"Huh? Almost all of them are fillies I've treated before?"
Lin Anran's gaze fell on his phone screen, scanning an article highlighting the top contenders for next year's American Triple Crown.
For the American Classic Triple Crown, [Easy Goer] stood as the absolute favorite, followed by the unassuming yet astonishingly talented dark-haired maiden [Sunday Silence].
As for the American Triple Tiara, a dominant, almost tyrannical queen-like figure named [Ruffian] reigned as the undisputed top pick.
Among these three, Lin Anran was only somewhat familiar with Easy Goer. The other two...? He knew them far better than just by sight.
From his time in the U.S. before leaving, the American fillies he had interacted with the most were none other than Secretariat, Ruffian, and Sunday Silence.
And Secretariat was currently the top favorite in the upcoming Belmont Stakes.
The other two were actually going to face off against the Uma Musume he was about to transform into, [Margaret Nearl], in next year's Triple Crown races?
"Wait, that's not right!"
"Sunday Silence and Ruffian are in different Triple Crown series. The later races aren't an 'Any Triple Crown' flexible schedule like the Platinum schedule."
Lin Anran quickly clarified his opponents.
"So, the ones we'll face are Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, not Ruffian."
After all, Nearl was aiming for the American Triple Crown, not the American Triple Tiara, let alone some Irregular... six-crown series. How could she possibly run into Ruffian?
Just facing Easy Goer and Sunday Silence alone was already a monumental challenge. Either of them could realistically aim for at least two crowns in a normal American Triple Crown series.
This was why American dirt racing was hailed as the Golden Generation. First, there were geniuses like Dubai Millennium. Now, there was the monstrously talented Secretariat, a surefire future legend, and the only filly who could come close to her, the prodigious Sham.
And in the future, there would be Sunday Silence, Easy Goer, and Ruffian, among others.
The number of talented Uma Musume in the last three or four years seemed to surpass the total of the previous decade combined!
In this era of monstrous talents and extreme competition on the American dirt tracks, the most terrifying of them all seemed to be that big red mare.
"The later part of the schedule has the European Turf Triple Crown on one side and the American Dirt Triple Crown on the other."
"At least we won't run into Big Red."
Even as an 'ordinary person,' Lin Anran could clearly feel the oppressive, almost lethal aura Secretariat had radiated in that glance back earlier.
It was something he had never experienced before, not even when facing any of the strong opponents while transformed as Platinum.
Was this the highest culmination of a century of dirt racing history?!
He wondered, if Secretariat were to face Nearl in the future, how would she react? Would she... display an even higher level of her full power?
Feeling slightly curious, Lin Anran quickly cut off his train of thought.
For one, most of the horse girls in this Belmont Stakes had been utterly intimidated by Big Red. Only five or six of them had entered the starting gates quickly, ready to begin.
And secondly... because in his mission schedule, there was simply no possibility of encountering Big Red. There was no need to worry about something that wouldn't happen.
"Alright, it's finally about to start!"
"After watching this race, it's time for my debut!"
--+--
[3!]
[2!]
[1!]
The Belmont Stakes officially begins!
Will this be the downfall of a Triple Crown legend? Or perhaps... its beginning!
[The race is officially underway! The first out of the gate is Sham, who immediately takes the lead!]
[And the absolute favorite, the heavily anticipated Secretariat, has—as usual—started late, falling significantly behind Sham right from the start.]
In Lin Anran's view, he noticed that Secretariat had actually reacted fastest when bursting out of the gate, but her initial speed... seemed unnaturally slowed.
In fact, Secretariat even glanced briefly to her left and right before beginning to accelerate, causing her to fall behind early on.
"I remember, in her first race, Secretariat was bumped by another filly right out of the gate."
"In the end, she ran injured and finished fourth..."
"Could it be that she has a psychological shadow now, deliberately holding back to avoid another collision?"
The unscrupulous young doctor didn't have a keen eye for judging the precise speed or strength of horse girls.
If he did, he wouldn't have mistaken Secretariat, Flightline, and Dahlia for small fries back in the day.
But as a doctor, when it came to analyzing subtle movements and identifying the "cause," he was highly professional.
Such a swift reaction couldn't possibly be due to a habit of slow starts or delayed reflexes. She was intentionally suppressing her gate exit speed.
"Is it because Big Red sees no challenge in the race, believing she can win even with a slow start, so she's avoiding unnecessary risk?"
"Then... let me see for myself just how powerful Big Red truly is."
As the young doctor leaned back in his chair with keen interest, watching intently...
In the very next moment—
The astonishing scene unfolded.
Sham, seemingly unsatisfied with her explosive start, pushed her speed even further.
She was... utilizing a Great Escape! Unleashing a frantic, all-out running style right in front of Secretariat!
...
Ahead of Secretariat, the figures of the three or four leading horse girls were clearly visible.
"The one in front is a front-runner, and the second is... Sham?"
"Sham's pace is still accelerating. This isn't a normal speed out of the gate; it's even faster than a conventional front-runner."
The sharp, piercing gaze of the monster known as Big Red locked firmly onto Sham.
That was... a desperate, all-or-nothing running style from Sham!
In the first two crown races, Secretariat had defeated a fully determined Sham twice.
Retreat and concede for now?
No, Sham refused to back down!
Unwilling to yield even now, still striving for victory... she naturally chose the riskiest, most extreme, and desperate running style!
Faced with such an accelerated pace, horse girls behind usually need to gauge the rhythm and decide when to accelerate based on their stamina and burst power.
But... precise calculation?
"No need to consider any of that!"
The monster known as Big Red, her crimson eyes radiating authority, was filled with stirred excitement and pleasure.
"How can I let you steal the spotlight and Dr. Lin's attention?"
"It's time to battle!"
The next instant, a terrifying aura erupted from the imposing figure of the Big Red mare.
Sham was universally acknowledged as a super monster. Her average performance in this Triple Crown series was almost on par with past Triple Crown winners, perhaps even surpassing some of them!
But to Secretariat... she was just an opponent to be defeated for the third time!
Secretariat's tall figure quickened its pace, charging forward with immense power!
That was... a Domain unleashed recklessly not long after the start!
From within Secretariat, an overwhelming, domineering crimson aura expanded outward continuously!
In an extremely short time, it was as if she was claiming the vast racecourse as her territory, beginning to plunder everything from all the horse girls on the field!
--+--
At the very front!
"In this race, I won't yield a single step!"
Sham instantly sensed the astonishing Domain, undoubtedly emanating from Secretariat's control.
Without any hesitation, the next second!
From Sham's not-so-petite frame, it seemed to contain extreme and terrifying power. Her steps became swift and powerful.
Domain, unfold!
Only with the resolve to spare no cost could there be a chance to defeat this peerless, second-generation Big Red, Secretariat, who promised to surpass the original!
In response... the clash between the Big Red Monster and Sham was about to officially begin.
In the next moment, Secretariat's tall figure swiftly overtook several Uma Musume beside her.
Now, the only Uma Musume left ahead of her was Sham, the one who had captured her attention!
Sham's racing form... was like a storm, relentless and incredibly fast!
And behind her, that crimson, proud figure was beginning to close in!
As for the third-place Uma Musume, by the time they reached the first turn, she was already left behind by three or four lengths, and the gap was widening impossibly!
An unwavering, life-and-death struggle... was about to begin!
--+--
In the stands.
The extremely early intensification of the one-on-one duel had countless dirt racing enthusiasts boiling with excitement.
Meanwhile, Lin Anran, seated in the front row, remained calm, his gaze deeply fixed on the forefront of the racetrack.
"A duel this early? From Sham to Secretariat, their strength is visibly astounding!"
"Oh no, this 'casting a long line to catch a big fish'... turned out to be reeling in a super whale?!"
Even the unscrupulous young doctor with average judgment could see that the front-running Sham and the chasing-turned-front-running Secretariat were absolutely incredibly powerful!
This race was bound to end with astonishing speed!
--+--
"So... she's coming fast after all?"
At the very front of the dirt track, having utterly secured the lead, Sham's blazing eyes were filled with an unmeltable coldness.
In her peripheral vision, not even halfway through the race, she saw the domineering crimson figure intruding!
Even though that monster started late, could her own desperate run not shake off Secretariat?
"Secretariat... show me if you're worthy of the name [Big Red]! If you can measure up to the original Big Red!"
From Sham's dark form, emitting a continuous, powerful aura, it seemed to contain infinite strength!
Her overflowing determination and abundant courage were fully ignited as Big Red's figure drew alongside her!
Both of them kept accelerating, seemingly without any thought for saving energy for the final stretch or a last burst of speed.
In an extremely short time, they went from running side by side at the first turn to continuing their fierce pace past the halfway point of the second turn!
Whether it was Sham's efficient, never-say-die form or Secretariat's cold, dazzling figure, neither showed any intention of holding back.
The dark, not-so-petite figure kept pace with the colossal Big Red, gritting her teeth and refusing to yield!
Behind them, the third-place Uma Musume had already been left behind by an absurd margin, while the duel between Secretariat and Sham raged on!
--+--
[Unbelievable! After Secretariat began accelerating, she engaged in an extremely intense one-on-one duel with Sham.]
[By the time they approached the second turn, not even halfway through the race, they already led the third-place Uma Musume by fourteen or fifteen lengths!]
As the commentary from the announcer's booth continued...
Almost the entire audience held their breath, watching with intense nervousness as the two figures at the front of the dirt track nearly touched.
And suddenly—
Lin Anran's pupils contracted sharply. He noticed something unusual.
Amidst the fierce battle, the two intertwined colors of dark and crimson, one of them was slightly edging ahead?
It was—the crimson one!
His gaze shifted to the dark-haired Sham, who had been slightly overtaken by Secretariat.
Lin Anran looked at her legs.
...
On the track, where sand flew and footsteps were urgent, in the view of one of the front-running horse girls...
The wind whistled incessantly.
The biting, knife-sharp cold wind seemed to whip at her body, making it groan in protest, her muscles aching faintly.
"No, it can't be—"
Sham stared fixedly ahead, just reaching the second turn, realizing the race was only halfway done. Her heart felt as if chilled by the harsh wind.
But she knew the cruel truth: this so-called cold wind was the monstrous presence of Big Red, Secretariat, beside her!
That crimson figure had slightly pulled ahead, and now, gritting her teeth, pouring all her strength into the sprint, straining her muscles and steps to the point of disorder, could she not even close that tiny gap?!
Her body's limit!
A certain string seemed to reach an impossible threshold, then thoroughly... snapped!
Is this a joke?!
'No way, I must...'
Sham gritted her silver teeth so hard she bit through, blood filling her mouth unnoticed, the sharp pain in her legs jolting her fully awake.
Despite it all, her eyes remained locked on Secretariat beside her.
That Big Red monster, still radiant, imposing, and awe-inspiring, continued to race with the silent dignity of an unmatched ruler, a peerless champion!
—Sham had pushed herself to the point of injuring her legs in the race!
Even so, that Big Red monster calmly pressed on into the latter half... [still accelerating]!!!!
"Secretariat!! Secretariat!!"
"This is Big Red, already surpassing every other Uma Musume by halftime."
"Not even at the third turn, already leading by over ten lengths, and she's still accelerating!"
The excited voices around continued.
But now, Lin Anran was no longer watching the leading Secretariat.
His gaze was fixed on the second... no, soon to be third or fourth, the talented Sham.
Lin Anran looked at her determined legs, unwilling to give up even injured, striving to finish the race.
Before him, the system panel for diagnosis and treatment appeared.
[Uma Musume: Sham (Injured) (??)]
Another filly injured?!
And refusing to withdraw, insisting on running the full course.
The injury wasn't specified as minor or to what extent; the question marks indicated... the severity was unstable, still increasing.
By the time she finished, it could become a severe injury that might thoroughly destroy her career.
Since winning was already impossible, why not slow down, stop temporarily, minimize damage to the body? Wouldn't there be a chance for revenge in the future?
The unscrupulous young doctor frowned, feeling a rare respect, though he didn't quite agree with such stubbornness and desire to win.
But even he was somewhat moved.
Since his healing abilities had improved quite a bit, there was no reason to turn a blind eye.
Immediately, the dark-haired young man stood up without hesitation, left the stands, and hurried towards the staff near the lower railing.
--+--
A moment later, a brief exchange ensued.
"The second favorite, Sham, she's injured."
To prevent questioning from the somewhat young-looking staff.
Lin Anran quickly showed his certification and the contract report he'd symbolically signed after transforming, making the staff's eyes widen. He then added,
"This is my Uma Musume doctor's license. That Pegasus, Platinum, is my exclusive Uma Musume."
"There must be a temporary medical kit around the racetrack, right? Please bring it to me; I'll provide immediate treatment."
"Also, please notify the nearby ambulance to prepare for hospital transport."
Lin Anran knew the injury was somewhat serious and troublesome, so he needed to step in for initial treatment.
Even if it wasn't a full treatment—maybe the filly would seek surgical hospital treatment later—and he wouldn't earn much from it, it didn't matter.
Consider it... boosting his reputation, making it easier to continue 'casting a long line to catch big fish.'
After handling this, he still needed to hurry and prepare for [Nearl's Debut Race].
Kgh... forced overtime!
--+--
On the racetrack!
The heated competition, the unprecedented duel, had stirred the audience to countless levels of anticipation and shouting.
This legendary battle, destined for the history books, progressed at an incredibly fast pace.
Secretariat had long left Sham far behind, out of sight!
As the third turn approached its end, her cold crimson eyes surveyed the finish line not far ahead.
Thirty-one lengths!
Now, just entering the fourth turn, about to step onto the final stretch, the despairing gap... continued to widen!
Under the gaze of Sham, enduring leg pain and fallen to last place...
What she saw was... the crimson figure, with an unprecedented posture of a Monarch, stepping onto the final stretch, launching into a world-shocking sprint!
That figure, already etched into history by this race, accelerated across the finish line, still speeding up even after switching from chase to lead!!
--+--
The final stretch, an absolute solo performance!
On the dirt track, where sand flew and speed was thunderous.
Secretariat, racing alone without pause, her eyes shining like lightning, watched the finish line not far ahead.
Competitive as she was, under the influence of this once-in-a-century legendary race's intensity, a flicker of fatigue finally crossed Secretariat's face, but it vanished instantly, replaced by blazing fighting spirit!
'Dr. Lin, do you see? This is my gallop!!'
Fatigue?
Secretariat wouldn't allow it. She refused to show any weakness in the race except for her [Slow Start]! She had to present the most [Perfect] version of herself before Dr. Lin!
Having grown stronger through countless battles, her body, spirit, and potential pushed beyond limits, Secretariat surveyed the last half of the final stretch.
Sham's mind went blank; she didn't even have time to react—
That figure, already deeply engraved in history by this race, accelerated across the finish line, reaching the ultimate end!!
The packed stands echoed with deafening, enthusiastic cheers!
[Secretariat crosses first!!! She isn't just running normally; she's constantly flying!]
[Celebrate! The Big Red monster wins with an unprecedented record of thirty-eight lengths!]
[Cheer heartily! A Triple Crown winner unlike any in history, simultaneously breaking the records of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, achieving a feat both unprecedented and unrivaled!]
[The strongest, this is the strongest! An unshakable powerhouse!]
[That is—a record that will last half a century, maybe even longer! Easily broken by future horse girls? Absolutely not!]
...
Even the legendary Uma Musume Seabiscuit, serving as a temporary guest commentator, couldn't help but praise continuously...
At the very back, after who knows how long.
The determined, beautiful, and unyielding Dark-Haired Maiden kept gasping for breath, now fallen to last place in fifth.
She felt her vision darkening, but her strong, unyielding heart kept driving her legs toward the nearby finish line.
When Sham finally reached the finish line!
She seemed completely spent, her body staggering, eyes closing as she collapsed.
But she was caught by a dark-haired young man who had arrived at some unknown time!
"You ran very hard; I saw it with my own eyes."
"But since you're injured, please accept some treatment."
Sham lacked even the strength to stand, just leaning against the warm, secure young man for rest.
Hearing the young doctor's voice, she slowly opened her eyes, her hand unconsciously clutching Lin Anran's sleeve.
Sham wanted to see clearly this doctor who had caught her, passionate and gentle.
Finally...
"May I ask... who you are..."
"...Lin Anran."
Straining to stay conscious, opening her eyes, Sham's gaze was thoroughly focused on Lin Anran's face, imprinting the image of this doctor who praised her efforts deeply in her mind.
In her peripheral vision, she saw something strange, almost frightening.
Secretariat seemed... not too pleased...
The Big Red Monster who had shattered her dreams of revenge was watching her and Dr. Lin with an uncertain expression.
Under that "fright," Sham reached her absolute limit, completely collapsing onto Lin Anran, fainting.
The unscrupulous young doctor immediately opened the medical kit to begin temporary treatment!
--+--
A short while later...
As the winner, having set an unprecedented American Triple Crown record, Secretariat felt deeply astonished.
She watched helplessly as Dr. Lin, whom she had been waiting for, carried the unconscious Sham away.
Oh no, Dr. Lin, who should be celebrating victory with her, was now dutifully running off to treat another horse girl!
Even though Secretariat was the winner, crowned Triple Crown Uma Musume, she inexplicably felt a sense of being... cuckolded.
'This... this is just treatment...'
'Given Dr. Lin's kindness, it's expected. shouldn't find it strange.'
But Secretariat's mind flashed back to the final moment when Sham fell into Lin Anran's arms.
An inexplicable sense of crisis rose.
It's just treatment... right?
'Am I... being cuckolded?'
--+--
Several hours later.
Lin Anran sat in a taxi, waiting to be taken to another racetrack for his debut race.
Because America was so vast, unlike Japan where most races were close together...
So, after temporarily treating Sham, he had to rush non-stop by car to the debut race location.
'By the way...'
'Should I try [One Soul, Two Bodies], see [Alternate Platinum]?'
In the car, Lin Anran suddenly remembered the alternate form he had unlocked after completing those many races and reaching 100% completion of Platinum's Maturation.
So...
Why not transform into [Margaret Nearl] for the debut race!
And also transform into [Alternate Platinum] to come watch!
Two Pegasi appearing together to stir up some news?
--+--
A while later.
In front of a relatively small to medium-sized racetrack.
A group of no fewer than a dozen American dirt Uma Musume waited together for the time to enter through the player tunnel.
It was just a debut race, with only a few dozen spectators.
Suddenly...
"W-wait, what's that?"
The dozen or so American Uma Musume all widened their eyes.
"No mistake, it's definitely her, the legend who won two crowns in one day at the Dubai World Cup!"
"The Dual-Surface GOAT? The strongest in Asian history, surpassing even Dubai Millennium... the Pegasus?!"
"Why is she in the U.S.? Wait, the real question is why she's at this racetrack."
It was—Alternate Platinum!
Until a certain moment, a statement completely ignited the audience.
"Is it my imagination, or does Pegasus Platinum seem... taller than in the broadcasts?"
"Wait, did she achieve worldwide fame and two crowns in one day before even finishing her Maturation?!"
"Who on earth is worth Platinum coming to watch?!!"
Pegasus Platinum has arrived in America! And the news of her apparent growth spurt will spread across the world in an instant!
--+--
T/N: Is it just me cause everytime i see ntr or cuckolded on this site i always think of the elysia body swap fic lol.
--+--
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.