America, a vast training ground.
Dozens of Uma Musume were scattered around, most having already finished their training and now packing up their gear.
As they prepared to leave, their eyes were almost unanimously drawn… to a tall, crimson figure still hard at work in the center of the field.
Under the dazzling sunset, a statuesque girl with fiery red hair became the center of attention.
"Good grief… Isn't she running the final, toughest leg—the Belmont Stakes—in just two days?"
"You know, the Belmont has ended the Triple Crown dreams of nearly two-thirds of all dual crown winners! It's rightly called the 'Dream Crusher'!"
"This is the nightmare schedule of three crown races in five weeks. Even after winning two crowns, she's still maintaining that insane training load like it's nothing. Isn't she afraid of burning out or losing to fatigue?"
"Don't apply normal logic to a monster like her."
"Who would've believed that legendary Japanese Uma Musume, 'The Pegasus,' could set foot on dirt for the first time and defeat Dubai Millennium, one of America's top dirt specialists?"
"And Secretariat's dominance on dirt? I think it absolutely surpasses even Dubai Millennium and Platinum. The Belmont Stakes is as good as hers!"
The murmurs were filled with awe and admiration for that crimson girl.
She was—Secretariat!
Her beautiful, flowing crimson hair resembled flickering flames, swaying gently in the breeze, radiating an intense, overwhelming presence.
Not only was she tall and statuesque, with a poised and fluid posture, but she was also a natural beauty with exquisite curves. Her training gear, damp with sweat, perfectly accentuated her impressive figure.
Her skin was pale as snow, a stark contrast to her vibrant red hair. Adding to that contrast were her muscle lines—sleek yet defined, balanced and aesthetically pleasing. It was a perfect proportion, carrying an aura of elegance, dignity, and sheer power.
A Queen?
An Empress?
No, those titles, overused in horse girl circles worldwide, were unfit for this tall Crimson Maiden.
So… the strongest legendary dirt Uma Musume in history personally bestowed upon her a title she could be proud of.
Namely—[The Big Red Monster]! This was the title given by the current dirt GOAT, the legendary Uma Musume Man o' War, as a mark of her recognition.
And yet, this was a classic-year filly, whose own Triple Crown journey wasn't even over.
This was like the living Eclipse herself acknowledging that a certain Uma Musume was worthy of inheriting her legacy—even surpassing her!
That was no exaggeration. The fighter was the pinnacle of contemporary legendary horse girls, a legend among legends! Thus, one could imagine the immense glory carried by the title "Big Red"!
And Secretariat, this new era's Big Red Monster, achieved this feat and recognition in less than a year since her debut. She was already crowned the current Strongest on dirt! With potential to challenge for the title of GOAT!
This would be like, in the Japanese Uma Musume world, a Uma Musume winning the Japanese Derby and just her second G1 victory, yet being nationally recognized as the strongest—unquestionably surpassing older predecessors with four, five, or even more G1 wins!
Logically, this should be impossible in the hyper-competitive American Uma Musume scene.
Yet, this impossible scenario became reality, forged by the hands of this new era's Big Red Monster!
Therefore, even the Belmont Stakes, known as the "Wall of Sighs," was seen by most spectators as incapable of halting Secretariat's triple crown charge!
Unknown to all, the seemingly calm Secretariat… this tall crimson girl, felt a hint of anticipation and… nervousness about the Belmont Stakes just a day or two away!
However, this anticipation had nothing to do with the race itself, nor her strong and excellent rival, Sham.
How could a victory Secretariat already considered hers evoke such emotions?
What truly intrigued this strong-willed, tall crimson girl was… a certain young doctor she had made a promise with, who was coming to watch the race as a spectator!
'Dr. Lin, has he arrived yet?'
'Time-wise, it should be about right, shouldn't it?'
As Secretariat pondered,
Suddenly, her sharp hearing picked up the notification sound from her phone resting on a nearby bench.
This tall, curvaceous girl who looked like a mature older sister but was actually a young foreign filly felt her ears tremble with intense emotion.
Even though her face remained expressionless, the twitching of her ears and the swaying of her large, beautiful crimson tail betrayed her inner joy.
Was he here?!
In the next instant, Secretariat came to an immediate halt, unlike regular Uma Musume who needed to gradually decelerate from a high-speed run.
After stopping abruptly, her exceptional body showed no signs of strain as she quickly picked up her phone.
In truth, Secretariat had notifications turned off for [Almost Everyone]—a habitual practice to avoid interruptions during training.
Even for the two great dirt predecessors, the strongest legendary Man o' War and the popular legend Seabiscuit, it was the same on Secretariat's phone.
Only one person received special attention from Secretariat, someone she feared missing a message from even during training.
That person was—the scheming young doctor, Lin Anran.
[LinAnran: Just landed.]
A flash of satisfaction passed through Secretariat's shining, scarlet eyes.
[Secretariat: You're here?]
[Secretariat: Send me your exact location.]
Secretariat immediately replied, clearly planning to cut her training short and head to the airport.
This was the time when normal Uma Musume would be exhausted from training and resting.
But for Secretariat, it was a joyful moment to end training early to see Dr. Lin after a year apart.
This Big Red Monster not only surpassed almost every historical horse girl in talent but also in dedication to training!
In a way, for [Uma Musume], the ability to train to such an extreme degree was itself a form of talent.
After all, some horse girls with poorer foot qualities, like those Dr. Lin had treated such as Agnes Tachyon, weren't lazy or unwilling to maintain Secretariat's training load.
They simply… couldn't! Their bodies and foot qualities couldn't handle that level of effort and training.
This peerless Big Red Monster was truly, widely recognized as—[The Darling of the Three Goddesses]!
Among the many talented Uma Musume emerging worldwide today, only three were worthy of such a title.
They were the Pegasus Platinum, the Big Red Monster Secretariat, and the Sea family's ace, Sea the Stars!
[Secretariat: I'll be right there!]
After sending the last text, Secretariat waited quietly for a reply from the familiar, long-unseen Dr. Lin.
Within seconds…
Lin Anran's reply arrived.
[Lin Anran: No, isn't your race coming up soon? You should focus on preparing for or resting before the final, toughest leg, the Belmont Stakes.]
[LinAnran: I don't want to affect your race condition. There's no need to see me before the race.]
[Lin Anran: I'd rather see your most perfect, dazzling self on the track from the stands.]
After carefully reading Dr. Lin's message, a thoughtful expression flickered across the crimson girl's cold, exquisite face.
'Dr. Lin… is very concerned about my Triple Crown?'
Even with strong rivals like Sham in the race.
Even facing the Belmont Stakes, known as the "Wall of Sighs" that ended the Triple Crown dreams of most dual crown winners.
In Secretariat's view, victory was already in her grasp.
Very well. It was America's first Triple Crown in a decade. Since Dr. Lin wanted to see it, she would take it seriously.
Since Dr. Lin had already resigned and returned to America, a few more days wouldn't matter.
The proud Big Red gave a slight, composed nod and voiced her response.
[Secretariat: Then, as you wish, Dr. Lin.]
[Secretariat: Please look forward to it. This Belmont Stakes will be more thrilling than any race you've ever seen!]
After sending the final text, Secretariat put down her phone.
Then, she stretched, a rare and overpowering fighting spirit flashing across her cool face.
"Whoever you are, my apologies."
"The Belmont Stakes—I won't be holding back. Everyone, become my stepping stones!"
Secretariat would become the Uma Musume who, before Dahlia, Ruffian, Flightline, and Sunday Silence could showcase themselves…
Would first deliver a breathtaking performance that Dr. Lin would remember for the rest of his life!
--+--
Night.
The current scheming young doctor had found suitable accommodation.
For safety's sake, he deliberately avoided meeting Secretariat early.
After all, if those overly enthusiastic fillies he knew arranged his lodging, leading to inconvenient race conditions and eventual exposure…
That would be troublesome.
Thus, Lin Anran, without hesitation used the excuse of wanting what was best for Secretariat and looking forward to her victorious attitude to decline the Big Red's meeting request.
Little did he know that his words of rejection would deal a severe blow to Sham… Secretariat's rival and the second favorite in the upcoming race!
"Alright, mostly packed up."
"Now then…"
The current scheming young doctor had finished unpacking and putting away everything from his suitcase.
He then opened his laptop and, for the first time in a while, visited the official American Uma Musume racing website.
"Right, time to properly register [Margaret Nearl]."
"Let me see, where do I apply for the debut race…"
Soon, Lin Anran registered an Uma Musume account.
And smoothly applied for a debut race.
In regions like America and Europe where Uma Musume racing flourished, debut races were incredibly common.
New Uma Musume debuted every hour. At any given training ground, several debut races might take place within an hour, with dozens of Uma Musume making their debut in a single day.
Therefore, the registration process was quite simple.
After Lin Anran finished entering [Margaret Nearl], completing the registration and debut race application…
He suddenly paused in thought.
"Wait, Margaret Nearl's current identity is an Uma Musume from a noble family."
"And Nearl, by identity, is my niece!"
Lin Anran's expression turned slightly complicated.
"Then, could I be called… [Nearl Anran]??"
He could already foresee it—once Margaret Nearl fully displayed her brilliance in races…
How many people would be surprised, even shocked, by this genius from a fallen Polish noble family racing to restore her house? And how deeply they would research her background and family.
Eventually, that research would lead to him, as Nearl's "uncle."
"Well then, I really am an uncle now."
"Once Nearl becomes famous, will I be considered from a noble family?"
"Too bad I haven't mastered Uncle Mlynar's ultimate move, Unbrilliant Glory… but I could certainly learn to appreciate his love of reading newspapers."
After his casual musings and successful debut application, Lin Anran seemed to remember something.
He quickly opened the system panel.
"Right, should take a good look at the next set of mission races."
Now that he was in America, it was time to see what races lay ahead for this second Pegasus he had transformed into, and for Platinum!
[Race schedule initializing…]
Immediately, text began to appear on the system panel.
[Late-Stage Races:]
[Eclipse Stakes (Europe Turf) (Incomplete)]
[King George VI Stakes (Europe Turf) (Incomplete)]
[Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Europe Turf) (Incomplete)]
[Kentucky Derby (USA Dirt) (Incomplete)]
[Preakness Stakes (USA Dirt) (Incomplete)]
[Belmont Stakes (USA Dirt) (Incomplete)]
"Huh?"
"A G1 race named after Eclipse?"
"And then… the European Triple Crown? And the American Triple Crown??"
After reading the later stage races, the scheming young doctor was momentarily stunned.
The term "European Triple Crown" was something Lin Anran learned after arriving in Japan; it wasn't actually a widely used term internationally.
It was a concept created by the Japanese Uma Musume world, combining Europe's three highest turf G1s.
The European Triple Crown, admired and anticipated by Japan, consisted of: The Epsom Derby, the King George VI Stakes, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe!
With the Silver-White Pegasus already winning the Epsom Derby, only the final two remained.
The Eclipse Stakes needed no explanation—it was a G1 race commemorating the strongest turf legend, Eclipse.
In the future, if Platinum and Nearl achieved unprecedented feats, perhaps a future G1 would be renamed after them, or a promoted G1 might bear their names.
And now—the new Lunar Eclipse, would shine on an international stage named after Eclipse?!
"And Nearl's races… as expected, will be the American Triple Crown!"
"Truly as I expected!"
After his exclamation, Lin Anran closed the system panel.
The lazy scheming young doctor was now ready to watch the Belmont Stakes.
After watching the race, it would be time to prepare for Nearl's dirt debut!
"Then… first, quickly witness Secretariat's Triple Crown, then charge towards the Triple Crown belonging to The Radiant Knight, Nearl!"
--+--
Two days later—
Belmont Park, the racetrack!
The stands were already filled with cheering voices, the extremely lively cheers palpable even to Lin Anran sitting in the front rows.
On the large screen showing the commentary booth, a special guest commentator had appeared.
This heavyweight guest commentator was the most popular, influential, and beloved legendary Uma Musume in America—Seabiscuit!
"It's actually Seabiscuit? Hardly ever see her as a commentator."
"Secretariat's Triple Crown is just… too unbelievable? The third crown commented by a legendary Uma Musume for the ages!"
"Not so fast, the race isn't a sure thing. Even the invincible strongest Man o' War lost once due to an accident. Besides, this race has [Sham], a monster who could have won the triple crown in other generations!"
"Right, Sham, who ran top-five historical times in the first two crowns, incredibly strong, won't let [Big Red] win easily."
"Could Sham be the one to shatter Secretariat's triple crown dream?!"
Sham, second place in both previous American Triple Crown races.
And each time, with historically fast times, faster than most past winners!
Unfortunately, this super talent encountered the Big Red Monster Secretariat, arguably one of the greatest in American history, and had to settle for second.
In other words, without Secretariat, she would have been at least a dual American Crown winner, possibly even winning the Triple Crown!
Despite two losses, she persevered, launching a third challenge against Secretariat.
Thus, even without a victory yet, she was universally acknowledged as Secretariat's [Rival]!
Amidst the many heated discussions…
From the back gate, a tall girl with an imposing presence—the Big Red—burst into everyone's view.
Instantly, the large screen shifted focus from guest commentator Seabiscuit to Secretariat.
Amidst the many heated discussions…
"Will the [Triple Crown Uma Musume], absent from the American scene for so long, be born today? Let's wait and see!!"
Under the commentator's barely contained, excited voice!
On the large screen, the Big Red girl was already strolling towards her starting gate position. She wasn't hurrying but walking leisurely, clearly showing that this extremely difficult, world-watched race couldn't make Secretariat nervous.
In the aisle at the very front of the stands, many reporters were constantly snapping photos, trying to capture this potential historical moment of Secretariat!
"A Triple Crown historical moment, once in a decade! Must get a photo of Secretariat!"
"Wonder if we can record the birth of a Triple Crown Uma Musume."
"Sham has a good chance too. She was a distant second in the first two crowns, far ahead of third. She's the most likely to defeat Big Red."
"If I get a good angle, it might make the front page."
Among the many reporters…
One female reporter was positioned much further back, closer to the gate area, and on the outside.
So, as Secretariat approached the inside gates, the reporter could only see Secretariat's back.
Meanwhile, the second favorite, the genius Uma Musume Sham, considered by the entire crowd as the most likely to defeat Secretariat, had also entered and was walking towards her outside gate position.
[Now entering is the genius Sham, who, along with Secretariat, broke two minutes in the Kentucky Derby, becoming historical second fastest! And who set a top historical time in the Preakness Stakes!]
[Twice nearly achieving historically classic race greatness, can Sham go one step further in the Belmont Stakes and finally defeat Secretariat?]
[Let's show respect and anticipation for this lone and fearless Challenger!]
The sound of Sham's quick footsteps from the back, combined with the commentator's praising words, didn't draw the outside female reporter's attention to the genius approaching the gates near Secretariat.
Seeing the Big Red Monster about to enter the gate, which would make getting good pre-race photos impossible, the female reporter panicked and couldn't help but call out to the crimson giant.
"Miss Secretariat! Could you turn around? May I have the honor of taking your photo before you embark on your final crown?"
The female reporter's shout was loud, even drowning out the increasingly close footsteps behind her.
She might not notice the footsteps behind her, but the sharp-eared Big Red Monster certainly could!
In the next instant, the Big Red girl, about to enter the gate, stopped abruptly and turned around extremely fast! Her scarlet, majestic eyes looked back towards the outside direction!
It was like a monarch surveying her Domain, turning to look down upon prey, displaying her dignity and power!
Like a Ruler, like a Heavenly Mare, like a Deity—her strength seemed to exceed countless people's understanding! Her Dominating Majesty! Was displayed to the fullest at this moment!
The Big Red Monster turning at the gate, made even the reporter who had "called out" to make Secretariat turn, upon seeing Secretariat's majestic face, instinctively panic and fall silent.
But the next moment, the recovered reporter was filled with ecstacy. She, pleasantly surprised, quickly pressed the shutter, capturing Secretariat's deity-like turn before entering the gate, photographing the aloof Big Red Monster instantly!
This was far more shocking than the calm-walking Secretariat from before! The fiercely competitive Secretariat had never shown such a powerful, aloof side outside of racing before!
It was like a Lion King wouldn't bare its fangs and claws before weak, skinny, worthless prey. Before this, Secretariat never showed her serious competitive side to anyone, not even to most Uma Musume.
The reporter knew this would absolutely become a classic photo passed down with Secretariat's legend!
She was so lucky to have seen Secretariat turn around and captured this [Big Red Look Back]!
'Truly the second Big Red, more majestic than any other Historical-level Uma Musume I've seen!'
'Really didn't expect Big Red to be so accommodating. Just asked her to turn around, and she actually did…'
Before the reporter's thoughts finished, the footsteps from inside the railings reached her side.
A figure that completely interrupted her imagination stepped into the reporter's view.
It was [Sham]! The Uma Musume who was recognized as having the highest chance at beating Secretariat, was staring at Secretariat ahead in the inside gate! The same terrifying aura radiated from Sham's posture, continuously expanding, rivaling the Big Red Monster!
Only when this scene appeared, interrupting the reporter's thoughts, did she jolt in surprise, her earlier fantasy completely broken.
A speculation occurred to the reporter.
So, Secretariat didn't turn around because she heard the call? The Big Red Monster was never "accommodating" or "obedient" to begin with?
—The Big Red Monster Secretariat turned around because she heard Sham's footsteps, sensed her rival's approach, and turned to lock eyes with her?!
The tens of thousands at the track, Lin Anran in the stands, and many viewers watching the livestream all saw Secretariat look back and stare at Sham!
Other excellent Uma Musume might only get a glance from Secretariat, but Sham… actually exchanged gazes with Secretariat, who was staring intently at Sham!
"Is this the genius [Most Likely to Defeat Secretariat]?"
Perhaps this was the only Uma Musume on dirt today who could possibly hand Secretariat a defeat?
If Sham couldn't do it, this reporter couldn't imagine who else could!
--+--
In the stands!
The scheming young doctor sat in the front row, enjoying the race as a spectator for the first time in a while.
The aura Secretariat displayed when looking back made even Lin Anran feel her power.
No wonder she was America's current strongest!
"It seems this triple crown will be exceptionally thrilling."
"Good, after watching this race, I can…"
Transform into Nearl and, a few hours later in the dirt debut race, begin my first battle!
As if remembering something, Lin Anran looked down, using the time before the race started to research which Uma Musume would be the opponents in next year's American Triple Crown.
Soon—
Classic Triple Crown: [Sunday Silence], [Easy Goer]!
American Triple Tiara: [Ruffian]!
Familiar, all very familiar!
"Huh? Almost all the fillies I've treated?"
--+--
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 advanced 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.