Koşturan was starting to walk through the paddock like a soldier. Her racewear looked exactly like something a soldier would wear.
"Oh my, she's dressed just like Sabırlı. Though Sabırlı usually outfits as a full general. This umamusume looks as if every moment of her life is like this."
From Bold Pilot's comment beside me, it didn't take me long to understand what he meant when I examined Koşturan's racewear. Koşturan behaved like a soldier at every moment. Sabırlı is one of the most important umamusumes in the country and she moves with the discipline of a soldier only during the race moments.
A camouflage-patterned jacket, white undershirt, and white shorts. She completed the look with black military boots. She wore a pistol on top. In addition, there were bullet-like patterns attached to his jacket.
"This girl isn't bad either. My instincts were right. This race is going to be amazing."
After Bold Pilot made this comment, I somehow began to look at him strangely. "Who would think a random G1-level race would go badly?" I muttered to myself.
As I thought this, I suddenly noticed Bold Pilot looking at me.
"Um... aren't you coming to her side? I'll never forget it: in my first G1 race, my trainer suddenly walked into my room while I was getting dressed. I thought he'd scold me for not being in the paddock, but he came to wish me good luck."
"I don't understand why you're telling me this."
"You're sillier than I thought. I mean, do what I did. Go congratulate her in the tunnel or something."
Before I knew it, I was running toward the tunnel.
When I arrived at the tunnel, I saw Grand Ekinoks hesitating at the doorway, unsure whether to step outside or not.
Meanwhile, I saw her pass Koşturan and heard what she said to her.
"I hope you're aware you've ended your career, you hunchback."
I wanted to say something to Košturan about Grand Ekinoks's physical condition, but Grand Ekinoks had already given the necessary answer.
"Sorry, but this race is mine. If I don't win this race, there's no point in racing in the Gazi Derby. As long as my trainer is with me, I don't care what happens."
Seeing the tension between the two up close, I wondered why I listened to Bold Pilot. Grand Ekinoks was already sufficiently motivated. There was no need for me to push her. As long as I am here, she wouldn't need it.
I moved toward a corner where I could watch this race closely. After making sure there weren't an overly famous umamusume around me this time, I took my place at the front lines to watch the race.
"All 11 Umamusumes competing in what is expected to be today's most anticipated race, the Uma Trial Stakes, have taken their positions. This 1600-meter turf race will start in a few seconds."
All the umamusumes had taken their positions. A few seconds later, the white flag went up, and I heard the familiar sound of doors opening again.
"AND THE UMA TRIAL STAKES HAS STARTED!"
All Umamusumes had a good start. The one leading in the first meters was Barrel, number 3. Then came Angelos Draw, number 2, and Cannon, number 4, was in third place.
After the first 100 meters, Cannon suddenly eased up and began to track the race from the back. The favorite of the race, Koşturan, was in the rear, while Grand Ekinoks ran directly to her left. By the first 200 meters, I couldn't help but feel that this race had turned into a chess game.