"Let the execution begin!"
The Pegasus, Platinum, was itching for action, craving to hunt down her rivals!
For Platinum, unless there really was some third Turf Dream Cup out there, this lineup was undoubtedly the strongest she had ever faced.
This was the Dream Cup, watched by the Three Goddesses themselves, with Eclipse providing commentary!
The silver-white maiden's sharp, piercing eyes were firmly locked on the innermost lane, looking down upon the two figures racing side-by-side.
"This position... it seems it's time to hunt, after such a long time."
The Big Red Monster, Man o' War! The Radiant Knight, Nearl!
One of them was a peerless monster even Secretariat admired, having crushed every dirt-track Uma Musume in her path to dominate and earn the name GOAT.
The other was... another her! Having shot down Secretariat, she was the undeniable favorite to win the Dream Cup.
Without a doubt, each was a terrifying opponent, a powerful rival that demanded her full effort.
Thus, they were both immensely valuable as prey.
But it was equally indisputable that Man o' War and Nearl's abilities were surely fearsome to the extreme.
Man o' War was like a previous Emperor returned to her peak form, refined and perfected! She knew her opponents, while they knew nothing of her!
And the current Platinum, positioned in the outermost lane, couldn't accelerate immediately like Nearl to reach Man o' War's side and engage in a head-to-head struggle.
'Sure enough... the dirt on the outside lane is as hard as I imagined.'
Running on the outside lane, the silver-white girl felt no tension. She observed her position with utter calm.
It was common knowledge that the outside lane usually posed significant disadvantages. Every bend meant covering extra ground, and over a long course, victory became increasingly difficult.
The further outside the lane, the lower the win rate—this was the most basic of basics. In major GI races like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Arima Kinen, over 2400 or 2500 meters, the number of Uma Musume winning from outside lanes was significantly lower than those from inside lanes.
In the past, when Platinum challenged the Arima Kinen, the outermost gate she started from hadn't produced a single champion in decades of history.
That is, until Platinum drew that very gate and ended those decades of futility.
But that was built on Platinum's absolutely stellar performance. For almost any other Uma Musume, victory from there would have been exceedingly difficult.
The more participants there were, the more biased the outside positions became, leading to astonishingly higher energy expenditure over the entire race, making wins harder.
And the [Dream Cup] had a full twenty-two participants!
Platinum, as the 22nd contender in the outermost lane, under normal circumstances, faced a challenge far more exaggerated and arduous than her previous Arima Kinen outer gate.
Yet Platinum felt not a trace of panic. She knew one thing... this was no ordinary race. This was the fairest contest, one that tested an Uma Musume's raw ability to the utmost.
Therefore, the Three Goddesses, who designed the course and set the distance, would surely find a way to [keep things perfectly balanced]!
Thus, the further outside the lane, the harder and more energy-saving the track would be, beyond conventional standards, drastically reducing the outside lane's disadvantage.
Not only that, but the final straight sprint was also designed slightly shorter. Combined, this was enough to compensate for all the drawbacks of the outside lane.
One could say this was an utterly fair race, with no need to worry about gate position! The Three Goddesses were truly legendary masters of balance!
After all... the Three Goddesses intended to select the strongest successor through this race, not some luckiest, most fortuitous Uma Musume.
This was why Platinum remained utterly composed, without the slightest anxiety over her outermost lane position.
"Although I won't go all out too early, I can't afford to let the gap widen too much either."
Abruptly, an immensely powerful aura erupted and spread from the silver-white maiden's body. It was... her domain, Pegasian Sight!
That formidable domain, capable of dominating all, was activating at this exceptionally early stage. It seemed Platinum hadn't even considered the possibility of fading.
After all, the dirt track in this outer lane was unimaginably hard.
Not to mention a mere 2400 meters—Platinum had secured multiple victories over distances as long as 3000 meters, having defeated former turf long-distance GOATs like Stradivarius and Kyprios!
Wanting to seize the critical moment from the outside lane to overtake, yet also familiar with her other self and unwilling to let Nearl open too wide a gap, Platinum activated her domain early, unleashing that signature sustained form!
That's right. This wasn't like conventional front-runner or chaser Uma Musume holding back for a late push... This was... holding back solely behind the Great Escapees, Nearl and Man o' War!
As for the other Uma Musume who couldn't even manage to chase Nearl and Man o' War in their Great Escape... they were outside Platinum's concern, not on her hunting list!
--+--
[Pegasian Sight: Activated]
[Will activate at least three exclusive domain skills most suited to the current situation, significantly increasing aura suppression pressure, causing additional stamina consumption for all Uma Musume on the field, and slightly lowering their speed.]
[Passive (Auto-Sustain): Will slightly lower own speed, moderately increase power and enhance stride frequency, slightly boost insight and reaction speed, will slightly plunder skill-based speed boost effects from all Uma Musume on the field, and absorb their stamina at a minimal rate.]
--+--
She would deliver a surprise to the Great Escape monsters in the latter half! A true assassin always appears at the most critical moment!
"Run all you want."
"My arrow will catch up to you!"
[In this 2400-meter race, the distance closest to true long-distance, testing the comprehensive strength of Uma Musume to the utmost!]
[Incredible scenes unfolded right from the starting gate.]
[Secretariat displayed a near-perfect start, but... The Radiant Knight, Nearl, and Man o' War were both even better, seizing the front and beginning a neck-and-neck lead battle, neither giving an inch.]
[Current 1st Place: Nearl, Man o' War (tied). 2nd Place: Secretariat.]
[3rd Place: Flightline. 4th Place...]
The commentator, Eclipse, explained the current start situation and began the routine position report.
This scene left many Dream Cup Uma Musume on the field stunned, and caused countless spectators in the stands and Uma Musume watching worldwide to gasp, their eyes widening in shock.
Even the countless dirt-track enthusiasts in the audience, whether first or second-generation Big Red fans, or Pegasus fans who came to cheer for Nearl and Platinum, watched the track with surprise and keen interest.
"As expected, Secretariat isn't holding back in the slightest against Nearl and Man o' War. What a powerful start."
"But even with a start that superb, Secretariat was instantly left with a slight gap by those two monsters in the innermost lanes..."
"What?! Even in the past race recordings I've seen of Man o' War, she never showed a start this intense, did she? Wasn't she supposed to be 'returning to her peak'? Why does it feel stronger than her peak?"
"No, that's not it! Could it be that Man o' War's past opponents were simply too weak, so she never needed to go all out? Only now, facing the strongest geniuses in dirt-track history, is she finally showing her true power for the first time?"
"As expected of Man o' War, the senior! If it's her, she might truly have a chance to defeat Nearl, reclaim and even solidify her title as the [GOAT]!"
"Nearl! Nearl!! The Radiant Knight who remained undefeated and peerless even when racing outside the orthodox paths! Now, starting from the unprecedented number one gate, she's sure to win!"
Currently, from the ordinary spectators drawn in from the stands to the many diverse fans, a multitude of different languages interwove, all uniformly captivated by this super event of the Dream Cup, where countless stars had gathered.
Moreover, even the Uma Musume from Europe's prestigious turf racing families and Japan's Tracen Academy were filled with intense surprise and a keen interest in discussion.
Man o' War, regarded as a legend surpassing ordinary legendary Uma Musume, was displaying power even more terrifying than in her past race recordings! And Secretariat, not slow out of the gate, was closely pursuing her, like a tyrant conquering her rivals!
And then, the Radiant Knight, Nearl, refusing to yield an inch, battling neck and neck with Man o' War at any cost!
Just how formidable would they be at this very moment?! This had already become a question lingering in countless hearts.
But... it seemed there was one existence, whose popularity surpassed all other Uma Musume, who appeared somewhat overshadowed compared to the relentless, pace-setting duel happening on the inner track.
"Pegasus Platinum is truly fearsome. To think she could enter the Dream Cup with just two dirt track races under her belt."
"That genius girl who just achieved a perfect finale half a month ago is already competing in the Dream Cup?"
"Miss Platinum, Miss Platinum! Don't forget she's the one who surpassed Eclipse! If Eclipse could win the Dream Cup, doesn't Miss Platinum have a chance too?"
"Bad news, Platinum is way on the outside, the 22nd gate! But thankfully the final straight isn't long. Is there a chance for her to catch up?"
Many Pegasus fans were feeling rather worried.
Even the current Japanese Uma Musume, Daiwa Scarlet and Satono Diamond, were somewhat concerned.
After all, all of Platinum's past great achievements were accomplished on the turf.
Her two victories on dirt were in the Dubai World Cup and the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.
These two dirt G1 races, while having decent prize money and considerable prestige... still couldn't quite compare to events like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or the Breeders' Cup Classic. Winning by large margins, very impressively... but this is the Dirt Dream Cup!
All the superstar Uma Musume nurtured on dirt tracks over the decades were gathered here, lying in wait! Among them, probably over ten had achieved G1 victories by large margins!
Nearl, Secretariat, Flightline, Man o' War... which of them didn't have a G1 victory by a large margin in their careers?
Therefore, even the most loyal and fervent Pegasus fans' inner expectations for Platinum were...
—A placing within the top ten!!
As long as Platinum could achieve a single-digit finish, just make it into the top ten, they would be perfectly satisfied.
If she could make it to the top five, that would be a massive victory! An earth-shattering feat, proving Platinum's invincibility not just on turf, but also her dominance on dirt!
As for the top three, ascending the winner's podium... nobody even dared to imagine that.
With a career featuring just two dirt races, both tackled as part of a same-day double crown challenge and not with dedicated preparation for dirt—what could Pegasus Platinum possibly rely on to break into the top three?
--+--
In the front rows of the spectator stands, the petite Tyrant glanced towards the far outside track, her attention caught by Platinum.
"The Radiant Knight, the first-generation Big Red Monster Man o' War, the second-generation Big Red Secretariat, Flightline, the dual Hall of Fame dominator Northern Dancer... the number of monsters is simply overwhelming."
"I believe Platinum's innate talent on dirt is no less than those monsters, but it's a shame her training time on dirt has been far, far too short."
Ruffian held immense respect for Platinum.
If originally, the proud Lion King Ruffian considered herself the number one, just below Nearl and Secretariat...
After the Breeders' Cup Mile, she immediately became humbled.
The Lion King had suddenly turned into a little kitten who wouldn't even dare to hiss at Platinum.
After all, Platinum, under the hellish schedule of a same-day double crown, had not only demolished her by a large margin but also conserved plenty of stamina for the next turf race.
Such a being, her talent and theoretical ceiling must be incredibly high, the most outrageous Ruffian had ever seen or heard of. But still... Platinum's experience on dirt was minimal, to say the least.
Among the full field of twenty-two competing Uma Musume, the one with the second-fewest race probably had six or seven under her belt. And the one with the absolute fewest, Platinum, held the record at a mere two races—less than half of even that!
So, while marveling at Platinum's extraordinary gift, Ruffian also felt a tinge of regret.
"But a top-ten finish probably isn't out of the question, right?"
"Better keep watching Nearl. Can she defeat Man o' War, the senior?"
Just as Ruffian shifted her focus away from Platinum on the outside, no longer watching her, and returned her attention like most to the fierce battle unfolding on the inner track...
Suddenly, not long after, she heard Eclipse's voice, initially continuing to report the positions of the other Uma Musume—information that usually didn't require much attention.
--+--
On the commentator's stand, Eclipse was shifting her ethereal gaze towards the outside tracks.
[Fourth place, inner track, number two, Northern Dancer!]
[Fifth place, outermost track, number twenty-two, Platinum!!]
[Northern Dancer! Platinum!]
[They are suddenly pulling away from the mid-pack group, even leaving the front-running pack slightly behind! The difference is, both Northern Dancer and Platinum are accelerating!!]
This announcement from Eclipse, reporting the fourth and fifth positions, struck like a bolt from the blue, astonishing countless spectators.
Number two, Northern Dancer?
Number twenty-two, Platinum?
These two, one on the inner track and one on the outermost track, had already advanced to such forward positions without anyone noticing?
Keep in mind, outside runners either angle inward to find a spot behind, or they stay wide and launch their acceleration in the suitable later stages of the race.
They hadn't even reached the first turn yet! For Platinum, way out wide, to already be accelerating... How bizarre and unbelievable was that?!
And Northern Dancer was also initiating her pursuit of Man o' War and Nearl, who were also on the inner track?
"Just what... is happening?!"
Most of the audience was filled with astonishment. Many of the gazes originally fixed on the inner track, watching the life-and-death struggle between Nearl and Man o' War, began to shift.
But also due to her identity, while Northern Dancer's race record was outstanding, it hadn't reached the heights of Platinum's global sweep. Naturally, she didn't receive the full resources from the American racing authorities either.
Following Northern Dancer's retirement, her fame remained, but those in America who knew and understood her were gradually decreasing.
In the spectator sections filled with many Canadian fans, numerous viewers from Canada were excitedly and expectantly waving their cheer sticks or support boards.
"As expected, this is Northern Dancer for you!!"
"The ever-proud dancer who never shies away from a challenge!"
"Northern Dancer's style is indeed still there! She has a chance to catch up to Nearl and Man o' War, right?"
Northern Dancer, though not originating from American-born Uma Musume, achieved an exceptionally great record of two crowns and one second place in America's proud Triple Crown series, itself a super talent who left her name in the history books.
Northern Dancer was a rather distinctive Uma Musume; in fact, to some extent, she was notoriously strong-willed and difficult to handle.
She had once defied her trainer, ignoring race tactics and doing as she pleased, only to suffer a crushing defeat.
But later, in a public training race, her opponent happened to be the very champion who had won the race where she had given up.
Enraged, Northern Dancer kicked into high gear, leaving her rival seven lengths behind in a dominant victory—and then kept sprinting at top speed for several hundred more meters before finally slowing down.
Clearly, that was the behavior of someone operating from a place of absolute strength and sheer arrogance.
During the American Triple Crown races, after winning the first two legs, Northern Dancer had eyes only for her closest rival—the one who had finished second to her both times. The two of them engaged in a fierce duel.
And then… an overlooked Uma Musume emerged as the dark horse, overtaking both the dual crown winner and the dual runner-up, seizing the third crown—the Belmont Stakes.
These extraordinary exploits revealed the nature of this aloof Canadian champion: a super talent who only cared about opponents that piqued her interest, an arrogant sovereign with no patience for mediocrity.
And in this Dream Cup… there was no shortage of such legendary monsters!
So, it came as no surprise that the proud, domineering, and utterly unyielding Northern Dancer—Canada's strongest Uma Musume—also chose to start her acceleration early.
--+--
Inside track, front position.
This edition of the [Dream Cup], set over 2400 meters with a relatively short final stretch, inevitably meant each of the first four turns would be long.
The accelerated pace set by Man o' War continued relentlessly!
"Hah!"
"—Incredible!!"
The crimson monarch, as she raced with wild abandon, kept her gaze locked on the golden-haired knight running beside her—a girl who seemed to stand as tall as the heavens.
For a long time, Man o' War had been regarded by the outside world as the greatest Uma Musume in American history! Her competitive spirit was as legendary as her record!
Having waited countless years for the Dream Cup, now that it had finally arrived, this peerless crimson beauty naturally came to meet the challenge in her absolute finest form.
It was precisely because her rivals were so strong that Man o' War felt this thrill. She could feel the long-missed joy making her mighty heart beat faster, could feel the scalding, passionate blood coursing through her veins.
"What a delight to meet you here."
"Only a life-and-death struggle like this can make me feel… truly alive!"
"Come, Nearl, the unprecedented Pegasus—let us fight until one of us reaches the end!"
Man o' War hadn't expected that even after activating her domain, and even her unique starting-gate skill, she still couldn't secure an absolute lead.
The Radiant Knight was clinging to her this closely!
That instinct… no, more accurately, that unique, unshakable confidence—it was as if Nearl had never once imagined a future where she lost.
A smile of pure pleasure tugged at the lips of the stunning crimson beauty. Her fighting spirit had already soared to its peak.
'This is the kind of rival worth fighting in the Dream Cup!'
'Perhaps it was just to meet you, to have this very duel, that I was born into this world!'
Man o' War's eyes were fixed solely on the Radiant Knight, Nearl, running stride for stride with her.
The Radiant Knight filled her with joy!
As for the second-generation Big Red Monster faintly visible in her peripheral vision—her own successor, Secretariat—Man o' War paid her no mind.
Only the Radiant Knight, Nearl! Only Nearl!
"Hm?"
At their blistering speed, a flicker of surprise passed through Man o' War's eyes.
Following Secretariat, another figure had appeared—one who hadn't been left too far behind and had also chosen to accelerate early.
It was… an Uma Musume who seemed much smaller and more delicate than most of the American competitors, almost like a "loli," her expression severe and icy.
Despite her petite build, her stride frequency was astonishing. To describe the visual effect, it was almost like… a hummingbird! Tiny, yet incredibly fast!
In an instant, Man o' War recognized the uninvited guest.
"Northern Dancer?"
But Man o' War felt not a shred of interest in this famously dominant dual Hall-of-Famer, this fellow dual crown winner.
"This is no stage for your willful antics."
"This is not a battlefield where you can easily dance."
As a legendary elder statesman of dirt racing, Man o' War was intimately familiar with the vast majority of participants in this tournament.
In fact, she was closely connected to quite a few—like War Admiral and Secretariat, whom she had personally mentored.
Under normal circumstances, Man o' War might have taken considerable interest in a standout prodigy like Northern Dancer. But now… she felt not the slightest emotional stir. After a mere glance, her focus returned entirely to Nearl.
The first turn was rapidly approaching.
This massive, mountain-like Big Red Monster was like the sharpest sword in all of America!
And now, this sword decided it would no longer stay sheathed—it was time to be drawn!!
Man o' War was about to unleash her full acceleration!
"Well, Pegasus? Can you keep up?"
[(Big Red Monster): Judges the average strength of all Uma Musume on the field. The stronger the opponents, the greater the boost to fighting spirit, stamina recovery, and speed increase.]
--+--
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.