A G3 Stakes Race, Backstage
"Hah? Instead of preparing for the [Baby Cup], she dares to challenge a stakes race?"
"After beating Daiwa Scarlet, she thinks she's unrivaled among her peers and now wants to challenge the seniors?"
"Is she not afraid of going from an Undefeated Triple Crown hopeful to just another Triple Crown winner at best?"
"It's only been a week since her debut race, and the one she defeated was Daiwa Scarlet—a horse girl with stakes-level strength. That was no easy fight."
"Has her body even recovered yet?"
Whispers of surprise drifted through the air.
Among the dozen or so horse girls backstage, most eyes were fixed on a lone white-haired girl in the corner.
She carried herself with the unshakable composure of "a mountain collapsing before her without so much as a flinch." Despite being the youngest and most inexperienced in the room, not a trace of nervousness could be seen.
Usually, racing authorities across the world imposed some level of restrictions and protections on horse girls to prevent them from overexerting themselves.
In Japan, the URA mandated that horse girls must rest for at least a week between races.
But in reality, most spectators—and even fellow horse girls—considered this rule unnecessary. After all, barely anyone would even attempt such a grueling schedule.
High-intensity races often required a month or even two for full recovery. Who in their right mind would jump into another stakes race after just a week?
That wasn't chasing victory or prize money—that was suicide!
Yet against all expectations, they were now witnessing such a monster firsthand!
Beyond restrictions, there were also protections in place—race classifications.
Newcomers could choose to compete in this year's Triple Crown races or first enter the [Asahi Hai Future Stakes] and challenge the Triple Crown the following year.
Those aiming for the classic races usually debuted early in the year to accumulate enough experience before the Triple Crown season.
As for the "Baby Cup" route—starting with the Future Stakes and aiming for next year's Triple Crown—that was the safer path.
Obviously, the first leg of the classic Triple Crown had already passed. Since Platinum had just debuted, she should be preparing for the Future Stakes.
Wouldn't it make more sense to train properly or try easier races, like the non-stakes "OP-level Akan Lake Special"?
So why was Platinum here? Why was she bold enough to challenge seniors from the classic and even older divisions?
Some competitors were baffled, while others felt a surge of excitement—this was their chance to claim a victory over her.
Sure, Platinum's last race wasn't a stakes event, just her debut. But no one would ever call Daiwa Scarlet, that rising star, some ordinary rookie. That had been a stakes-level showdown.
Without a doubt, Platinum—who had crushed Daiwa Scarlet with overwhelming dominance—had limitless potential. She was absolutely a future contender for the highest-tier G1 races.
But right now? She had to be exhausted!
Some couldn't help but think…
An Undefeated Triple Crown? Not happening! After this loss, she'll just be another ordinary Triple Crown winner at best!
"History remembers Wellington and Blücher for defeating Napoleon at Waterloo!"
And now, they might etch their own names into history by defeating her—the future G1 champion, Platinum! This was an opportunity they couldn't afford to miss!
While these supposedly more experienced "seniors" grew restless and eager…
The overworked Miss Platinum lazily leaned back in her chair, showing no reaction to the outside world.
'Ugh, I really don't wanna work overtime… But I need the prize money to enter the Oaks and the Derby.'
'Sigh… Guess I'll just finish this quick!'
--+--
A Short While Later
The starting gates were filled with all the competitors—including Platinum.
This time, she'd drawn the dreaded No. 15 gate—the far outside position!
[3!]
[2!]
Faced with the disadvantageous gate, the winged Uma Musume remained unfazed, her sharp gaze fixed ahead.
Her ears twitched slightly, attuned to every sound, waiting for the signal.
'I've tried being a Closer… Maybe I'll switch it up this time.'
'From what I remember, front-running requires a good start, and the outside gate makes it harder to secure position…'
Notably, Platinum was even more focused than during her debut race.
Eager to test a new running style, she maintained absolute concentration as the countdown reached its end.
And then—
[1!!!]
In an instant, all gates flew open.
Sixteen horse girls burst forward in near-perfect unison!
But what happened next left the hundreds of spectators in stunned silence—as if witnessing something impossible.
The white-haired girl, who should have been hindered by the outside gate and forced into a [Closer] or [Mid-Pack] running style…
Somehow shot forward—and kept accelerating?!
Her explosive start and acceleration visibly outpaced every senior on the field!
Even the commentator's voice cracked with disbelief.
"The gates are open—unbelievable!"
"Platinum, the dark horse who made waves by defeating Tracen Academy's famed super rookie Daiwa Scarlet in her debut just a week ago, is here!"
"Not only that—whereas last time she stumbled out of the gate and fell to last place, today she's leading the charge!"
"Has she improved this much in just seven days?!"
On the track, Platinum—despite the far outside gate—wasn't falling behind at all.
At that moment, every senior on the field felt cold sweat drip down their backs.
"What kind of monster is this?!"
--+--
Meanwhile, in the Student Council Office
Symboli Rudolf stared at her phone, waiting for "Platinum" to accept her friend request.
Before she could look up, the door burst open.
Tokai Teio, fresh from training, called out to her.
"President, aren't you going to watch Platinum's race today?"
Rudolf froze.
"??"
"Hah? She only debuted a week ago! How is she already racing again?"
Has that girl lost her mind?!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advance chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.