As Super Creek entered the final straight, Oguri Cap shifted a few steps to the right—and almost instinctively, Super Creek followed, adjusting her line before launching into her sprint.
As the Kikuka Shō & this year Autumn Tenno Sho champion, Super Creek's stamina was beyond question. In a 2400-meter race at Tokyo conducted at such a terrifyingly high pace, she should have held a decisive advantage. At least, that was what she had believed. When she realized just how extreme the tempo of this Japan Cup was, she had even felt a flicker of secret relief.
Yet the moment she truly began to accelerate, a cruel reality struck her head-on.
Her burst…simply wasn't enough.
Compared to Oguri Cap and Folkqueen, her instantaneous acceleration was clearly inferior. Both of them were Mile-level G1 contenders—Uma Musume who possessed not only explosive speed, but also sufficient stamina to carry that speed through 2400 meters at Tokyo Racecourse. In a direct comparison of last spurt homestretch, Super Creek was decisively outclassed.
And the gap widened mercilessly.
With 200 meters remaining, Folkqueen had already pulled more than three horse lengths ahead of Super Creek. Oguri Cap, meanwhile, was already one full horse length ahead of Folkqueen.
—
Inari One chose a different path.
She charged straight ahead.
At first, everything went smoothly. Relying on her excellent late speed, Inari One cut cleanly through the mid-pack, tearing open gaps with brute force. But once she caught sight of the leading group, her momentum stalled.
The overseas Uma Musume ahead possessed far stronger physical conditioning than she did. Worse still, the reckless breakthrough through the pack had already drained a significant portion of her power and stamina. Pushing forward any further now was painfully difficult.
Inari One's eyesight was sharp.
Even through layers of bodies and motion, she could clearly see Oguri Cap and Folkqueen sprinting toward the finish line, unobstructed, locked in their own decisive battle.
The emotions surging in her chest were impossible to describe.
"Damn it," she cursed under her breath. "My pre-race miscalculation was too severe."
—
With 100 meters remaining, Oguri Cap still held a one-horse-length advantage. Folkqueen, drawing upon her experience, had already realized the truth.
There's no way to overtake her.
"What a pity," she thought.
Yet surrender never crossed her mind. Even though Super Creek behind her was already more than two horse lengths away, Folkqueen continued to sprint with everything she had.
"I declared Oguri Cap my greatest opponent in this race," then she told herself fiercely, biting her lip.
"So I'll fight her until the very last step. How could I abandon my final effort just because I've confirmed I can't win?"
—
Oguri Cap had no awareness of the thoughts raging behind her on the left. Victory was already within her grasp—she had no time, nor need, to turn her head.
"This is my comeback race," she thought calmly. "I want to win beautifully…even more beautifully."
Her stride lengthened.
"I want to show everyone a stronger me than I was at last year's Arima Kinen."
With that resolve, Oguri Cap pressed forward once more, her sprint unrelenting as she charged toward the finish line.
—
Inside the private box, Shuta An's eyes widened as he watched the gap continue to grow.
"Oguri's condition is even better than I imagined."
"Last year's Japan Cup," Berno Light said softly, "Oguri had to fight Obey Your Master all the way to the line. But this time…she's already left everyone behind so early."
She smiled faintly.
"Even after more than half a year of rest due to injury, the current Oguri is stronger than last year."
"If she hadn't been injured in the first half of the year," Shuta An sighed, "she should've taken the Yasuda Kinen or even straight into the Takarazuka Kinen. What a pity—tendinitis really delayed her path."
—
In another private box, Symboli Rudolf stood quietly by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at Oguri Cap's solitary figure at the front.
"So strong…" Maruzensky murmured. "If Folkqueen hadn't participated, this might've been the Japan Cup with the largest winning margin in history."
"It very well could have been," Symboli Rudolf nodded. "It seems Oguri Cap is still the strongest in Japan's Twinkle Series. Neither Super Creek nor Inari One can quite stand on the same level."
"That's true," Air Groove agreed. "Inari One's miscalculation was fatal—her Trainer held her back too much. Super Creek was simply overwhelmed by Oguri Cap's burst. In terms of talent, preparation, and Trainer—Miss Oguri Cap completely surpasses the rest."
"After all," Symboli Rudolf said with a faint shake of her head, "her Trainer is that person."
She continued calmly, "Many Uma Musume in the academy's elementary and middle divisions are currently unwilling to join any team precisely because they're waiting for Shuta-kun to enter Central."
"Once he's done with Oguri Cap," Maruzensky raised an eyebrow, "his standards will probably rise even higher. He won't recruit ordinary talent anymore—especially with Teio already on the team."
The implication was clear.
Tokai Teio appeared cheerful and playful on the surface, but among the middle-school Uma Musume, she was widely regarded as difficult to approach. It wasn't arrogance—just the unintentional pressure radiated by a true genius.
"Fortunately," Symboli Rudolf concluded, "Team Sadalsuud has Oguri Cap."
She smiled faintly.
"With Oguri there, Teio can safely act as a 'junior'—just as she does with us."
—
As the conversation faded, Oguri Cap surged toward the finish line.
Folkqueen had been completely shaken off, yet she still forced herself to accelerate in the final 20 meters—not for victory, but for herself, to release the frustration that had built up over more than half a year.
Then—
"Oguri Cap is coming! Oguri Cap is coming! Oguri Cap is coming!" The live commentator clutched the microphone with both hands.
"Overcoming tendinitis! Overcoming fans' worries! Overcoming expert prejudice! Overcoming the history of the Japan Cup!"
"2:22.1! A new record for 2400 meters on turf is born here! The first consecutive victory in Japan Cup history!"
"The super idol from Tokai has crossed the towering walls of history and injury alike—engraving her name once more into the annals of Japan's Twinkle Series!"
"Oguri Cap—REVIVAL!"
"2:22.1…" Symboli Rudolf lifted her gaze to the scoreboard, calmly reading out Oguri Cap's finishing time.
"Folkqueen was only 0.1 seconds slower," Maruzensky continued, her tone carrying a rare trace of awe. "Yet even she broke the 2400-meter turf world record. Truly terrifying—The desperate runaway drama staged by Eve Binty and Thief Crow ultimately became nothing more than a ladder for Oguri Cap and Folkqueen to shatter history."
"It seems Oguri Cap remains the top favorite for the Arima Kinen," Air Groove added. "President, you should begin preparing for the awards ceremony now, shouldn't you?"
"Yes." Symboli Rudolf nodded and turned away. "You two won't be idle either. Tonight's banquet needs final confirmation—check every detail. Compared to you, the URA Association is not entirely reassuring."
"Understood." Maruzensky, tasked with responsibility, surprisingly showed no trace of her usual levity. She rose together with Air Groove and headed out.
—
Meanwhile, Shuta An and Berno Light also left the private box. Although Oguri Cap had already returned to the lounge to shower and prepare for the Winning Live, Shuta An's work was only just beginning.
"I'll be handling a reporter interview shortly," Shuta An said calmly. "Berno, you go straight backstage. After Oguri's Winning Live, accompany her to the hotel. I'll join you at the banquet venue once I'm done."
"OK!" Berno Light nodded firmly. "Understood! Let's meet at the banquet hall!"
With that, the logistics Uma Musume quickened her pace, passed Shuta An, and jogged down the stairs.
Shuta An opted for the elevator. Just as the doors were about to close, several Trainers of overseas Uma Musumes stepped in. They all recognized him—the Trainer of today's Japan Cup champion—and greeted him politely.
After a few brief pleasantries, silence fell.
The ride from the upper floors to the ground level was short, and anything worth discussing could wait until the banquet. More importantly, the overseas Trainers who had lost today were hardly in the mood for conversation.
—
When Shuta An emerged at the grandstand entrance, Oguri Cap had already returned to her lounge through the underground passage.
Deprived of their main target, the reporters immediately swarmed him.
Used to such scenes, Shuta An raised both hands slightly, pressing them down in a calming gesture. The reporters obediently quieted.
"I know everyone has many questions," he said evenly. "That's why I came out personally. There's plenty of time—let's take them one by one."
No response was needed; the reporters' enthusiastic nodding spoke for itself.
To overseas media, the young Trainer—holder of the French Two Crowns and closely associated with the Mile Queen Miesque—was already a figure worthy of respect. To domestic reporters, there was even less debate. Although Shuta An's overall career had yet to reach Hall-of-Fame length, the weight of the French Two Crowns alone meant that even if he retired tomorrow, the URA Association would still enshrine him in the Twinkle Series Hall of Fame.
His standing spoke for itself.
Casually, Shuta An pointed to a kind-looking local reporter.
"Congratulations to Miss Oguri Cap on successfully defending the Japan Cup," the reporter said with a respectful bow. "As her Trainer, what are your thoughts right now, Shuta-kun?"
"I'm very happy—and honestly, very surprised," Shuta An replied frankly. "This was her comeback race. To be honest, I was prepared for Oguri not to reach peak condition yet. But as expected—Oguri is simply that kind of existence. She never disappoints those who support her."
The next question cut straight to the point everyone cared about most.
"After winning the Japan Cup with a record-breaking time, what is Miss Oguri Cap's next race? Will she continue to participate in the Arima Kinen?"
"Of course." Shuta An answered without hesitation. "The Arima Kinen is a dream stage chosen by the fans. As long as Oguri remains uninjured, she will definitely participate."
For the third question, he selected an overseas reporter.
"Does Miss Oguri Cap have plans to race overseas next year? Will she challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?"
Shuta An pressed his forehead lightly, then both nodded and shook his head.
"She will go overseas," he said carefully, "but she will not challenge the Arc. Longchamp's 2400 meters doesn't suit her. I believe her best stage lies in America. We're considering the Arlington Million or the Breeders' Cup. Which one she'll target is still under discussion."
An American reporter's eyes immediately lit up.
"We welcome Miss Oguri Cap to the Breeders' Cup Series!" he called out loudly.
—
By the time Shuta An finished with the reporters, Oguri Cap's Winning Live had long since concluded. He shook his head lightly and walked toward the parking lot. His banquet suit was already in the car; changing there would be quicker.
After changing, he exited the vehicle and headed toward the hotel beside Tokyo Racecourse—the venue for tonight's banquet. Even before he entered the lobby, Berno Light and Oguri Cap had already spotted him. They flanked him from both sides, each naturally holding onto one of his arms.
Escorted in such a manner, Shuta An entered the banquet hall.
After scanning the room, he silently mused:
'Miss "Rudolph" really is bold this time. Knowing Oguri is here, she still dares to host a buffet'
He could already imagine the scene that would unfold later.
"It's fine if Oguri eats as much as she wants today," he muttered aloud.
Oguri Cap, walking beside him, twitched her ears—clearly delighted.
Thanks to the booming economy, the URA Association's funds were abundant. This post–Japan Cup banquet had been allocated the largest budget in history, striving for absolute excellence in ingredients, dishes, and presentation.
Oguri Cap's appetite was already stirring.
She sincerely hoped that Symboli Rudolf and the URA Association President would hurry onto the stage, finish their speeches, and officially announce—
THE START OF THE BANQUET.