At this very moment, Platinum reigns supreme over Europe!
The silver-haired maiden, having already left the airport, was dragging her suitcase behind her as she arrived in front of a house.
With the ability of [One Soul, Two Bodies], which allowed her to earn double race prizes and compete in the [Late Stage Races], Platinum was finally back in Europe!
After all, Platinum wasn't responsible for just one or two races.
[Eclipse Stakes (Incomplete)]
[King George VI Stakes (Incomplete)]
[Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Incomplete)]
Each of these was a superstar G1 event renowned throughout Europe—races any fan of turf racing would undoubtedly know!
And yet, just a year ago, when Platinum first arrived in Europe, the reviews she received were something like this:
—[A Pegasus from Japan lands in Britain, audaciously aiming for the oldest and greatest prize that does not belong to her—the Epsom Derby.]
But after claiming the Derby! Even before the next day, that very night, the headlines had changed…
—[Her Supreme Majesty, the Pegasus, ascends to the throne of her loyal Britain today!]
So… for the Eclipse Stakes, Platinum's first race in just a few days, she had already secured the absolute top spot in the popularity polls.
Even though, as a Japanese Uma Musume who made her debut here, she had only run one race in Europe so far! Yet for her to have such popularity in the Eclipse Stakes was historically rare.
Reputation precedes you, like a shadow follows a tree!
The exceptionally popular yet languid Miss Platinum pushed the door open without ceremony.
--+--
Some time later.
After unpacking and settling her suitcase.
The lazy silver-haired girl sat on her bed, idly picking up her phone to kill time.
Since her "work shift" wasn't for a few more days, of course she had to rest properly and conserve her energy!
Otherwise, how could she be in top form to prepare for the Eclipse Stakes?
With fully justified reasons to laze around, Miss Platinum began scrolling through her phone.
Before long, she came across numerous trending news articles from Europe.
[Eclipse Descends! Challenging the Eclipse Stakes!]
[Is this a tribute from the latter-day Eclipse to the legendary Eclipse? Or… the first step in challenging Eclipse herself?!]
[Absolute top popularity, undeniable strength! The nightmare of the Coolmore Group is here!]
[The Supreme Eclipse Heavenly Steed will grace the Eclipse Stakes!!]
[Unbelievable—Coolmore Group deploys in full force, with four Uma Musume entering. They refuse to back down?]
As Platinum read on, the last article gave her slight pause.
She hadn't paid much attention to her top ranking in the polls or the surprise over Eclipse joining the race—she'd expected all that.
'I wonder, after completing this [Late Stage Races], will there be something like a [Final Stage Races]?'
The thought struck Platinum abruptly!
Early, middle, late, final… that progression did sound about right, didn't it?
If so, that meant more overtime in the future!!
'Ah, forget it. For this late stage, there are only three turf races under my care. That's not too many.'
'During the middle stage before, I had to run five or six races. This stage doesn't have many turf races either.'
The indolent Miss Platinum shifted her attention back to the news in front of her.
She clicked on the last article, the only one that had piqued her interest slightly.
[Unbelievable—Coolmore Group deploys in full force, with four Uma Musume…]
As many as four?
If this were in Japan's Uma Musume racing scene, fans wouldn't bat an eye.
After all, in Japanese races, as long as a runner met popularity criteria or had recent earnings above a certain threshold, they could enter—no exorbitant entry fees like in Europe and America.
If a prestigious family produced more than one talented Uma Musume within a couple of years, it wasn't unheard of for multiple Japanese horse girls to appear in the same race.
For example, Mejiro McQueen, Mejiro Ryan, and Mejiro Dober had all raced alongside sisters from the same family.
Other notable Japanese families, even if not as prolific as the Mejiro, occasionally nurtured two Uma Musume capable of competing in G1 races within a few years.
So while not exactly common in Japan, it was far from rare or strange either.
The Mejiro family was currently Japan's top racing house, while the Coolmore Group claimed the number one spot in Europe—not just in some small European country, but across the continent!
So for Coolmore to make such a move was well within their means, yet it still felt… off.
Because… Coolmore wasn't a conventional family—it was a "group," a close-knit alliance of several prestigious families deeply collaborating in training, race planning, and more.
In many ways, the Uma Musume of Coolmore were relatives, close friends, or partners rather than blood sisters.
In such a highly rational, profit-driven alliance, even if one young filly was fearless enough to challenge, dragging a group of others along to tackle the Eclipse Stakes together? That didn't sound like maximizing the benefits.
This phenomenon of multiple familiar elite horse girls entering one G1—commonplace in Japan—felt complicated when transplanted to Europe.
And for it to happen at the Eclipse Stakes was especially peculiar and absurd. Despite being an international G1 named after the title of "strongest turf horse," its purse didn't even match Japan's G1 races!
Japan's G1s, known for their deep pockets and lack of high entry fees, lived up to their reputation—only outdone by oil-rich events like those in Dubai that didn't care about profit!
Plus, just a month after the Eclipse Stakes was another super prestigious event—the [King George VI Stakes]!
This meant any confident European Uma Musume would lean towards the latter race, not the Eclipse Stakes.
In recent runnings of the Eclipse Stakes, the total number of participants often hovered around four or five, sometimes six or seven, rarely approaching ten.
But now, knowing Platinum was entered, Coolmore still chose to send four horse girls at once?!
In a year with fewer participants, that would mean Coolmore's runners occupied nearly half the field!
'Sending so many… if they don't win, wouldn't that maximize their losses?'
Even the usually languid Platinum felt a twinge of surprise.
The King George VI Stakes could almost be considered the world's only middle-distance turf G1 with prestige and purse rivaling—or even approaching—the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
In both honor and prize money, it undoubtedly surpassed the Eclipse Stakes.
One was a top-tier G1 worth 90 points, the other an excellent G1 worth 80 points. Yet they were abandoning the 90-point race to battle her in the 80-point one?
Why were these Coolmore fillies collectively choosing the Eclipse Stakes over the King George?
Logically, such a group would have trainers and analysts behind them—they wouldn't let the fillies blindly enter races.
So the current situation was… intriguing.
'There's only one possibility: they believe their chances of winning the King George are much lower!'
'That's why they're forced to go all out and challenge me in the Eclipse Stakes.'
At this thought, the silver-haired girl blinked, a flicker of surprise rising in her amber eyes.
But from what she'd seen, the King George did have some strong contenders—more than one G1 winner—which was perfectly normal for a world-class super G1 like that, wasn't it?
Unless… besides those G1 champions, there was some hidden super monster?
'It seems not only will this Eclipse Stakes be interesting. Even the King George in a month won't be easy.'
Preparing for overtime, Platinum wanted to make quick work of this!
On the surface, the Eclipse Stakes still paled in comparison to the King George in terms of significance.
Even though participant numbers were nearing double digits, the "quality" couldn't match the King George, crowned by Japanese fans as part of the [European Triple Crown].
For some reason…
Whenever the Eclipse Stakes was mentioned, the lazy Miss Platinum felt her assassin's sharp instincts tingling, faintly detecting something unusual.
If she lacked danger awareness and was just a lazy worker… Miss Centaurea of that land wouldn't have survived to become Platinum!
'This Eclipse Stakes… I can't be too careless. There might be something unusual afoot!'
A glint of true sharpness flashed through the silver-haired girl's amber eyes.
'Well then—bring it on!'
--+--
Meanwhile, in the United States.
Inside a skyscraper, a meeting was underway with many high-level officials from the Uma Musume Racing Association.
The topic was the organization and promotion of next year's American Triple Crown races—a matter of utmost importance every year.
In terms of priority, it often ranked no lower than any major G1!
After all… from the Classic Triple Crown to the Classic Triple Tiara, that totaled six G1 races.
While the former usually garnered the most attention, the latter often served as a supplement.
But the battles of the new generation of Uma Musume were always closely watched.
"It's truly unexpected. Usually, by global convention, the year after a Triple Crown Uma Musume appears, there's a significant decline, creating a contrast with the previous year…"
"We thought after Secretariat's Triple Crown, the next few years might pale in comparison to this one."
"But next year's lineup looks just as impressive as this year's, if not more?!"
Many voices discussed this in the meeting room.
This view was shared by numerous executives, all feeling excited.
Without a doubt, things were—on the up and up!!
This year's showdown between Secretariat and Sham had already resounded across America and the world!
And next year might not be any worse!
But the next moment, a calm female voice made the entire room pause.
"No, next year's Triple Crown, in terms of discussion, influence, and development, isn't just [not inferior to this year]."
"It will… surpass this year!"
The gazes of all the executives turned towards the front of the room, where a mature young woman sat with grace and elegance—her ears and tail confirming her identity as a horse girl.
She was the legendary Uma Musume, the super monster who had once single-handedly propelled American racing forward: Seabiscuit!
With immense achievements under her belt, Seabiscuit, now a high-ranking official in American racing, contributed her sharp and incisive vision to the industry's development once more.
Many human executives knew that when it came to insight, few in all of America could match the legendary Seabiscuit.
And now… Seabiscuit had a different perspective?
"The Classic Triple Crown features third-generation red plain easy gentleman, the dark monster Sunday Silence, and the Radiant Knight Nearl!"
"As for the Classic Triple Tiara, it's the dominant empress, Ruffian!"
"On one side, a three-way rivalry; on the other, a guaranteed Classic Triple Tiara winner. There's both suspense and fierce competition, plus the assured birth of at least one Triple Crown Uma Musume!"
"Under the influence of such matchups, the resulting fervor is bound to exceed this year's."
Seabiscuit earnestly laid out her views.
It wasn't that she thought Nearl, Ruffian, or Easy Goer weren't capable—they were too capable!
Ruffian had wisely chosen the Classic Triple Tiara, which suited her better, positioning herself as the sole favorite to claim the Triple Tiara.
While the Classic Triple Tiara's prestige was undoubtedly a notch below the Classic Triple Crown, it was still a Triple Crown!
And the Classic Triple Crown's Nearl, Easy Goer, and Sunday Silence would form a triumvirate, drawing attention as a three-way battle.
There was even a possibility… of a second Triple Crown winner!!
If both a Classic Triple Crown and a Classic Triple Tiara Uma Musume emerged in the same year, it would undoubtedly capture the world's attention, propelling American racing to unprecedented heights!
Although the odds were low, Seabiscuit believed it was possible.
"Since Ms. Seabiscuit believes so, I trust this judgment."
"Agreed. I also quite like Nearl and Ruffian; they definitely have the potential to catch up to Secretariat and Platinum."
"Concur!"
"Third-generation Big Red Easy Goer, second-generation Pegasus Nearl—they truly might surpass the Secretariat-Sham showdown.'
"Plus one."
Immediately, over half the room raised their hands in agreement, voting to set next year's Triple Crown promotion budget to… [Maximum]!
The investment would be even greater than this year's American Triple Crown!
"Not only that—"
Seabiscuit nodded and continued.
As both a racing executive and a senior horse girl, she had mentored many horse girls.
Thus, she had a clearer understanding of their true potential—even their planned future race schedules—than anyone else in the room.
And now, Seabiscuit was about to reveal Ruffian's important plans.
"Ruffian, like Nearl, is a super monster who has broken records in almost every race she's entered."
"She intends, after winning the Classic Triple Tiara, to initiate a… [showdown], a [head-to-head challenge] against the Classic Triple Crown winner!"
When Seabiscuit uttered the word "showdown"!
The room fell silent instantly!
A moment later, after processing it, the large meeting room erupted with excited, anticipatory voices.
"A sh-showdown?!"
"Wow! It's been ages since we've seen a showdown. The association has enough budget to host an extra super G1-level match race!"
"Add funds, we must add funds. The whole world needs to watch this!"
"A match race brimming with martial spirit—the association must increase investment!"
"Could this become a legendary battle to rival [Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral]?!"
The many racing executives, upon hearing "showdown," nearly collectively lit up with excitement, gazing intently at the composed Seabiscuit.
Showdown!
Namely—[Match Race], a traditional practice in America that persisted to this day.
In a way, it was like an upgraded version of… a training race challenge.
Two Uma Musume would agree to a duel, submit an application to the racing authorities for a match race, and either contribute funds themselves for the prize purse or let the officials decide on the prize amount based on the matchup's appeal.
In other words, if the two Uma Musume weren't outstanding enough, the match might only be upgraded to a low-level G3 stakes race.
But if both were exceptional, forming a marquee matchup, it could be broadcast as a super G1-level event watched across America.
And among all match races in American history, the most famous one involved this very same seemingly elegant and harmless young woman named Seabiscuit!
Back then, the younger sister of the first-generation Big Red Monster Man o' War, a petite monster named [War Admiral], achieved the Triple Crown! To become America's strongest, Seabiscuit challenged her.
That head-to-head duel attracted over thirty million viewers and listeners across the United States.
Rumor had it that even the national leader at the time, who was in the middle of a meeting, adjourned it to watch Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral firsthand!
In the end, Seabiscuit righteously defeated War Admiral by a huge margin, cementing her legendary status in that historic match race!
The American racing authorities had never forgotten that epoch-making showdown!
That kind of martial, no-holds-barred challenge and duel… was rare yet beloved by the public!
But typically, the prize money for match races couldn't match regular races, and in recent years, few star Uma Musume had engaged in such challenges.
Who would have thought that Ruffian, aiming for the Filly Triple Crown, planned to challenge the winner—or winners—of the other Triple Crown after securing her own?!
"Truly worthy of Ruffian!! Such confidence is like Seabiscuit or Secretariat reborn!"
"Great, something else to look forward to. After both Triple Crowns conclude, there'll be a [showdown] with attention rivaling any G1!"
"Next year will surely be the most important year in American racing in a century, won't it?!"
After many executives exclaimed and marveled, it took a while before they reluctantly moved on to the next important topic.
"So next, let's discuss the allocation of promotional resources for these fillies entering the classic races next year."
"These four—who should receive priority?"
"Sunday Silence looks too thin and weak, not as imposing and domineering as Nearl and Ruffian, nor as handsome as Easy Goer with his red-like charm."
"Prioritize the other three. Don't pay too much attention to Sunday Silence."
But Seabiscuit shook her head again.
"No, the big three are the big three."
"The seemingly frail Sunday Silence harbors hidden power and explosive power no less than Easy Goer."
"After her injury last year, treated by a certain doctor, the potential and will she displayed will surely exceed all your expectations."
Before she even finished speaking, Seabiscuit couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
—That Dr. Lin, he really is remembered by too many outstanding American Uma Musume…
"Divide the top-tier resources equally among these four. Let's look forward to next year's unprecedented Triple Crown and the final [showdown]!"
Who would use their opponent as a stepping stone to dominate the dirt in the showdown?!
That match race will surely be [unmatched thereafter]!!
--+--
Two days later!
The day before the Eclipse Stakes.
At one of Coolmore Group's training grounds.
Four elite Uma Musume, all either tall or curvaceous, were sitting together resting, heads bowed as they looked at their phones.
The videos on their phones were all past race recordings of [Pegasus Platinum]!
They wanted to watch Platinum's races repeatedly, trying to dig out some advantage from the heavenly steed's record to increase their chances of victory.
But—
An unexpected development occurred.
After resting for half an hour, having watched several of Platinum's G1 victories.
Three of them wore complex expressions, some even looking somewhat shocked.
"Sh-she's such a terrifying monster. Can we really win?"
Hearing this, the leading golden-haired young lady slightly frowned, unable to sit still any longer.
This wouldn't do. If they kept watching Platinum's races, their morale would shatter completely.
She stood up, maintaining a commanding tone as she spoke.
"The Eclipse Stakes has seen countless high-intensity battles throughout history. Right and wrong are hard to judge…"
"I don't understand why everyone keeps talking about Platinum's strength? As if the Eclipse Stakes is doomed to be perilous for us?"
"No matter how you look at it, four against one…"
The Coolmore Group would definitely win the Eclipse Stakes!
"—The advantage is ours!"
--+--
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.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.