The November air carried a distinct autumn chill.
Reporters had already gathered at the Tokyo Racecourse, their cameras and microphones at the ready, waiting for the pre-race interviews to begin.
The elite journalists from various media outlets, the ones with real reputations, were practically all here.
Normally, the Keio Hai Junior Stakes, while a G2 race, wasn't considered particularly standout among its G2 peers—hardly worth deploying their top talent.
But this year was different.
Among the entrants was Barbatos, currently the hottest topic in the racing world.
There was also 'Tacit Accord', last year's Keio Hai winner, and 'Dramatic Development', who, after a disastrous delay caused by trash-talk in a previous G3 race, was here specifically to redeem herself.
Even if outsiders still had no idea what Barbatos had actually said back then.
No matter how you looked at it, there were plenty of storylines to chase.
Of course, Dramatic Development wasn't among the top three in the popularity polls, so she wouldn't be part of this pre-race press conference.
From now until the year's end, a series of G1 races would unfold, the annual feast of top-tier competition. This Keio Hai was like the opening act, raising the curtain on the grand spectacle.
This Keio Hai was Barbatos's chance to prove she truly deserved the title of 'Prodigy'.
There was the upcoming Autumn Tenno Sho, a clash of titans featuring the former Rigil member, the 'Prodigy' Silence Suzuka, against the legendary 'Empress' Air Groove.
There was El Condor Pasa's own bid to validate her 'Prodigy' status at the Kyoto Nisai Stakes.
The ongoing rivalry between Barbatos and El Condor Pasa across the Hanshin Juvenile Stakes and Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes.
And then the Shuka Sho, the Kikuka Sho, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, the Mile Championship, the Japan Cup, the Arima Kinen, several dirt G1 races, and finally, the Winter Dream Cup.
Without a doubt, the Winter Dream Cup would be the most talked-about event this year.
If previous Winter Dream Cups were about legendary Uma Musume showcasing their unique talents, this one was like a flock of majestic swans with one little ugly duckling mixed in.
Perhaps that ugly duckling would grow into a swan someday, but not yet!
Just how wide was the gap between the duckling and the swans? Or could the duckling possibly pull off a stunning upset? These were the questions set to ignite the internet.
Before the interviews started, the reporters chatted amongst themselves. They were all elites in their field, familiar faces to one another.
During work hours, they were rivals, but outside of that, weren't they all just fans of the sport?
"Tacit Accord's hopes of defending her Keio Hai title this year are looking pretty slim."
"Even if Barbatos weren't running, the outcome was never certain. Do you really think Barbatos is a surefire win against Tacit Accord?"
This wasn't a G3 race. The Keio Hai field included several runners who had already competed at the G1 level!
"That final sprint she showed at the Tracen relay—do you think anyone here can top that?"
"If they can't mark Barbatos tightly and match her late kick, their only chance is to build a lead early."
"There's no way Barbatos loses this race," one reporter stated with absolute confidence. "Because she... she might be an Uma Musume who defines an era!"
"Defines an era?!"
The other reporters' expressions shifted dramatically as they turned to look at the speaker.
If such a statement were made online, people would dismiss it as fanboyism. But hearing it here, in this crowd, carried a completely different weight.
Every person present had a deep understanding of Uma Musume. Their expertise went far beyond just chasing headlines and gossip.
In historical terms, an 'era-defining' Uma Musume usually referred to those capable of unlocking [Zone].
Not the kind who sacrifice everything, burning out after using it once, but those who could activate it multiple times!
A sudden hush fell over the group, so quiet you could almost hear them swallowing nervously.
"This news... is it confirmed?"
"She already unleashed [Zone] during her match against Tamamo Cross."
Even if it was just once, the fact she suffered no leg injuries or fractures and immediately returned to racing spoke volumes.
"Then... the Winter Dream Cup..."
A timid voice piped up. Even unfinished, everyone understood the implication.
If Barbatos could use [Zone], did she have a chance, however slim, to cause an upset at the Winter Dream Cup? Not to win, surely, but maybe, just maybe, not finish dead last?!
It was a possibility they hadn't even dared consider before.
"Haha!"
"As if that could happen."
The previously tense atmosphere suddenly broke into lighthearted chuckles. Not all [Zones] were created equal. What made legendary Uma Musume formidable wasn't just the ability to activate [Zone].
"Still, the possibility of Barbatos actually defeating one of the legends could make for a compelling article."
"Isn't that just clickbait?"
"Hey, we're journalists. It's not clickbait, it's... speculative analysis."
"Gotta make a living. Nothing shameful about that."
They continued chatting, though none seemed genuinely eager to rush off and write such a piece.
Time flew, and soon the top three popularity contestants arrived at the interview area with their trainers.
Barbatos, always the number one in popularity no matter the race.
Second in popularity—last year's Keio Hai winner, Tacit Accord. Third in popularity—Girl Smile.
They stood in their respective positions, all wearing standard-issue tracksuits.
Even Tacit Accord, a G1 veteran who possessed her own special 'winning outfit', was clad in the standard tracksuit.
Only G1-level events permitted the wearing of those unique outfits; even legendary Uma Musume adhered to this rule.
The spotlight fell upon Barbatos and her trainer, Minamizaka.
"Barbatos, do you believe you can secure victory in this race and claim the title of 'Prodigy'?"
"Until the race is over, the outcome is always unpredictable. But..." Barbatos clenched her fist, her voice brimming with confidence, "I will not lose."
No longer overly worried about jinxes, she displayed the innate confidence of youth, confidence built upon a string of victories.
Noticing a subtle shift in Barbatos's demeanor compared to previous interviews, the reporters quickly fired off a few more questions.
Then, they turned their attention to Tacit Accord.
"Tacit Accord, a victory here would mean successfully defending your Keio Hai title. But does facing a competitor like Barbatos add any pressure?"
The question was pointed, but it addressed the obvious, given Barbatos's impressive record.
"No," Tacit Accord replied with a faint smile. "I merely find it remarkable that Barbatos's popularity has reached such heights."
"But in sports, ability is far more important than popularity."
Her eyes suddenly sharpened. "So let me be the one to measure whether Barbatos is truly worthy of being called a 'Prodigy'!"
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 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.