Yasui Makoto had vaguely noticed the subtle emotions among the "Gold family" Uma Musume.
But seeing how Kitasan Black and the others were deeply immersed in the festive race-day atmosphere, completely unaware, he pondered briefly and chose not to say anything.
After leaving the lounge, they took their reserved seats near the front of the audience stands. After watching the earlier afternoon races, the instant Gold Ship appeared in the parade ring, the entire group of Uma Musume erupted in cheers.
"Golshi! Over here, look here!"
"She looks pretty good today—go for it, Golshi!"
Amid Special Week and Vodka's enthusiastic cheers, Daiwa Scarlet and Silence Suzuka discussed quietly, thoughtful.
"Only the second favorite, huh...? Strange, Golshi won the Hanshin Daishoten last race, so why's that?" Daiwa Scarlet asked in puzzlement.
"The first favorite... Kizuna, was it?"
Gently touching her chin, Silence Suzuka murmured, "I remember... she won the Derby two years ago, didn't she?"
"I read in the race guidebook and heard commentary earlier that she has strong long-distance adaptability. In last year's Tenno Sho (Spring), she even beat Golshi by about three horse-lengths."
"So...it's understandable if Golshi's popularity is lower."
To veterans like them, everything said was basic common sense, and most of the nearby Uma Musume nodded in agreement.
But Almond Eye looked over, curiously asking:
"The Japanese Derby... does winning that race automatically make an Uma Musume the strongest?"
"Well...not exactly."
Daiwa Scarlet affectionately ruffled Almond Eye's hair, smiling indulgently as she explained:
"The Derby really is special. In fact, any race with 'Derby' in its name tends to be significant—the title itself implies 'peak of the generation.' Naturally, winning is impressive."
"But there are other meaningful races too."
"Like today's Tenno Sho (Spring), or the Arima Kinen at the end of the year—the Uma Musume who participate in those races are also among their generation's strongest."
"If you ask me, winning the Arima Kinen might even be a bit more impressive."
Almond Eye nodded vaguely, while Vodka, beside them, couldn't help but laugh with mock irritation.
"Hey, Daiwa, talking like that makes it awkward for someone like me who's won the Derby but never the Arima Kinen..."
Maybe because Almond Eye was present, Daiwa Scarlet didn't snap back like usual. Instead, she almost comfortingly said:
"Relax, relax. It wasn't your fault you couldn't participate those two years—you weren't well, right? Can't help stuff like that."
Having originally just joked casually, Vodka didn't mind at all. She flashed a dashing smile and turned back toward the parade ring, then glanced at the tunnel exit.
The parade was nearing its end; Kizuna and Gold Ship, who had appeared first, had already emerged from the tunnel exit, guided by staff toward the gates.
"Gate number one..."
Rubbing her chin thoughtfully as she watched Gold Ship's figure, Vodka frowned slightly and looked toward Special Week next to her.
"Hey, Spe-chan, is gate one good for Tenno Sho (Spring)?"
"Gate one in the Tenno Sho...? Well, it's alright, I guess... Are you worried about Golshi?" Special Week was also looking toward Gold Ship, responding with her own question.
"Yeah, I didn't pay attention earlier, but looking at it now…"
Vodka's eyes swept across the straightaway behind the starting gates as she murmured:
"The straight at Tenno Sho seems considerably longer than in most races. Starting on the inside... probably isn't very advantageous, right?"
With an expression as though reminiscing, Special Week thought aloud:
"It's true...I remember feeling like the straight was pretty long when running it. Let me think, the straight after the start for Tenno Sho..."
"Should be 417 meters exactly. That distance, from an inside lane...isn't especially favorable."
"But...it's Golshi, right? She should be okay."
"Inside isn't favorable…?"
Hearing Vodka and Special Week's conversation, Almond Eye asked confusedly, "Why? Isn't running on the inside supposed to save energy and distance?"
Though they hadn't voiced their curiosity, Kitasan Black and Duramente were also looking over inquisitively, their eyes clearly filled with confusion.
In the memories of these younger Uma Musume, teachers, instructors, and trainers alike had often emphasized the advantage of the inside lanes.
During many training sessions and races, the advice given was always to secure an inside position as quickly as possible.
Now, however, their senpai were saying the exact opposite.
"Well, about that…"
Vodka glanced at Special Week. "Spe-chan, you explain this—I'm not really great with long-distance races."
Without protest, Special Week smiled and gently patted Almond Eye's head, then addressed the juniors gathered around her.
"The inside or outside lane advantage... How should I put this? It really depends on the specific race."
"In most races, it's definitely correct to secure an inside position as quickly as possible after leaving the gate. But for Tenno Sho (Spring), the straightaway is especially long, and since it's right after the start, everyone's pace won't be too quick."
"If you keep a smooth rhythm when moving laterally, and pick a good angle before the turn, running on the outside doesn't actually consume as much stamina as you might expect."
"That's when the situation flips for the inside runners."
"Inside lanes already have fewer tactical choices compared to the outside, because you risk getting boxed in. So if the outside doesn't have an obvious stamina or speed disadvantage, then the disadvantage of running inside becomes quite noticeable."
"Also, there's another important factor."
"If the turf condition on the inside lane is poor, you'll need to spend extra effort to break outward—otherwise your speed will suffer, and you'll waste a lot of stamina."
"In those situations, it's actually the inside lanes that use up more energy and stamina."
"So, when you race in the future, make sure not to follow instructions too rigidly, okay?"
After Special Week finished her gentle explanation, her eyes sparkled with inspiration. Almond Eye clenched her fists, voice full of admiration:
"Spe-senpai... you're so amazing!"
"All our senpai are amazing! Suzuka-senpai, Scarlet-senpai just now, and Spe-senpai too..."
"And of course, Vodka-senpai is amazing as well."
Hearing this little junior earnestly praise all of them, everyone laughed lightly. Vodka, mirroring Daiwa Scarlet's earlier action, affectionately rubbed Almond Eye's head.
"Alright, no need to include me specially. For the Tenno Sho (Spring), it's best to learn from your Spe-senpai. Ah, and you can also seek advice from McQueen-senpai if you get the chance."
"Mm! I know that!"
As though afraid of being underestimated, Almond Eye kept her expression composed, but her voice was clearly eager.
"Spe-senpai was the first Uma Musume after Tamamo Cross-senpai to win both Tenno Sho (Spring) and Tenno Sho (Autumn) back-to-back. McQueen-senpai was the first ever to win consecutive Spring Tenno Sho."
"I'll learn from all my senpai and do my best to become an Uma Musume as outstanding—or even more outstanding—than them!"
"Oh? Even more outstanding, huh?"
Taken aback, Vodka smiled playfully and turned toward Kitasan Black, who was also smiling warmly beside them.
"Kita-chan, you'd better learn from Almond-chan. She's not just aiming to follow her senpai—she plans to surpass them!"
"Almond-chan has always had big dreams!"
Kitasan eagerly nodded several times, her eyes growing determined. "But senpai is right—I also need to aim high like that!"
Amid this cheerful atmosphere, Yasui Makoto, who had been quietly smiling without comment, silently nodded in approval.