Shuta An ultimately chose to give the ankle brace to Silence Suzuka.
After all, the item was restricted to the Twinkle Series, and Oguri Cap only had two races left before her retirement from it. Once activated, the ankle brace could not be transferred to another user, meaning it would never become some kind of "family heirloom." In that case, it was better to give it to someone who truly needed it—and Silence Suzuka fit that criterion perfectly.
"After all, both front-running and end-closer Uma Musume have a higher probability of injury," Shuta An muttered to himself. "Even though Uma Musume are already prone to injury under intense training and racing, those who rely on these two tactics face an even greater risk."
This was a conclusion supported by statistics Dr. Grace had compiled in the past, and Shuta An had never doubted their credibility. While data could be distorted if deliberately manipulated, straightforward statistical outcomes like these were rarely wrong.
There were still two weeks left before the Japan Cup, and the list of international participants had already been finalized.
Although Oguri Cap had achieved outstanding results overseas and had publicly announced her participation in the Japan Cup to defend the host nation's honor, this year's race still attracted ten international Uma Musume.
One very important reason was the prize money. Worried that Oguri Cap's overwhelming strength might discourage overseas challengers, the URA Association had simply raised the stakes yet again. The winner of this year's Japan Cup would receive 200 million yen, and if they had won designated international races, they would also be eligible for an additional 3 million US dollars in bonuses—though local Uma Musume like Oguri Cap could only receive 2 million US dollars.
"We have to go for that two million," Shuta An thought.
Oguri Cap had already won the Arlington Million, one of the URA-designated bonus races, which meant she was naturally qualified to compete for that additional reward.
The current economic situation was hardly optimistic, and the US dollar was worth far more than it had been the previous year. Most of Shuta An's savings were held in dollars, so even without making any investments, his purchasing power had increased significantly.
"Two million—and Oguri knows this too, so she's been training especially hard lately," Shuta An shook his head lighty. "No matter how you look at it, we have to win the next two races."
The Japan Cup hardly needed explanation—winning it would make Oguri Cap the first Uma Musume in Japanese history to achieve a G1 turf Three Peat within the Twinkle Series.
As for the Arima Kinen, that would be Oguri Cap's retirement race. What Uma Musume wouldn't want their Twinkle Series career to end on the most brilliant possible note?
"And if she wins them all—eleven G1 titles, four more than 'Miss Rudolf'~" Shuta An narrowed his eyes slightly. "At that point, any debate about who's the strongest in history should finally come to an end."
Even the most fastidious critics could only complain that Oguri Cap had never competed in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. But knowing their own limitations, Shuta An was well aware that Longchamp Racecourse was not a stage where Oguri Cap could fully unleash her strength. Her victory in the French 2000 Guineas had already been a narrow affair, achieved purely through her overwhelming innate talent against the Uma Musume of her generation.
"It doesn't matter," Shuta An thought, the corner of his mouth lifting into a satisfied smile. "Let the country girl from Kasamatsu become the GOAT, step by step."
After training, Shuta An brought his laptop into the living room. Oguri Cap, meanwhile, was just about to head upstairs for a bath.
"Oguri, come to the living room later," Shuta An said as they passed each other. "We'll take a look at your opponents for this year's Japan Cup."
"Okay! I know!" Oguri Cap stopped, nodded, then trotted upstairs with light, eager steps.
When Shuta An reached the living room, he found Berno Light studying a cookbook.
"What's wrong?" He sat down beside her. "Is Oguri's nutrition plan not enough?"
"It's not for Oguri," Berno Light closed the book, turned her head, and complained. "I just want to learn something new myself."
"Now that you mention it…" Shuta An blinked. "Ever since you said you wanted to take the agent's license exam, it feels like I haven't taught you much Trainer-related knowledge."
"Well…I don't really need it yet," Berno Light waved her hand, then smoothly changed the topic. "You brought your laptop down—are you planning to discuss Japan Cup tactics with Oguri later?"
"No. The URA Association's official site released the list of international Japan Cup participants today," Shuta An replied after a brief pause. "We'll take a look together later and see who's there."
"As for gathering detailed intelligence, I'll handle that myself this time. The agent exam is coming up soon, right? You should focus on that more."
"Okay. If you say so—I understand," Berno Light nodded. "I've been studying hard—I'm pretty confident I'll pass."
"Back in Kasamatsu, you used to ask me to help you review your homework all the time," Shuta An grumbled softly, deeply impressed by Berno Light's learning ability.
After her bath, Oguri Cap changed into her loungewear and came downstairs with light steps.
She sat to Shuta An's left, leaning forward to peer at the laptop screen, where the entry list for this year's Japan Cup was displayed.
"I've already taken a quick look," Shuta An said, extending his index finger to tap on a name. "And I think this is the opponent you need to pay the most attention to, Oguri."
"This is?" Oguri Cap frowned slightly. The name was unfamiliar to her.
"Australian Uma Musume with five G1 victories—Better Loosen Up," Shuta An replied. "She's currently on a two-race G1 winning streak. Australian Uma Musume perform well in the Japan Cup every year. Even though her overall record doesn't look as impressive as Ellerslie Pride's, Ellerslie Pride was already past her prime back then. Better Loosen Up, on the other hand, is right in her peak. You absolutely can't underestimate her."
"And who else?" Oguri Cap blinked. "Surely she's not the only one to watch out for."
"Belmez is another," Shuta An continued. "In this year's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, she fought a fierce head-on duel in the final stretch with Old Vic, last year's French and Irish Derby winner—and managed to edge her out. If possible, Oguri, you must not give her a chance to engage you one-on-one."
"Like Obey Your Master against Tamamo before?" Oguri Cap immediately recalled the Japan Cup from two years ago.
"Exactly. Just like that," Shuta An nodded. "Keep your distance from Belmez, and don't provoke her innate fighting spirit."
There were four days left until the Japan Cup.
Today was Wednesday—the day the URA Association officially announced the entry list.
"Tomorrow I have to attend the draw ceremony," Shuta An said while finishing his coffee. "Remember to save dinner for me. There's no proper food at the URA Association venue—just drinks to barely keep your stomach from protesting."
After a brief pause, he continued with a more serious tone.
"After breakfast, Oguri, rest for a bit to digest. Then head to Tokyo Racecourse to record the final workout video. Since this is the last training session, keep the intensity down—six furlongs in eighty-four seconds, with the final furlong controlled at around twelve seconds."
"With numbers like that, fans will definitely worry about her condition," Berno Light complained, her ears twitching. "There'll be all sorts of speculation."
"What do they know?" Shuta An rolled his eyes. "The final workout is supposed to be relaxed. If it weren't for the filming, I'd prefer the last furlong to be closer to thirteen seconds."
"So what if I really ran the final furlong at thirteen?" Oguri Cap paused mid-bite and looked up at him.
"Then the URA Association—and Miss Symboli Rudolf—would probably call me nonstop asking if something's wrong with you," Shuta An pouted. "It's easy enough to explain, but it's annoying. Twelve seconds is just enough to satisfy their minimum expectations."
Oguri Cap nodded and went back to her breakfast.
"So you're also hiding her true condition from the competition, right?" Berno Light muttered.
"How would that fool anyone?" Shuta An waved his hand dismissively. "You can't treat every opponent like an idiot."
"You're right," Berno Light stuck out her tongue. "At least the local Trainers won't buy it."
Among the Trainers of Central Tracen Academy, Shuta An's reputation for precise condition management was absolute. It was a trust he had built over time—though at moments like this, it could also work against him.
—
When Oguri Cap returned from Tokyo Racecourse, Shuta An had just projected the finalized Japan Cup entry list onto the living room screen.
"Oguri, take a bath and rest properly," he said after glancing at her. "We'll look at the list after lunch."
"Okay." After running and rushing back, Oguri Cap felt sticky and uncomfortable. The suggestion matched her thoughts perfectly.
Berno Light scanned the screen. "It's not a full gate this year."
"That's right. Only fifteen Uma Musume," Shuta An said with a light shake of his head. "But ten of them are from overseas."
He smiled faintly.
"Big rewards attract brave challengers. The prize increase worked exactly as the URA Association intended. Once they've tasted this success, I wouldn't be surprised if they raise the prize money again next year."
Then his expression shifted.
"But that raises another question—who'll defend the Japan Cup next year?"
"That'll be hard," Berno Light said immediately. "I can't think of anyone who could take over after Oguri."
"Maybe a newly debuted Uma Musume?" Shuta An guessed. He hadn't paid much attention to this year's rookies—after all, among the domestic Classic and senior generations, there was no one capable of defending the title.
"Among this year's debutants, there isn't anyone especially eye-catching on turf," Berno Light replied without hesitation. "But there is a very strong dirt runner—El Condor Pasa from Team Rigil."
"Oh, right!" She clapped her hands. "Grass Wonder also debuted this year with Team Rigil. She's incredibly strong. Half a month ago, she won the Keio Hai Nisai Stakes by a full second. Her next race is the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes—she'll definitely be the favorite."
She paused briefly.
"Like El Condor Pasa, she's a repatriated child, so she can't enter the Classic Race. But I think she'll have a real chance in next year's Japan Cup."
At the words cannot participate in the Classic Race, Shuta An's mouth twitched.
"The URA Association really does have absurd rules," he muttered. "Repatriated children can't even run in the Classic Race."
"It's a bit like Oguri," Berno Light added. "Clearly strong, yet barred from the Classic Race."
Shuta An fell silent for a moment. Then he pulled out his phone and sent a message to Tojo Hana on LINE: Have you considered letting those two talented rookies from Team Rigil try overseas Classic Races?
—
When Oguri Cap came downstairs in her pajamas, shower cap still on, she expected lunch—but noticed Shuta An staring at his phone.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Ann and I were talking about this year's rookies," Berno Light explained honestly. "Then he started giving Miss Tojo some advice."
"I see~" Oguri Cap wasn't particularly interested in Team Rigil's affairs. She headed straight for the dining room. "I'm hungry!"
"Lunch is ready!" Berno Light followed at once, already prepared to refill Oguri Cap's plate whenever necessary.
—
Meanwhile, Tojo Hana was staring at her phone in surprise.
Shuta-kun thinks they can try overseas Classics?
She quickly replied:
Shuta-kun, do you really think Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa can handle overseas Classic Races?
"I think it's fine," Shuta An answered calmly. "They're both repatriated children. If they stay in Japan, what can you even arrange for them in the first half of the year? The NHK Mile Cup? How does that compare, prestige-wise, to an overseas Classic?"
He added bluntly:
"Which races to choose is your job as their Trainer. I can't decide that for you."
On the other end, Tojo Hana pressed her lips together.
"No—Shuta-kun's words gave me the confidence I was lacking. I'd already considered following Oguri Cap's example and going overseas, but I wasn't sure about their abilities. Since you've said this much, I'll make careful plans."
"Do your best," Shuta An replied. "If the URA Association closes one door, then it's up to us Trainers to open a window ourselves."
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