"Just who is worthy of Platinum's attention?!!"
That was the question stunning countless spectators and even the horse girls preparing for their debut races.
After all, this was the Silver-Haired Maiden known as [Pegasus] and [Eclipse], the very one who had snatched the title of [Dual-Surface GOAT] from Dubai Millennium!
How could anyone remain calm or unsurprised by this?
Dubai Millennium's fame and influence in the U.S. were substantial—comparable to Tokai Teio's in Japan—earned through sheer strength and popularity forged in past competitions.
Even in the talent-rich American dirt racing scene, Dubai Millennium was a legendary figure, yet Platinum had surpassed her outright!
This shook American audiences who typically paid little mind to overseas turf specialists or foreign Uma Musume.
Without that decisive victory in the Dubai World Cup, even with her unprecedented Domain effects and transcendent abilities, Platinum wouldn't have been seen as a heavyweight in the eyes of the American racing world.
It's fair to say that the U.S., as the heart of dirt racing, maintained an exceptionally arrogant attitude toward outsiders.
Why? Because the American Uma Musume industry continuously produced world-renowned talents, occasionally breeding historic legends like Dubai Millennium.
Even the highest echelons of dirt racing legends weren't unheard of—in fact, more than one had emerged!
Meanwhile, Europe's most hyped top-tier Uma Musume, Dancing Brave, hailed as a once-in-decades or even centuries talent, had stumbled in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
Japan's former strongest, the emperor-like Symboli Rudolf, suffered a crushing defeat in the less prestigious American turf events...
And let's not forget: American Uma Musume prioritized dirt over turf! If foreign raiders couldn't even win on turf, how could they earn respect in the U.S.?
Thus, even someone as powerful and legendary as Dancing Brave wasn't fully recognized in America.
But Platinum, who had defeated Dubai Millennium head-to-head in two races in a single day on dirt, had earned considerable acknowledgment!
Coupled with her unique, signature visual effects, the name "Pegasus Platinum" had gained significant fame even in the U.S.
Her recognition there had reached levels comparable to historic dirt legends and turf racing icons!
This was undoubtedly the ripple effect of her dual victories in the Dubai World Cup, now making its impact felt.
Under the stunned or exhilarated gazes of American Uma Musume and dozens of spectators...
There she was: the silver-haired girl dressed in casual white-toned attire, looking almost identical to how she appeared in live streams and recordings.
She seemed like a harmless young filly, but in reality, she was Platinum—a peerless force capable of dominating both turf and dirt, hunting down any competitor on the track.
Her delicate, cute features contrasted sharply with her calm demeanor, creating a striking contrast.
The only slight difference from their memories was—
[Height]!!
Yes, her height.
Compared to the somewhat petite silver-haired Pegasus on screen, the Platinum now walking leisurely toward them...
Was clearly taller!!
Although, it seemed Miss Pegasus's figure hadn't developed much—still flat-chested...
But the key point was undoubtedly her increased height!
"Gulp... I can't believe it. She's already finished the classic races and started overseas campaigns, yet she's still growing?"
"Does this mean during the [Epsom Derby], [Japan Cup], and even [Dubai World Cup], she wasn't at her peak?"
"Now that she's taller, it suggests her maturation might have just completed, meaning her potential ceiling could still rise further!"
"Wait, could this Eclipse, this Pegasus, truly reach legendary heights? Could she rival Eclipse or Man o' War?"
While spectators were thrilled by Platinum's appearance, the more professional American fillies preparing for their debuts were blinking repeatedly, utterly shocked.
Many of them were already halfway through their maturation; some might even reach their peak before finishing the classic triple crown.
Late-blooming Uma Musume with slow Maturation typically underperformed during the classic races, so the moniker [Late Bloomer] wasn't usually a compliment.
But that came with a caveat... only if they performed poorly during the classic years!!
If they excelled during that time, then a late-blooming Uma Musume became even more terrifying! The term would transform into an extreme, outrageous compliment!
It would mean that after entering their older years, that Uma Musume could still improve visibly, with an even higher ceiling.
Now, this slightly taller silver-haired girl seemed to embody that very idea of a [Late Bloomer]!
Beyond shock, some participants tremble slightly, as if recalling something unpleasant.
"Oh no, this is my fourth attempt at a debut race..."
"For the great Pegasus herself to come watch, just what kind of dark horse is showing up?"
"What sort of Uma Musume could be worth Pegasus's attention?"
The more perceptive Uma Musume were already feeling uneasy.
Then, the silver-haired girl calmly approached, lining up in the not-too-long queue at the spectator entrance.
--+--
Meanwhile.
Two official staff members stepped out to open the venue and prepare for the next debut race, ready to handle brief ticket checks.
After all, this was just a routine debut race—one of many held daily—unlike top-tier G1 events that required elaborate advance arrangements.
Usually, only super rookies from prestigious families received high-resource promotion; others were treated routinely.
When they reached the entrance, they were puzzled to see everyone—spectators and participants alike—looking in the same direction.
"Huh?"
"What's that..."
When the two staff members also glanced at the "spectator" in the corner, their pupils contracted sharply.
In an instant, they seemed to witness something unbelievable.
As official staff, their keen senses immediately kicked into gear.
Pegasus Platinum?!
And she seemed different from the live broadcasts—slightly taller?
A taller, potentially even more breakthrough-capable Pegasus?
This... would be super heavy news enough to shock the world!!
One staff member's heart raced, and he immediately pulled out his phone.
"It seems there's an Uma Musume in this race that has caught Pegasus's attention—a hidden monster of astounding caliber."
"Contact the promotion team immediately! Emergency promotion for this debut race! Get as many Americans as possible to watch. If Pegasus is interested, this could become as legendary as [Platinum vs Daiwa Scarlet]!"
The other staff member nodded repeatedly, dividing tasks: one continued managing the venue opening, while the other hurriedly contacted colleagues.
"Even if the rookie isn't that impressive, just focusing the camera on Pegasus Platinum during the live stream would make it worth it!"
"Not to mention, [Platinum Growing Taller] is itself a topic that will hugely interest the public. Probably even bigger news than a Triple Crown win!"
--+--
"Please enter."
Shortly after, the opened venue allowed spectators and participants from both entrances to file in.
Once all the participants had entered...
Soon, hardly anyone remained at the entrance of the small to medium-sized racecourse.
The staff member guarding the entrance and checking tickets blinked after a moment, as if witnessing another shocking scene.
In the distance, beyond his field of vision, a faint... light appeared?
A brilliant golden glow, expanding as it drew nearer?!
"Huh? Wh-what's that?"
The staff member even felt a certain... illusion.
The ground beneath him seemed to vibrate slightly, as if feeling a tremor.
What in the world was that?
Or was he still dreaming, not yet awake?
The staff member instinctively swallowed, quickly standing up and widening his eyes as if watching an approaching flood or beast, staring at the distant golden radiance.
Finally—!!
The next moment, his ordinary human vision clearly saw the golden light speeding toward his location.
It was... a Golden Uma Musume figure, galloping toward the venue?!
Upon recognizing the figure, the staff member recalled the last name on the participant list: a Golden-Haired Uma Musume.
A tall, golden-haired girl with heroic and delicate features, her beautiful hair tied into a high ponytail that swayed slightly. Her spirited aura felt less like that of a racer and more like a true knight heading into battle!!
Her name seemed to be [Margaret Nearl]?!
As he recalled the participant list, the golden figure nearly reached the venue entrance, charging into the participant tunnel.
What stunned the staff member even more was that upon arriving and entering the tunnel, the golden-haired girl immediately... halted!
One moment she was sprinting at high speed, seemingly unconcerned about how such stamina drain might affect her upcoming debut race?
And without slowing down! Just an immediate stop?? How could her body withstand that?
What terrifying physical prowess was needed to achieve such a feat?
Baffled and astonished, the staff member racked his brain... recalling several famous Uma Musume from American history.
For instance, the most recent legend—Secretariat, who had broken time records in each Triple Crown race, showing prowess rivaling the original Big Red, Man o' War!
Or others like Seabiscuit!
Aside from such legendary exceptions, perhaps only a handful of historic Uma Musume could manage that?
But now, this completely unknown golden-haired girl—not from any famous American Uma Musume family—was demonstrating incredible potential and physique even before her debut?!
After staring dumbfounded for who knows how long, he seemed to understand.
"The answer is obvious!"
"The one who has captured Pegasus's attention... must be her!"
"Margaret Nearl—a monster destined to shine in next year's American Triple Crown! Could she become Secretariat's challenger?!!"
First, a maturing, late-blooming, taller Pegasus!
Now, a golden figure with astounding potential and physique!
This might become the most talked-about debut race of the year.
Who would have thought this debut race would attract such—belated VIPs?!
--+--
A short while later.
Inside the racecourse, on the dirt track!
The tall, golden-haired girl who had arrived in a hurry stood with her long, smooth hair tied back in a ponytail. Her heroic yet delicate face remained composed.
She held her head high, calm and unruffled. Her figure was well-proportioned and full, with smooth muscle lines that weren't overly prominent. Dressed in standard racing gear, she had finally arrived.
Nearl stepped into her starting gate for the first time.
Merely standing there, she gave the surrounding horse girls an astonishing feeling—as if this golden-haired girl were unshakable, a knight standing on a battlefield.
While others grew nervous about their debut or anxious because a world-famous Uma Musume like Pegasus Platinum was watching...
[Margaret Nearl], the golden-haired girl, remained extremely calm.
There was a uniform requirement for race attire—specific training wear. Remembering this on her way, Nearl had hurriedly purchased some, costing extra time.
Previously, after transforming into Pegasus Platinum, she had only participated in a couple of non-G1 races before wearing her victory uniform for G1s.
Hence, she nearly missed this debut race, but thankfully, her sprint here went smoothly and she arrived on time.
"The time is almost here."
"My journey begins now."
Nearl raised her head, her orange eyes shimmering with curiosity.
Unlike a certain silver-haired, work-averse Pegasus in the audience stands...
As The Radiant Knight, she didn't particularly resist competitive racing.
After all, at the very least, racing was truly fair and just!
[10!]
[9!]
[8!]
As the countdown began, Nearl's cool yet serious expression showed no slackness.
Almost all the Uma Musume held their breath. Even though most knew Pegasus Platinum's presence hinted at a monster in their midst...
How could they withdraw just out of fear, without even knowing who it was?
"I've checked the data—none of the Uma Musume here are from famous families; no super rookies."
"Even that last-minute entry, Nearl, is just an obscure foreign Uma Musume from a no-name family."
"I can't figure out who the monster rookie that caught Pegasus's eye is. Could it... be me?"
"Whatever! This race is only 1200 meters—I can handle it at full throttle. Just focus on winning!"
Many horse girls gritted their teeth, awaiting the start.
In that intensely nervous atmosphere, until...
The starting gates opened as the countdown ended.
[1!!!]
The moment the countdown finished!
All Uma Musume on the field—over a dozen figures—burst out of the gates, charging onto the dirt track.
The race had begun!!
Amid the flying sand outside the gates...
The tall golden-haired girl in the middle gate surged forward with an irresistible, powerful momentum—to the astonishment of those beside her—as she raced ahead!
Her swift speed quickly overtook the two or three Uma Musume who had intended to lead as front-runners.
It felt less like a competition and more like... a fish returning to the sea! An eagle soaring through the sky!
In an instant, the so-called first and second front-runners were utterly surpassed by the dazzling, imposing golden figure.
Nearl, descendant of the Kuranta Pegasus tribe, had begun her first official race in this world!!
--+--
In a European villa.
A lazy, exquisitely beautiful black-haired woman leaned back on her sofa, eating fruit while watching TV.
She was tuned into an American channel with moderate but not high viewership in Europe—one dedicated to dirt races. Currently, it was post-race analysis of the [Belmont Stakes].
"The Big Red Monster, Secretariat!"
"As expected, a name isn't given wrongly; only a reputation is."
"To be bestowed the title by the original Big Red, the strongest dirt racer in history—Man o' War herself—she truly lives up to it."
Even as a pure turf specialist with no dirt expertise, she could fully appreciate Secretariat's terror.
Facing a cheat-like Uma Musume whose strength likely surpassed world-class to reach historic levels, Secretariat started late, then led overwhelmingly, finally winning by a staggering thirty-eight lengths!
That was blatantly, terrifyingly powerful!
"No wonder Little Star was so fixated on that 'strongest promise' after returning from the U.S., worried someone might beat her to it..."
"I thought—with her talent, at least historic-level floor and potential to impact legendary status—how could she be preempted? Now I see the answer."
"A rival like Secretariat... truly troublesome."
A trace of wariness flashed in Galileo's eyes.
Beyond historic level was the once-in-a-century legendary status—a rarity in Uma Musume history, almost mythical.
At that height, winning races wasn't the honor; instead, races felt honored to have such legends participate. Legends brought glory to the events themselves!
And now, Secretariat had reached legendary status in her classic year—right after the recently concluded Belmont Stakes!
That practically refreshed the record for fastest ascent to legendary status.
"Even my invincible younger sister, undefeated in G1s, surpassing all elite Uma Musume, is only historic-level in her classic year so far."
But as exceptional as Sea the Stars was, a visible gap remained between her and legendary status.
Still, Galileo wasn't too worried.
Because her sister Sea the Stars was no early bloomer, yet had already achieved so much.
"But if Sea the Stars can defeat Pegasus Platinum in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe..."
"Then she'll undoubtedly reach legendary status in her classic year with that feat!"
"Then, it'd be a legendary clash—dirt legend and turf legend shining together! A spectacle across centuries!"
But conversely...
If Pegasus Platinum ended Sea the Stars' perfect record in the Arc, she too would surely claim legendary status!
Both sides would undoubtedly see each other as the most valuable... trophy!
Even if Sea the Stars didn't win, Galileo believed her sister's potential would allow her to grow stronger in her older years—she'd win eventually.
If Galileo was near-perfect, then her sister Sea the Stars was truly, once-in-a-lifetime Perfection!
The Sea family's masterpiece, the true ace—Sea the Stars!
As for herself... Galileo had given up on defeating Pegasus on the track.
Well, not exactly—she'd given up on beating Pegasus in races.
But outside competitions—
In the [Lin Anran Cup], she aimed for revenge and victory!
"Speaking of which, Pegasus's Takarazuka Kinen ended a few days ago."
"Why hasn't Dr. Lin messaged me yet? Hasn't she arrived?"
Thinking of Dr. Lin, Galileo couldn't help tightening her legs slightly, her plump thighs trembling upon contact.
Full of confusion and anxiety, she worried Dr. Lin might be snatched away by some wild Uma Musume.
Maybe she should...
Just as Galileo considered calling Lin Anran to check...
A breaking news alert appeared on the screen, instantly catching the attention of Galileo and many viewers across Europe and the U.S.
[Breaking News! Strongest Dual-Surface GOAT Pegasus Platinum mysteriously appears at a small U.S. racecourse!]
[Platinum watches a dirt 1200m debut race! Who is she here for?]
[Incredible! World-shocking super heavy news—Pegasus Platinum has grown ~3CM taller since the Takarazuka Kinen!!]
[Eclipse, far from her limit?!!]
After reading the lengthy text, even the well-informed Galileo widened her eyes.
Wait, seriously…?
Pegasus, who's supposed to challenge the Arc, went to the U.S.? To watch some dirt debut race?
Could another super talent have emerged in American dirt racing after Secretariat, worth Pegasus's attention?
No, the truly outrageous point was... Pegasus grew taller!!
"What the—I stopped growing taller around my classic year, hit my peak, and my strength hasn't improved since..."
"Pegasus, who's crushed me twice by huge margins, already at historic level—she can still grow taller?"
"How is she even more of a late bloomer than Sea the Stars? Is that reasonable??"
Galileo didn't get it and was utterly shocked.
She couldn't imagine—if this year's Platinum wasn't fully matured nor at her peak... how much stronger and scarier could she become next year?
Then, even when competing in Europe's—and the world's—top turf race, the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, her win rate would be incredibly high, right?!
Clearly, the next couple of years might be the most competitive in recent... no, in half a century.
"But... such a terrifying Pegasus isn't busy training to improve? Instead, she's watching a race."
"What kind of Uma Musume could make her so interested and attentive? What hidden monster from which famous family?"
Filled with curiosity and shock, Galileo immediately searched for a live stream of that debut race.
She had a feeling this debut might... become as historic as Secretariat's fourth debut race or Platinum's five-length debut victory!
--+--
"Huh??"
"Wait, this is a debut race, right? A debut race?"
"Where did this Uma Musume come from? What school? What trainer taught her? She doesn't know pace, stamina management, or finishing speed?"
"She's that foreign Uma Musume who signed up last, right?"
The three front-running fillies were dumbfounded, completely astonished.
It was as if she didn't care about race pace or stamina management at all—[Great Escape]?!
Although this was a short-distance race where all Uma Musume had enough stamina to finish...
The Great Escape was different—it was an extreme style more draining than conventional tactics.
Even in the highly competitive U.S. scene, where front-running and prominent tactics were mainstream, [The Great Escape] was considered extreme and hard to win with, yet the most dazzling style.
But... occasionally, kings capable of dominating with all-out front running emerged.
For instance, the newest legend to achieve the prestigious American Triple Crown—Secretariat, who won the Belmont Stakes by thirty-eight lengths and ascended to legendary status!
In a way, American Uma Musume fans' love for "The Great Escape" rivaled Japanese fans' excitement when Pegasus Platinum employed it.
Some had commented that forbidden [Great Escape]... was for the most dazzling, those who loved running beyond high-win tactics—a style pursued at a higher level!
Runners who used the Great Escape might not care about opponents or enemies on the track; they cared only about running itself!
Accelerating! Galloping! Surpassing everything!
This was the common trait of most all-out front runners: they sought only greater speed, chasing only the distant horizon.
In a sense, wasn't that... the ultimate arrogance?
In the U.S., where forward tactics were king, even if they couldn't master this style, Uma Musume had usually tried it during training and knew a bit about it.
But now, none dared attempt it—yet this unknown golden-haired girl, Margaret Nearl from some obscure foreign family, had that level of confidence?
"How arrogant!"
"A foreign Uma Musume? Let's teach her a proper lesson. This debut chance is mine!"
"Gulp... I have a bad feeling, but I can't back down. Winning a debut race in front of Pegasus would be the ultimate glory!"
One front-running filly's eyes lit up.
A flash of inspiration!
She recalled watching Platinum's race—the Spring Tenno Sho.
Back then, Platinum didn't employ a Great Escape; instead, the stamina-strong long-distance specialist Mejiro McQueen did.
Platinum didn't lead or charge from behind—she ran just behind McQueen, staying in her peripheral vision, manipulating the pace.
Eventually, McQueen, pushing the front too hard, exhausted her stamina and was overtaken by Pegasus.
Now... wasn't this the perfect chance to replicate Platinum's classic strategy?!
'If I replicate Pegasus's tactics in front of her and win this debut race she's interested in!!'
'Maybe, like Secretariat being named 'Second Big Red' by Man o' War, I'll be named 'Second Pegasus' by Platinum!'
'Go, go! Follow and learn from Miss Platinum to catch that Margaret Nearl!'
The next moment, the front-running filly excitedly accelerated.
She chose to speed up early, trying to catch up to the golden figure ahead.
But—
So fast! Even at her increased speed, she could only barely close the gap.
'Looks like Nearl is going all out, burning everything in a reckless all-out front run?'
'I can't control the pace now that I've accelerated... I'll go all out too, keep up with her.'
When the front-running filly poured everything into matching an all-out front runner's full speed...
Finally, she barely narrowed the gap, reaching just behind Nearl as they approached the first turn.
In her sight, she could finally see the heroic, tall golden-haired girl clearly.
But... contrary to her expectations!
Nearl showed no tension upon her approach; instead, she wore a faint, warm yet determined smile.
The next instant, Nearl suddenly accelerated, instantly widening the gap between the front-runner who'd given her all to reach her side.
Accelerating! Accelerating!!
Was that Nearl's full speed earlier? A burn-out-all Great Escape?
No, that was just her adapting to the dirt, feeling out the run.
Now, this was her true first gallop!
Nearl's powerful strides quickened, kicking up sand behind her. Her forward-leaning posture felt less like a full sprint and more like... a charge!!
A Knight's Charge! Crushing all obstacles ahead with unstoppable force! Galloping freely on the battlefield-like track with unprecedented might!
No aura unleashed, no Domain activated.
This was just—pure strength.
Instantly, the front-running filly who'd strained to reach Nearl's side widened her eyes in utter astonishment.
Even gritting her teeth, pushing with all her might to chase...
Forget catching up—she couldn't even maintain the gap under full effort.
Three lengths!
Five lengths!
Seven lengths!
And this was just past the first turn, the race barely underway?!
The horse girls behind were all stunned, witnessing the scene ahead.
The earlier big question suddenly had an answer.
—No mistake, Margaret Nearl! The one Pegasus Platinum came to watch must be her!!
--+--
T/N: ts is just a aura farming webnovel my days
--+--
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.