule is already quite clear; the Classic Triple Crown alone will take up the better part of the year.
The Japanese Derby and the Kikuka Sho both require significant time for preparation, and she also needs to participate in certain races during that period to maintain her condition. This makes it difficult to schedule many more races.
Races like the Yasuda Kinen and the Takarazuka Kinen are certainly within Oguri Cap's capability and fan base to participate in.
However, both of these races are not far from the Japanese Derby, and the Japanese Derby is notoriously intense—commonly referred to as "ruining the horse." It's very common for horses not to fully recover their long-term condition if they don't rest adequately afterward.
For instance, the historical winner of this Japanese Derby, Sakura Chiyono O, never achieved a comparable result after winning. Special Week also had a period of low form for six months after winning the Japanese Derby. This is all related to the immense intensity of that race.
And the Kikuka Sho, at 3,000 meters, requires significant time for adjustment not only before the race but also after.
Therefore, after the entire Classic Triple Crown campaign, the most suitable races to schedule are either the Mile Championship plus the Arima Kinen or the Japan Cup plus the Arima Kinen.
Given Oguri Cap's current situation, she can successfully participate in either of these schedules. Considering fan expectations, the URA Association, the Board, and Symboli Rudolf's preference, the latter option is highly likely.
If Oguri Cap wins the Classic Triple Crown, especially as an "undefeated" Triple Crown winner, she will undoubtedly be treated as the main force to challenge the foreign horse girl contingent at the Japan Cup, just as Symboli Rudolf was back then.
If he, her trainer, didn't arrange the races that way, he would definitely be savaged by the fans, and even Chairperson Akikawa would probably lose her temper with him.
Thinking about the future arrangements for a while, Kitahara saw Oguri Cap's look of pleasant surprise. He knew she was excited about the prospect of racing Tamamo Cross, and he couldn't help but smile, then became serious.
"So, you must prepare thoroughly for the confrontation at the end of this year."
He solemnly instructed, "The difference between the Senior races and Classic race lines is significant, even greater than the difference between long-distance and middle/short-distance races."
"And as long as you win the Triple Crown, you absolutely cannot avoid the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen, so you will certainly compete against Tamamo Cross."
"During this time, I will consider scheduling some Older Horse races for you. Firstly, to maintain your race condition, and secondly, to let you get accustomed to it."
"Regarding the specific races..."
He was about to continue when he suddenly heard his cell phone ring.
He paused, took out his phone, looked at the caller ID, and paused again.
"Excuse me, I need to take this call."
Pondering for a moment, Kitahara gave an apologetic look toward Oguri Cap and the Special Week mother and daughter, then walked to a corner of the room and answered the phone.
"Hello, Uncle Roppe..."
"Call me Musaka! You little brat, I knew you'd call me that!"
After a familiar greeting, the uncle and nephew spoke in a knowing, synchronized voice.
"You little brat, your eye for talent isn't bad! In your team, the Classic-year Oguri Cap, Super Creek, and Mejiro Ardan are all exceptionally talented horse girls, and Tamamo Cross and Inari One are powerhouses in the Older Senior division!"
"Uncle Ropperi, you watched Little Tama and Inari's Tenno Sho (Spring) just now, didn't you?"
The familiar banter immediately resumed.
"I told you to call me Musaka, you incorrigible little brat!"
After cursing him out, the voice on the other end became somewhat smug. "Not bad. Your eye and training level are comparable to mine back in the day."
...This old man. He praises me but he's so tsundere.
Speechless for a moment, Kitahara was about to retort when he suddenly heard a lazy voice from the phone.
"Old man, don't you usually praise your nephew to everyone you meet? Why are you so... ahem, how do you say it in Japanese, tsundere... when you meet him in person?"
Brilliant! Although he didn't know who it was yet, the retort was simply perfect! Kitahara couldn't help but let the corners of his mouth curl up.
(End of Chapter)