After encouraging Tojo Hana, Shuta An rose from the sofa and headed toward the dining table. By that time, Oguri Cap had already finished her first bowl of rice.
"Done?" Berno Light asked when she noticed him sit down.
"Yeah. I just gave Miss Tojo a suggestion," Shuta An nodded. "I don't want to see truly talented Uma Musume forced to settle for meaningless domestic G2 or G3 races just because there's nowhere suitable for them to run."
"Calling them meaningless is a bit harsh," Berno Light pointed out. "If the URA Association staff heard you say that, they'd probably cry."
"If they don't change those garbage rules, I'll curse them to their faces next time," Shuta An pouted. "There's no real justification for blocking Uma Musume from the Classic Race. Being repatriated children isn't something they chose. Not even giving them a once-in-a-lifetime chance—wasn't it the same with Oguri back then? They've already been burned once. Why haven't they learned? They should know when to loosen up."
(This is based on real life situation, right? If I remember correctly in Pretty Derby S1 El Condor can race in Classic Series.)
"There's nothing we can do," Berno Light said quietly. "I once asked Miss Rudolf about it. She said that if restrictions on repatriated children were lifted, the competitiveness of local, homegrown Uma Musume in the Classic Race could drop sharply."
"And isn't that just a lack of ability?" Shuta An picked up his rice bowl. "If they had Oguri's talent, would they really be afraid of repatriated children?"
"There's only one Oguri in the world," Berno Light replied with a pout. "Ann, you can't expect everyone to be like her. That would be terrifying."
As she spoke, an absurd image surfaced in her mind—eighteen Oguri Caps sprinting across Tokyo Racecourse at once.
"That's true," Shuta An conceded.
—
After lunch, Shuta An brought Oguri Cap and Berno Light into the living room to review the finalized entry list for this year's Japan Cup.
"Including Oguri, fifteen Uma Musume are confirmed," he said, opening the URA Association's official website. The list was clearly divided into two sections: overseas entrants and domestic ones.
Ten overseas. Five domestic.
"The domestic selections are all rating-based," Berno Light noted. "If Suzuka wanted to enter, her rating would definitely be enough. At least 115, right?"
"But 2400 meters isn't her specialty," Shuta An shrugged. "No need to force it. Hong Kong suits her better."
"The highest rating really is Oguri—" Berno Light covered her mouth slightly. "132 points from the Breeders' Cup Mile—that's unbelievable. Her previous highest was 127, from the Japan Cup against Folkqueen, wasn't it?"
"Maybe her talent shines even more on the mile," Shuta An said thoughtfully. "I actually considered entering her in the Mile Championship."
"No way," Oguri Cap said firmly. "I want a Japan Cup three-peat."
"I know, that's why I didn't enter you," Shuta An replied at once. "Calm down, Oguri."
"After the Japan Cup, you're going to Hong Kong with Suzuka, right?" Oguri Cap asked, changing the subject. "Should Berno go too?"
"Let Berno stay here with you for recovery training," Shuta An said decisively. "I'll fly back the night of Hong Kong International Race Day, then guide your recovery training the very next day. December will be even busier than now."
He could tell—part of her suggestion came from unease about him traveling alone with Silence Suzuka.
—
Among the domestic Uma Musume, aside from Oguri Cap and George Monarch—who had also transferred from local racing—there were three others:
Osaiichi George, winner of this year's Takarazuka Kinen.
Yaeno Muteki, the Satsuki Sho winner of Oguri's generation.
Snow Endeavor, runner-up in this year's Argentina Republic Cup. (Real life record was White Stone. But since he was in Mejiro McQueen Generations Horse, he can't appear here yet.)
The overseas lineup was large, but not overwhelming.
Ode, runner-up in this year's Washington International Stakes and the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
"2400 meters isn't an issue for her," Shuta An commented. "But Tokyo's dry turf will be."
Cacoethes, winner of this year's Gold Cup Invitational Turf.
"Her Breeders' Cup Turf was a disaster—she finished just behind Suzuka. But her condition that day was clearly terrible. This time, we can't overlook her."
Alwuhush, second place in the Gold Cup Invitational Turf.
"Not as strong as Cacoethes. The only concern is whether she'll mark Oguri and interfere with your rhythm."
Skipping familiar names like Eve Binti, Shuta An pointed to one in particular.
"Belmez. As I said before, she must be taken seriously. Winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes—one of Europe's strongest middle-to-long-distance contenders this year."
FrenchGlory, winner of the Canadian International Stakes.
"Canada, huh~" Shuta An shrugged. "The overall race level is questionable, but for Japanese Uma Musume other than Oguri, she's still dangerous. She might try to lead, but since it's her first time at Tokyo Racecourse, she'll probably restrain herself. In that case, the one most likely to take the lead is Osaichi George, who's used to local racing."
"If Osaichi George leads, the pace will suit me perfectly," Oguri Cap said calmly. She had already studied that Uma Musume's habits.
"That's ideal," Shuta An nodded in satisfaction. "As for the rest—Belmez, Cacoethes, Ode—I don't think even all of them together can match you."
He reached out and patted Oguri Cap's shoulder.
"Let's set a new record in Japanese history."
—
At Thursday's drawing ceremony, Shuta An drew gate 7 for Oguri Cap.
"There's nothing more to say about this. She definitely needs to take an aggressive position. If she holds back and then tries to make a move, she's very likely to be blocked by the opponents working together," Shuta An said to Oguri Cap bluntly after returning home.
"No problem," Oguri Cap made an 'OK' gesture. "I understand. I'll pay attention to the gate start during the race."
"Mm, that really is key," Shuta An nodded. "It's great that Oguri has it figured out."
"It's about winning three consecutive G1 flat turf races, so I definitely have to give my all," Oguri Cap clenched her fists. "This achievement belongs not only to me but also to Ann, doesn't it?"
"Don't necessarily think of this as your race to win three consecutive Japan Cups. Just remember that you're participating to win. That's enough," Shuta An reached out and cupped Oguri Cap's hands in his. "I believe Oguri will definitely win."
"But if I win this race, Miss Rudolf's feelings might be a bit—" Oguri Cap hesitated.
"You don't need to care what she thinks, because Symboli Rudolf will only wish Oguri well," Shuta An's tone was decisive. "Because she is the 'Emperor,' an Uma Musume who strives for the happiness of all Uma Musumes. I have no doubt about her on this point, and Oguri doesn't need to doubt her either."
"Mm, I was overthinking it," Oguri Cap took a deep breath and replied, "Then I'll go to the gym for a short workout. The intensity won't be high."
"Go ahead, Oguri," Shuta An released his lover's hands. "A simple warm-up is enough. These few days are for accumulating stamina reserves. Abstinence and regulated diet are both very important."
"I know," the Gray Uma Musume pouted.
After watching Oguri Cap leave the living room, Shuta An also went upstairs to change clothes and head to Central Tracen Academy. He also needed to confirm the Hong Kong expedition with Silence Suzuka.
Driving to Central Tracen Academy, after sending a message to Silence Suzuka, a few minutes later, the Young man saw the Uma Musume in academy uniform walk out of the main entrance.
"Over here—" Shuta An waved and called out. Anyway, he didn't have a Central work permit yet, so entering the academy always meant greeting Symboli Rudolf, who would then have Tokai Teio lead the way.
If he told Tokai Teio to find Silence Suzuka, the Young man always felt she would act a bit sulky. So this time, he simply didn't bother Symboli Rudolf. Shuta An directly called Silence Suzuka out of the academy, intending to discuss the mid-December expedition matters in a nearby coffee shop.
After finding a coffee shop with available seats, Shuta An and Silence Suzuka sat opposite each other.
"Trainer, are you here today for—?" Silence Suzuka had originally planned to train her stamina further in the afternoon, but after receiving Shuta An's message, she rushed out.
"Today, I wanted to discuss some miscellaneous matters concerning the Hong Kong expedition with Suzuka," Shuta An got straight to the point, not wasting time with pleasantries, and decided to get right to the main topic.
"Miscellaneous matters?" Silence Suzuka tilted her head, a bit puzzled.
"For example, accommodation, race registration, and some precautions for when we get there," Shuta An finished speaking, then called a waiter to order.
"Precautions? Is there anything special to be aware of? When we were in America, we basically only had to avoid certain areas, right? The news there suggests the public order should be pretty good, no?" Silence Suzuka frowned tightly.
"There are three international races in Hong Kong in December, all held on the same day: the 2400-meter International Vase, the 1400-meter International Bowl, and the 1800-meter Hong Kong International Cup," Shuta An paused. "Just as we decided before, I've registered Suzuka for the Hong Kong International Cup."
"1800 meters—" Silence Suzuka pursed her lips. "I could actually try the Hong Kong International Vase again. The general level of opponents this time should be weaker, right? I could perform even better."
"Let's not. I think challenging 2400 meters again should wait until Suzuka has accumulated more honors," Shuta An shook his finger, rejecting Silence Suzuka's idea. "The Hong Kong International Cup is an 1800-meter race, and I personally feel that Suzuka is probably best suited for races between 1800 and 2200 meters. Just like in the Breeders' Cup Turf, you experienced a loss of speed in the last 200 meters, didn't you?"
"Mm," Silence Suzuka nodded gently. "That's why I wondered if I should try again this time. But since Trainer has already decided, I have no other opinion."
"Next is the accommodation. My plan is to book the Hyatt Regency hotel next to Sha Tin Racecourse. However, even though it's 'next to,' the actual distance is about 2 kilometers," Shuta An continued. "I've booked two single rooms. If Suzuka wants to stay in Hong Kong for a few more days after the race, we can extend the booking then."
"If I win, I might be in the mood, but if I keep losing, I really won't have the heart to stay in Hong Kong," Silence Suzuka shook her head.
For the 1800-meter Hong Kong International Cup, Silence Suzuka felt in her heart that she had to win.
But Shuta An didn't think so. On one hand, the average ability of local Hong Kong Uma Musume still surpassed Japan's top tier. On the other hand, this Hong Kong International Cup wouldn't just face local Uma Musumes, but also some Uma Musume from Europe and America. After all, the winning prize money, converted to Japanese Yen, was 72 million, which was definitely generous for a G2 grade stakes race.
"Finally," Shuta An stared intently at Silence Suzuka, his tone serious, "for this expedition to Hong Kong, I require Suzuka to maintain the same media silence as when she participated in the Secretariat Stakes. Do not accept any interviews."
"Eh...why?" Although Silence Suzuka didn't mind this, she wanted to know the reason.
"Hong Kong reporters are no less capable of causing trouble than American reporters. Those guys will also frequently ask questions unrelated to the Twinkle Series. Considering the current situation, I think Suzuka maintaining silence is the best solution."
"I will do that," Silence Suzuka tidied her hair by her temples, then replied, "So, regarding my training.. —"
"Until the Japan Cup is over, Suzuka should maintain normal intensity. Ensuring her body remains problem-free is the top priority. Specific training will officially begin once we arrive in Hong Kong," Shuta An instructed.
"Alright" Silence Suzuka's tone could not hide her disappointment after hearing Shuta An's arrangements—she had thought there would be a special training plan this time.
But then, thinking of challenging the Hong Kong International Cup with her Trainer in the near future, the Uma Musume was no longer so disheartened.
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