A few days had passed since I went for a drink with Kiryuuin-san. With Golden Week just around the corner, it was time to decide whether or not to register Urara for the Seiryu Stakes.
In the meantime, what I'd been doing was training Urara and Rice as usual... No, that's a lie. I can't deny that there was something different from the usual.
A new mission had been added: to fix Rice's mood, which had inexplicably plummeted.
However, the mission has already been completed. Rice is in her usual good mood. But in exchange, my jacket, which I had lent to her, was sacrificed for some reason. A noble sacrifice had been made.
I'd tried various methods to cheer her up, like the "waasshoi" cheer with Urara, patting her on the head, or giving her a princess carry as she'd requested, but they all failed. In the end, I resorted to a more direct approach and asked her if there was anything she wanted. That's when she asked for the jacket I had lent her.
Certainly, it could be used like a raincoat if Rice wore it, but a more girly design would've been better for her. Rice said, "I couldn't find a jacket with a similar design," but perhaps she actually prefers men's designs?
It's been getting warmer lately, so a jacket isn't essential, but... I wondered if I should buy her a cute outfit as a present. Of course, if I were to buy something for Rice, I'd have to buy something for Urara too. I had to be fair, or Urara would sulk, so it couldn't be helped.
So, with a few minor irregularities like that, I was training Urara and Rice as usual—but something was bothering me.
(Urara's prize money is 4 million from the maiden race and 10 million from the Tango Stakes, for a total of 14 million... The Unicorn Stakes doesn't have entry conditions, so that's fine for now, but if I want to enter her in the Procyon Stakes in early July, I need another 1 million...)
I was in the club room, racking my brain about Urara's future races.
For graded races, half of the prize money is added to the winnings, but the Tango Stakes, which Urara won, was an open race. So instead of half the prize money, the full 10 million was added to her winnings. However, the Grade III Procyon Stakes has an unofficial prize money barrier of 15 million.
Since the Procyon Stakes is a race that senior-class Uma Musume can also enter, the Unicorn Stakes is still my main target for now. But the more options, the better.
To fulfill Urara's dream of wearing her racing uniform, running in a G1 race, winning, and dancing in the winning live, I needed to consider a variety of options.
(Charging into a turf race with high prize money... It's too much of a high-level gauntlet.)
Even at the open-race level, there's a possibility of running into the likes of Oguri Cap, Special Week, and King-chan. Compared to when I first started training her, Urara can now run on turf courses, but it would be too difficult for her at this point.
In that case, it's either the Seiryu Stakes, which is right around the corner, or skipping that and going for the Housou Stakes in late May.
The Unicorn Stakes is at the Tokyo Racecourse, 1600 meters, and the Seiryu Stakes is the same racecourse and distance. To increase Urara's chances of winning the Unicorn Stakes, I think she should race in the Seiryu Stakes.
(But there's a high chance that Smart Falcon will be there...)
The thing I'm worried about is the presence of Smart Falcon. Oguri Cap and the others probably wouldn't bother with the dirt races since they have the Japanese Derby coming up. But Smart Falcon is different. The dirt track is her main battlefield, so there's a high chance she'll clash with Urara.
I want to say that Urara can win, but my trainer's instincts tell me otherwise when I see Smart Falcon's running style. Urara has set two record times, but so has Smart Falcon.
I was once eager to get revenge for the loss at the Shoryu Stakes, but even now, against Smart Falcon, it's not a 50/50 chance.
Putting my personal bias aside and calmly comparing their abilities, Urara probably only has a chance of winning about one out of three times. And depending on the other Uma Musume who enter, the win rate could drop even further.
Of course, I can't just ask Smart Falcon herself, "Are you running in the Seiryu Stakes?" It's a different story if it comes up in a casual conversation between friends or if the other party declares they're entering the race, but a trainer trying to probe for information is strictly forbidden.
I could have Urara ask, but I don't want her to do that.
(The problem is that Smart Falcon is a runaway runner... I do have a plan, a way to win, but...)
The reason I think Urara has a disadvantage against Smart Falcon isn't just because of their abilities but also their differing strategies. If Smart Falcon runs away with her lead from start to finish, there's a high chance that even Urara won't be able to catch up.
On the other hand, if I try to block her from running away right after the start, a bad move could result in a demotion for obstruction. Besides, Smart Falcon is better at starting than Urara, and Urara isn't the type to engage in strategic maneuvers to prevent a runaway from getting away.
So, the way for Urara to win is to use Rice's strategy.
The strategy of marking the Uma Musume who is likely to win first and then overtaking them at the end. Urara has naturally learned this from her excellent teacher, Rice, during their daily training.
However, if Urara were to mark a runaway Uma Musume like Smart Falcon from the start, Urara herself would end up running like a runaway. Plus, Smart Falcon could intentionally draw Urara into a high-paced race to make her run out of gas.
No matter how much Urara can imitate Rice's strategy, if her fundamental abilities are inferior, her strategy will also be inferior. It's because Rice is the strongest stayer that she can mark any opponent.
In other words, Urara has very few ways to counter Smart Falcon at this point, but—.
(But running away from this won't solve anything... I'll have to face her and beat her someday. This is just happening sooner than I expected.)
It's an option to avoid the Seiryu Stakes and enter the Housou Stakes, then clash with Smart Falcon at the Unicorn Stakes. However, the Housou Stakes is 1800 meters, 200 meters longer than the Seiryu Stakes.
So I decided to enter Urara in the Seiryu Stakes after all. Of course, I'll confirm her intentions, but it's also a big deal that this will serve as a preliminary race for the Unicorn Stakes.
Win the Seiryu Stakes, and win the Unicorn Stakes. That's what I've been training Urara for. It's definitely not to lose.
As I was thinking about this, I suddenly realized something.
(...Wait a minute? If she wins the Seiryu Stakes and the Unicorn Stakes... Her prize money will exceed 40 million... Wait? In that case, she'll definitely be able to enter the Japan Dirt Derby in early July... right?)
The Unicorn Stakes is a preliminary race for the G1 Japan Dirt Derby, to begin with. Since it's limited to the classic class, even if she loses the Unicorn Stakes, Urara's prize money should be enough to enter.
The problem is the distance is 2000 meters, which is a bit tough for Urara. Thanks to her training with Rice, she can probably handle 2000 meters, but it's a very tight margin.
Of course, this is all just counting our chickens before they've hatched. There's a chance Urara will lose the Seiryu Stakes and the Unicorn Stakes. Still, if she wants to, she'll probably be able to enter the Japan Dirt Derby.
(...Should I make Urara's racing uniform?)
I had set the Unicorn Stakes as my immediate goal, but here was a chance to send Urara to a major G1 stage.
It might be difficult for her to even place since it's a middle-distance race, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to let her experience a G1 race early on for her future career.
If she performs well in the Seiryu Stakes and the Unicorn Stakes, her streak of 100% placement since the establishment of Team Kitarufa will probably end if she fails to place in the Japan Dirt Derby, but that doesn't matter. Urara's growth is more important.
However, since the Unicorn Stakes is in late June and the Japan Dirt Derby is in early July, the schedule is a bit tight, so I'll avoid it depending on Urara's condition.
(But... yeah, let's make the racing uniform. That'll probably boost Urara's motivation even more.)
I came to that conclusion and started to get all my assigned work done until Urara and Rice came to the club room.
"Huh?! A racing uniform?! You'll make one for me?!"
When I told Urara, who had just come to the club room, she was absolutely ecstatic.
She found out that the creation of her racing uniform, which she thought would be far in the future, might be happening much sooner. Urara's ears twitched, and she wagged her tail fiercely, pulling on my clothes. Yep, my Urara is cute today too.
"Really?! Hey, Trainer! Is it really true?!"
"Of course, it is. But, as I just explained, the Japan Dirt Derby is a middle-distance race of 2000 meters... It'll be a tough race for you."
I won't say she can't win. My Urara can still win at 2000 meters.
If this were about entering the 3000-meter Kikka Sho on turf or the 3200-meter Tenno Sho (Spring), I'd immediately surrender. Or rather, I'd probably beat them with a white flag for making such an unreasonable request. But a middle-distance dirt race? There's a possibility. Of course, it's just a possibility.
"If we skip the Japan Dirt Derby, the next three G1 dirt races are the JBC Classic, Ladies' Classic, and Sprint in early November, but those are held on the same day. Plus, senior-class Uma Musume will also be there. The Japan Dirt Derby is the only G1 dirt race limited to the classic class..."
There are so few graded races on the dirt course it's depressing. The URA needs to do something about it. No, it's too late to complain to the URA now, though.
Still, compared to when I first started training Urara, when she could only run short distances, this is a much better situation. She can now run a mile, and a 2000-meter middle-distance race seems barely manageable.
Of course, if we decide to enter, I'll train her so she can run 2000 meters without any problems by the time of the race. The fact that there are only nine chances to enter a G1 race by the end of the senior class on dirt is a pain.
On top of that, the JBC's three races, the Champions Cup, and the Tokyo Daishoten can be entered twice in the classic and senior classes, so there are only six types of races she can enter.
Compared to the turf course, where more than enough G1 races are held just for the classic class, the lack of popularity of the dirt course is sad.
Moreover, this maximum of nine chances is only if Urara can run up to 2000 meters.
The Japan Dirt Derby, JBC Classic, Tokyo Daishoten, and Teio Sho are all 2000-meter races, so if she can't run middle distances, her chances of entering a G1 are cut in half. Well, I've already thought about this before.
"So, I'm thinking of aiming for the Japan Dirt Derby. What do you think, Urara?"
"Yeah! Of course! I'll work even harder than before!"
Urara seemed full of motivation, and Rice was also happily watching her. Well, it's good that she's motivated, but...
"It's good that you're motivated, but you mustn't push yourself too hard, okay? Even if we enter the Japan Dirt Derby, it's not long after the Unicorn Stakes... We might have to avoid it depending on your condition."
When I said that, Urara's expression became serious, and she nodded.
"Yeah... Don't get hurt and have fun, right?"
Urara must have a good grasp of my policy. Seeing her suppress her joy and show her understanding, I couldn't help but smile.
"That's right. It's important to run in G1 races, but for me, you two are more important. If you push yourselves and get injured, it's all for nothing. Plus, I'll be really sad and I'll cry."
Saying that, I patted Urara's head. Urara's eyes narrowed in comfort, and she wagged her tail... Then Rice came closer with her head tilted silently, so I patted her too. What a cute way to ask.
"The reason I told you early is that there's a high chance you'll clash with Smart Falcon in a lot of races from now on. I thought you'd need to train harder than before to beat her... It's not like I'm bribing you."
Yeah, it really does seem like I'm using the racing uniform to get her motivated. But Urara is always motivated, even without the racing uniform.
"Fal-chan..."
Urara clenched her right hand lightly, as if remembering Smart Falcon's face. Smart Falcon is an opponent that Urara can't ignore either.
"The Seiryu Stakes is the same racecourse and distance as the Unicorn Stakes. She'll probably be there."
"Yeah... I have to work hard and win next time..."
Even the usually cheerful and positive Urara must feel that Smart Falcon is a formidable opponent. But when I heard her say, "I have to win next time," I couldn't help but pat her head with both hands.
"Whoa! Trainer, that tickles!"
"Wanting to win is important, but don't get too worked up, okay? You can do it. You can win."
Urara was laughing, tickled and happy, but my words made her eyes go wide. Then, after a moment, she broke into a full-blown smile.
"—Yeah!"
Good response. This gets me fired up, too.
So, Rice? Stop silently offering your head. I'll pat it, but still.
A few days later, after I had registered for the Seiryu Stakes, I found myself in front of an envelope containing the race roster that had arrived in the club room a few days later, and I couldn't help but mumble.
"It's here..."
I instinctively put my hands together and started praying to a god I didn't even know.
(Urara needs luck to beat Smart Falcon... If Urara is in an inside gate and Smart Falcon is in an outside gate, she might be able to catch her right after the start... Please! God, Buddha, and the Three Goddesses!)
The Three Goddesses are said to be the ancestors of all Uma Musume, and their statues are installed in the fountain at the front gate of the Tracen Academy. I never heard of them in my previous life, but in this life, they're probably more reliable than any god or Buddha when it comes to Uma Musume.
Thinking that, I prayed earnestly and opened the envelope. Then I took a deep breath and opened the race roster.
(Here we go—!)
Honestly, I want to train Urara so she can beat Smart Falcon without relying on luck. But for now, I don't have enough time. Urara will continue to improve, but she's still a notch below Smart Falcon in pure ability.
That's why the starting gate number is so important, but—.
"...Huh?"
I let out an unintentionally stupid-sounding voice.
Because among the Uma Musume running in the Seiryu Stakes, there was Haru Urara's name, but not Smart Falcon's.
(She's not here... right? Huh? She's really not here...?)
I looked at the roster from beginning to end multiple times. But no matter how many times I checked, Smart Falcon's name wasn't there.
(...Huh? Why?)
I felt disappointed, as I had been so pumped up. Did she get injured, by any chance? It would be one thing if she just skipped the Seiryu Stakes because she wasn't feeling well, but it would be a different story if she got injured and couldn't race.
(Wait, wait, calm down... It's not like Smart Falcon was definitely going to be there; I was just thinking that... But still, uh...)
This feeling is so hard to describe. I checked the roster one more time, but there was no punchline like Happy Meek's name being there instead of Smart Falcon's.
"....Why? Oh, I've done this before..."
I mumbled and then immediately retorted to myself.
Not only Smart Falcon, but none of the other powerful Uma Musume I was originally wary of were on the list. While tilting my head in confusion, I still didn't let my guard down and got fired up to make Urara win the Seiryu Stakes.
—And Urara won without any problems.
"Haru Urara has accelerated even more! Into the final straight! She's running alone with 200 meters to go! There's already a gap of nearly 8 lengths between her and second place! This is a done deal! It's surely a done deal! Haru Urara has finished her solo run and crossed the finish line!"
Even though she was marked a bit, Urara overtook the frontrunners in the middle of the race, caught the runaway just before the final stage, took the lead, and won on her own.
"Urara-chan has gotten stronger, Onii-sama."
"Yeah..."
I replied to Rice's words and looked at Urara, who had crossed the finish line in first place. Urara was waving at the audience with a big smile, and the audience was cheering loudly.
"The finish order has been confirmed—whoa! Haru Urara, the first-place Haru Urara has won with a new record! She's shaved 0.4 seconds off the previous race record! This makes it 8 races, 3 wins, and 3 records! All of her wins have been record wins! Haru Urara is amazing!"
"It doesn't feel out of place for her to be mixed in with the senior class... This year's classic-class dirt course seems to be a battle between her and Smart Falcon. And we're hoping for the birth of a new hero who can cut in on their battle."
Listening to the commentators, I gave a small fist pump at Urara's new record win.
It was unexpected that Smart Falcon didn't show up, but I'm just happy that Urara won. With two open race wins, her total prize money is now 24 million, including her maiden race.
That's at a level that puts her in the top five in the classic-class dirt course. With this, unless a group of top prize-winning Uma Musume from the turf course like Oguri Cap, Special Week, and Biwa Hayahide suddenly charge into the dirt course all at once, Urara should be able to enter the Japan Dirt Derby.
(I don't quite get why Smart Falcon didn't show up... But anyway, now we can aim for the Japan Dirt Derby. I should talk to Tazuna-san tomorrow and start the procedures to make Urara's racing uniform...)
I checked just in case, but Smart Falcon wasn't injured. So, the reason she didn't show up for the Seiryu Stakes is truly a mystery.
It's possible that she decided she had earned enough prize money and is focusing on training until the Unicorn Stakes. However, if she also skips the Unicorn Stakes, I won't be able to understand what Smart Falcon is thinking at all.
(Well, putting Smart Falcon aside... With this, we don't have to force ourselves to aim for the Housou Stakes in late May. The Unicorn Stakes is in late June... Rice also has the Takarazuka Kinen, so I guess I'll focus on training for a while...)
Rice is also scheduled to run in the Meguro Kinen in late May, but for Urara, it might be better to train her even more for the time being.
The Grade III Unicorn Stakes will be her first graded race. Being with Rice can make me lose my sense of perspective, but Urara, the first Uma Musume I took charge of and trained from scratch, is going to run in a graded race. That alone makes my heart pound.
Since the Seiryu Stakes was held at the Tokyo Racecourse, I could see the faces of the people from the shopping district in the audience. They had come all the way to cheer for Urara.
It must have made Urara very happy to set a new record in front of them.
"Alright... I have to make sure she wins the next one too..."
I mumbled that while looking at Urara, who was still waving at the audience with a smile.
Half a month later.
Smart Falcon would run in the Housou Stakes, win with a new record, and declare her entry into the Unicorn Stakes during the winning live, but I had no way of knowing that at the time.
--------------------------------------------
🚀 Want INSTANT Access & Bonus Content?
"Loving this story so far? You can read ALL chapters RIGHT NOW by joining my P4tr3on!
✨ Unlock instant access to the full completed novel
✨ No waiting for daily updates
✨ Support your favorite degenerate author (that's me!)
Only $5.99 for the full experience!
🔗 Check my profile for the Link!!