It was the last Sunday in March.
This was the day the Osaka Hai, the 11th race, was to be held at Hanshin Racecourse. It's a G1 race over 2,000 meters on turf and the starting point for the spring senior triple crown.
It was also the race that Rice challenged last year and was defeated by Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen.
"I'm so... sorry... Big Brother... Rice couldn't win... I couldn't win... Rice is the leader of Team Kitalpha..."
Thinking about how a year had passed since Rice said that and shed tears.
I'm in my second year as a trainer, and this year's Osaka Hai is the last race for my 담당 (charge) Uma Musume. Soon a new year will come, and I will be in my third year as a trainer.
I wonder if I'll be challenging the Osaka Hai again this time next year. Or maybe I'll have King run in a different race.
I arrived on-site the day before, letting King rest while checking her condition, and she's in top form. She's perfectly prepared, and since I can't do paired training with Rice, her stamina hasn't improved much, but I can say that her speed has been thoroughly trained by running with Urara.
All I can do now is let her run in the actual race and wait for the results.
There was just one unexpected thing.
(I didn't expect Meek to run in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen instead of the Osaka Hai...)
Meek, who can run all distances, was going to run in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, avoiding the Osaka Hai. No, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen is also a G1, so it's strange to say she's avoiding the Osaka Hai. Many of the top Uma Musume who aren't injured likely aimed for the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, assuming others would target the Osaka Hai.
As proof of this, despite being the starting point of the spring senior triple crown, the Osaka Hai didn't have a full gate of 16, with only 12 participants. Conversely, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen had a full gate of 18... or rather, so many Uma Musume wanted to participate that dozens were left out.
Also, many Uma Musume challenged other graded races in late March, like the G2 Hanshin Daishoten and Nikkei Sho, so many trainers and Uma Musume seemed to have avoided the Osaka Hai.
It's not strange to make that judgment, as the lineup for the Osaka Hai is stacked. However, when I saw the entry list that arrived the other day, I couldn't stop the corner of my mouth from twitching up.
(I can't believe they're actually coming...)
In addition to the strong Uma Musume I was already wary of, there were two names on the entry list that I couldn't be careless about.
Unchanging and Ribbon Mazurka.
They're Uma Musume raised by a同期 (peer) of mine and they ran in a practice race I held back when I had only been in charge of Rice for about a month.
About two months ago, we had a drinking party to celebrate my peer's graded race victory, and the Uma Musume raised by those trainers—the main guests, so to speak—were the ones who had won graded races.
Unchanging won the G3 Nakayama Kimpai, and Ribbon Mazurka took first place in the G3 Aichi Hai.
In addition, Yuichi MUNI and Bridge Comp were in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, not the Osaka Hai. Furthermore, Imperial Talis was listed on the entry list for the G2 Hanshin Daishoten, and Sold Out was on the list for the G2 Nikkei Sho.
In other words, in the races held in late March, I and my fellow young trainers would be clashing. Will the senior trainers' Uma Musume win, will the Uma Musume from powerful teams win, or will the Uma Musume of us young trainers win?
"It's rare for you to make a face like that."
On the way to Hanshin Racecourse, King looked at my face and said that in a teasing way. Hearing that, I couldn't help but smile more deeply.
"Is that so? Well, maybe... I'm always baiting my peers, saying my Uma Musume is stronger, my Uma Musume is cuter, so when we clash in an official race like this... yeah, it gets me excited."
King is the one who will run, and all I can do during the race is watch and cheer. But, to use Urara's words, a feeling of excitement wells up inside me.
"...Are you competing on who's cuter, too, not just who's stronger?"
"Of course. We bragged about it endlessly at the drinking party in January, too. That my King is stronger and cuter."
Wait, was it Urara who said she was cute back then? But well, King is just as cute as Urara, so it's not a lie, yeah.
"I declared that Rice is the strongest stayer and King is the strongest sprinter."
"......"
"But well, today's Osaka Hai is a middle-distance race. We can't let our guard down, and we have to show that King is strong even in middle-distance races... King?"
When I looked at King because she didn't reply, she had a red face and was looking away.
"...Stupid."
And King hit my thigh with her tail. When I tilted my head at that, Rice, who was next to me, also hit my thigh with her tail.
After arriving at Hanshin Racecourse, we entered and sent King to the waiting room. As we walked toward the paddock, I could see my peer's trainer in the distance.
They must have noticed me too, as our eyes met. Normally, I would casually go over and say hello, but today we're enemies.
Still, from a distance, we smiled at each other, and I headed to the front row of the paddock. It's not just me and my peers here. There are also senior trainers from Team Spica and Team Canopus, and other senior trainers.
We acknowledge each other, but we don't say anything, just exchange glances. Only the senior trainer from Spica gave a light smile and waved, so I bowed in return.
After waiting for a while in the paddock, the Uma Musume appeared for their unveiling.
Two-seaters, two-seaters, Nice Nature.
The first one to appear in the inner gate was Nice Nature. She's one of King's, or rather, originally Rice's rivals, and it seems she's still running as a senior this year.
This is Nice Nature's third year as a senior... in other words, her fifth year as an active Uma Musume. She has the physical toughness to run for so long, and her ability to continue running on the front lines is a cause for caution.
She's had one race this year, finishing out of the money in seventh place in the American Jockey Club Cup in late January. However, when I checked Nice Nature's physique as she came out to the paddock, I couldn't help but furrow my brows.
(She's in great shape... She's very motivated. She seems to be in good form.)
The scary thing about Nice Nature is that even if she finishes out of the money, she doesn't completely fall apart. She has a frightening ability to sneak into the upper ranks if you let your guard down.
Three-seaters, three-seaters, Ribbon Mazurka.
Next to appear was Ribbon Mazurka, who is raised by a peer of mine. She has a chestnut mane and a short bob that curls out, and her race clothes are based on light blue and green. A green top that shows her shoulders and stomach, a short light blue jacket and mini skirt, and green tights that cover her legs.
(She seems to be in good form. Her readiness is... I can't check her legs because they're hidden by the tights...)
I couldn't help but groan. I couldn't check her leg muscles, but judging from her aura alone, she seems to be perfectly prepared. She's a graded race Uma Musume who's come out for a G1. I can't let my guard down.
Five-seaters, five-seaters, Biwa Hayahide.
And the next one I checked was Biwa Hayahide.
(...This one, well...)
I couldn't help but murmur to myself when I saw Biwa Hayahide in the paddock.
She hasn't won a G1 yet—but the reason I'm always cautious about her is because of her blessed physique.
Although she hasn't won a G1, she has two G2 wins and has set a record. If she had debuted in a different year, she would undoubtedly have been one of the top contenders of that year.
Just as her younger sister Narita Brian is dominating the younger generation, I believe this one also has ability and talent that are not inferior to Narita Brian.
And today, Biwa Hayahide was clearly in good form. Her readiness was perfect... or rather, her body seemed to have gotten even bigger...? Is it just that her hair is spreading out in waves that makes it look that way?
Five-seaters, six-seaters, King Halo.
Next to appear was King. At the same time, cheers and a few murmurs of doubt rose from the audience.
"I knew from the entry list, but she's in a middle-distance G1 now..."
"She won G1s in short distance and mile, so I thought she'd run in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen."
"But if she wins a middle-distance G1, she'll have a shot at winning a G1 in all distances, right? I think King Halo can do it."
"I heard a rumor that some of her merchandise went on sale before the release date, why?"
King in the paddock had her usual dignified expression, looking at the stands. There was confidence and determination in her eyes.
The determination to win the Osaka Hai that Rice couldn't win last year was overflowing on her face.
"King-chan..."
Perhaps sensing that, Rice murmured with a look that was a mix of being troubled and happy. For Rice, King is a cute junior and a kind of disciple. Right now, Rice is recuperating and can't run with her, but for the six months King has been on the team, they've run together every day.
It's probably because she saw King growing like that that Rice also started thinking about pursuing a career in training in the future.
Six-seaters, seven-seaters, Special Week.
Next to appear was Special Week. It's been a while since I've seen her in person, but like Biwa Hayahide, she feels a size larger. Her height hasn't changed much, but her aura has become stronger and sharper.
(Before I knew it, she's a senior now... No wonder she's gotten stronger and bigger.)
Just like King, it's been almost two years since she entered Tracen Academy. During that time, she's been training hard and challenging races.
And Special Week is one of the top Uma Musume at Tracen Academy, who has continued to challenge G1s. Furthermore, as far as I've researched, Special Week has never been injured. She's an Uma Musume who has continued to run, just like King.
(No... King overdid it in the Mile Championship. So she's tougher.)
Toughness is one of the most important talents for an Uma Musume. Or maybe it's the most important talent.
It's a simple matter. If she doesn't get injured, she can accumulate more training and challenge more races. But if injuries occur frequently, a lot of time will be taken up by recuperation and rehabilitation.
Well, there are also Uma Musume who win G1s in their comeback race despite having an injury that required long-term recuperation. I'm talking about Tokai Teio. The senior trainer from Spica is just off the charts. And Special Week is an Uma Musume that senior trainer from Spica has been training. I wonder just how off the charts she is...
Six-seaters, eight-seaters, Seiun Sky.
She's last year's Kikka Sho Uma Musume and the one who set the world record. But, as usual, she's waving to the stands with an unreadable, goofy expression.
(This one's condition is as hard to read as ever... She seems to be in good shape, though...)
Looking at her physique, she's probably in good shape. But her condition is hard to read from her expression. I don't think it's bad, though.
Seven-seaters, nine-seaters, Unchanging.
Next, I checked Unchanging, who is raised by a peer of mine. She has straight ash-gray hair that goes down to her back, with two pigtails hanging on either side of her face. Her race clothes are... wait? They look similar to Ribbon Mazurka's. The top and tights are black, but the jacket and skirt are light blue, and the design is identical. I wonder if the same designer made them?
Race clothes aside, she reminds me of Mejiro McQueen in some ways. However, her aura of strength is not on par with Mejiro McQueen's. Still, Unchanging has the presence befitting a graded race Uma Musume.
(She also looks to be in perfect shape... It's a shame I can't see her legs because of the tights. Ribbon Mazurka too, could it be they're making them wear tights to prevent people from observing them like this? They're using a tactic like the senior trainers from Canopus...)
Seven-seaters, ten-seaters, Twin Turbo.
While I was thinking about that, the next one to appear was Twin Turbo, a member of the aforementioned Team Canopus. Her race clothes still look unsuitable for running, but she's strong when she's strong...
But in her recent races, her engine seems to have failed halfway through, so was her win against Tokai Teio a fluke?
While I was thinking that, Twin Turbo looked over here and her eyes widened. No, she's looking at Rice, not me.
"Oh, wait... Rice Shower, why are you here? Turbo's about to race, you know? Turbo trained to beat Rice Shower and Teio..."
"Eh..."
Rice looked surprised, or rather, as if she had been told something unexpected. Yeah, I'm probably making the same face.
"Okay, okay, sorry. I told her Tokai Teio and Rice Shower weren't in today's race, but it seems she wasn't listening."
Nice Nature, who had already finished her unveiling, came over and said that. The bitter smile on her face was probably because of Twin Turbo's behavior.
Nice Nature looked at Rice, and her expression changed to one that was a little sad.
"But it's a shame. I wanted to run with Teio, Rice, and McQueen again."
"Nature-san..."
"I don't know if I'll be able to participate in the Dream Series... But oh well, I'm going to work hard so I'll be called."
Rice seemed at a loss for how to respond to Nice Nature's words. And Twin Turbo, who was doing her unveiling, looked around and then puffed out her chest.
"Okay, I've decided! Turbo will beat King Halo instead of Rice Shower! Then it'll be Rice Shower's turn!"
It seems she's set her sights on King instead of Rice. I couldn't help but give a wry smile at Twin Turbo's behavior.
Eight-seaters, eleven-seaters, Machikane Tannhauser.
Next, the third member of Team Canopus appeared. And to think the senior trainer from Canopus sends two or three members to almost every G1 is both unreadable and scary. And it's also scary that they'll just have all their members run in the same race even if it's not a G1.
Machikane Tannhauser herself... yeah, she seems to be in good shape. But her condition feels just average. She seemed flustered and bowed her head, perhaps having heard Twin Turbo's voice earlier.
Eight-seaters, twelve-seaters, Narita Taishin.
The last one to appear was Narita Taishin. And when I saw her, I slightly furrowed my brows.
(Compared to her races in the second half of last year, she's in better shape... But how far will she improve...)
Something must have happened, as Narita Taishin seems to have recovered. However, although she seems to be in good shape, it's unclear how well she will run.
Because Narita Taishin is also wearing race clothes that hide her legs. However, her left leg is mostly hidden by ripped jeans, but her right leg is exposed and mostly visible. So I stared at it, but it's hard to get a read on her with only one leg to look at.
Judging from the development of the muscles in her right leg, if her left leg's muscles have also developed accordingly, she'll likely show a performance incomparable to last year's. But it all depends on how much her motivation has recovered.
"Trainer, Rice-senpai."
After confirming all the Uma Musume participating, King came closer to us.
"I'm not trying to imitate Rice-senpai, but who do you think is the toughest opponent today? Urara-san... just go by your gut feeling."
When she asked that, Rice and I looked at each other.
"Parfait-chan!"
"I wonder about Oishii Parfait... She's in gate one, but..."
I couldn't help but interject at Urara, who raised her hand with a smile. Then Urara tilted her head and poked her head with her finger.
"Hmm... I feel like Spe-chan and Hayahide-chan are scary... maybe?"
I wonder if that's Urara's gut feeling, or if she thought so from what she just saw in the paddock.
"I agree. If Rice were in the race, I'd have her mark one of those two... Well, I think Rice would just win with a forward-running style without marking them."
"Rice thinks it's those two, too... maybe? Nature-san is scary, too, though..."
When Rice said that, Nice Nature, who must have heard the conversation despite the distance, made a disgusted face. "I'm not the kind of Uma Musume Rice would mark," she said, but she did mark her in the Arima Kinen two years ago...
"I see... Then I'll be especially cautious of those three when I run."
"What about Parfait-chan?"
"...I'll be cautious of those four when I run."
King replied to Urara's words as if she had no choice. But, perhaps the interaction with Urara had eased her tension, she smiled softly before turning on her heel.
"Well then, I'm off."
"Yeah, I'm cheering for you."
"Do your best, King-chan!"
"You can win, King-chan!"
King lightly raised her right hand in response to our cheers and headed for the course.
The warm spring weather is pleasant at Hanshin Racecourse. The 11th race is about to begin, the G1 2,000 meters on turf, the Osaka Hai. The track condition has been announced as good.
The main race of the day and the starting point of the spring senior triple crown is finally about to begin. Last year, it was a clash of the TMRs, and Tokai Teio was victorious in this race.
The fanfare echoed through Hanshin Racecourse, and the live broadcaster and commentator exchanged words.
This is the second time I've watched the Osaka Hai from the stands. But this year, it feels even more exciting than last year.
Three-seaters, three-seaters, Ribbon Mazurka. The ninth favorite.
She's the Uma Musume who won first place in the Nakayama Kimpai held in January. Her powerful late-stage sprint is her trademark, but we'll be watching to see how much she can improve against today's participants.
The gates started to open with odd-numbered horses, and Ribbon Mazurka entered her gate. Next to enter the gate was Biwa Hayahide.
Five-seaters, five-seaters, Biwa Hayahide. The fourth favorite.
One of the Golden Generation has come out for the Osaka Hai. However, many of the other Golden Generation members are injured or running in other races, so there are only four, including Biwa Hayahide, this time... A clash between the Golden Generation is exciting.
He must really think so. The commentator said with a bouncy voice.
Six-seaters, seven-seaters, Special Week. The first favorite.
She is one of the Golden Generation and last year's Derby Uma Musume. Hmm... She's in great shape... Look at her hips. I saw them in the paddock, too, and her condition looks good, so there's a lot to look forward to.
This commentator, he's just like the senior trainer from Spica, isn't he?
Seven-seaters, nine-seaters, Unchanging. The eighth favorite.
She's the one who won first place in the Aichi Hai held in January. This one's late-stage sprint is quite good, so we have high hopes.
Although they've won graded races, both Ribbon Mazurka and Unchanging are slightly less popular than the other Uma Musume. No, the other Uma Musume have also won graded races, so their popularity is probably rather high?
Eight-seaters, eleven-seaters, Machikane Tannhauser. The seventh favorite.
She's a member of Team Canopus, and she has stable strength. Half of the participants in this race have just become seniors, so as someone who also ran last year as a senior, she'll want to show the difference in experience.
The difference in experience is certainly a hassle. It's a different story if you have enough potential to overcome it, but it's obviously better to have it than not.
Two-seaters, two-seaters, Nice Nature. The third favorite.
This one is also a member of Team Canopus, but she's an Uma Musume with even more stability than Machikane Tannhauser. This is her third year as a senior, and she's a capable person who has fought against the TMRs. I wonder what kind of race she'll run today...
Because she has been running as a senior for a long time, Nice Nature is very popular. Cheers flew from the stands, and Nice Nature entered her gate, saying "Thanks" as if she were used to it.
Five-seaters, six-seaters, King Halo. The second favorite.
She is one of the Golden Generation, but she has to give up the first favorite position to Special Week, who won the middle-distance Japan Derby. However, with a third-place finish in the Kikka Sho, her stamina is sufficient, and she also has the speed to win G1s in short distance and mile. She's one of today's top contenders for the championship.
As King was introduced, she bowed to the stands, holding the hem of her skirt. A huge cheer flew at the sight of her, but there weren't as many boos as there were during the Kikka Sho or the Mile Championship.
Six-seaters, eight-seaters, Seiun Sky. The fifth favorite.
The Golden Generation continues. She is last year's Kikka Sho Uma Musume and a runaway Uma Musume who set a world record. If she can show that kind of run, a high-place finish seems easy, but we'll see what happens...
Despite winning the Kikka Sho, she has to give up the popular position to Biwa Hayahide. This is probably due to her finishing out of the money in the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen. Still, the banner of a world record is a big thing, as she is still the fifth favorite.
Seven-seaters, ten-seaters, Twin Turbo. The sixth favorite.
This is the third participant from Team Canopus. What kind of condition is the Turbo Engine in today... This is what it all comes down to.
Wow, he just said it with certainty. I have the same opinion, but is it okay for a commentator to say that... No, the audience is overjoyed just to see Twin Turbo, so I guess it's okay...
Eight-seaters, twelve-seaters, Narita Taishin. The tenth favorite.
Lastly, it's Narita Taishin. She's an Uma Musume who excels at late-stage sprints, but she wasn't so sharp in her races in the second half of last year. However, her condition looks good, so let's look forward to today's race.
As the live broadcaster and commentator spoke, Hanshin Racecourse gradually fell silent.
The sound disappeared as if a wave had receded, and then a few seconds of silence followed--.
All Uma Musume have entered the gates. And they're off.
With a bang, the gates opened, and the first race aiming for this year's spring senior triple crown began.
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