Thus, the moment everyone had been waiting for had arrived. Today would see two G1-level races. One of them, of course, was the Uma Trial Stakes in which Grand Ekinoks would run. The other was the Uma Trial Oak and I was watching the final meters of that race as it unfolded.
"Mary Ellen is leading in the final meters of this race to win, and Mary Ellen, by taking her first G1 victory, has won the first leg of the Triple Tiara."
Thanks to the recently emerging Triple Tiara concept, these races had gained prestige. It wasn't as glamorous as winning the Triple Crown, perhaps, but there was a chance to earn a title.
About 15 minutes later, the announcer prepared to introduce the umamusumes who would compete in the Uma Trial Stakes.
"This year's Uma Trial Stakes looks set to be incredibly exciting. All 11 umamusumes in this race have not yet competed in a G1 race. Also, three umamusumes with foreign-sounding origins will be in this race."
So the three Umamusumes in this race were "transfer students" and could not race in the Gazi Derby.
"Now, from the paddock, the first umamusume, number 1, Aliefe, comes out."
Every umamusume emerging from the paddock was buzzing with the excitement of wearing their racewear for the first time. The first three umamusume were names not even expected to make the board in this race.
"Now, I am honored to introduce Cannon, the number 2 favorite for this race."
Cannon, Grand Ekinoks's friend, would also be in this race, and I was curious about what kind of impact her presence would have. Waving at the crowd in front of her, Cannon wore a racewear similar to Ribella, the famous umamusume.
She wore an elegant dress in a pale blue shade fit for royalty, with sleeves that looked almost royal. It suited her perfectly. As Cannon left the paddock, I heard the announcer again.
"Even though she has only competed in three races, Cannon is a very strong contender in this race. Now, Grand Ekinoks, who has won three of the five races she has run, is coming."
Now it was Grand Ekinoks's turn and I watched her timidly step from the paddock in her own attire. Despite her shyness, she walked in a way that left a positive impression on people. When she reached the end of the paddock, she did something very few Umamusumes have the courage to do.
"I…"
Of course, this was a statement.
"I will pass Koşturan!"
After shouting this as loudly as possible, a murmur rippled through the spectators. Grand Ekinoks had claimed she would pass the heavy favorite of this race. If she failed, she would lose her chance to participate in the Gazi Derby forever.
She really had to win.
"Given that she said it, this umamusume really seems to want to win. I would love to race against her."
And as soon as I saw the umamusume speaking beside me, I noticed a few cameras and microphones with her.
"B-B-Bold Pilot!?!?"
I nearly collapsed out of my seat when I realized the living legend was right beside me.
She had short black hair and eyes of the same color. Yet her eyes seemed to shimmer with a white spark. Her racing outfit was as extravagant as her everyday wear was understated. She wore a black leather jacket, a black-and-white T-shirt, and black jeans.
And the reporters who suddenly appeared and kept firing questions were an extra burden.
"So you're saying Grand Ekinoks will win this race?"
"I didn't say that! Am I her trainer to say such a thing? Besides, I haven't even seen what the favorite looks like yet."
As she pointed at me, I felt as if the whole world was watching me. At the same time, a few questions formed in my mind.
How did Bold Pilot recognize a novice trainer like me?
Seeking an answer to this question, I had to listen to the announcer's words.
"And the clear favorite of this race, who has won all six races she's run, Koşturan, comes to the stage."