"Speaking of which," Berno Light tapped the computer screen and pointed to a section of text from the URA Association. "Ann, what exactly is this international rating they're talking about?"
"This rating—" Shuta An skimmed the description, one eyebrow rising. "Looks like the URA Association is really pushing hard to get Japan's race system aligned with the global standard."
"How so?" Oguri Cap tilted her head, ears twitching. "Is this international rating something really amazing?"
"It's a score issued by the IFUA—the worldwide joint organization of URA associations. They rate the top four finishers of G2, G3, Listed, and Open races, as well as anyone who competes in a G1."
"To put it simply, for example—Japan's rule for the Japan Cup says that any local Uma Musume entering must have a WTR score of at least 116. Normally, that means a top-three finish in a standard G1, or winning a strong G2 with an exceptional performance."
"So what's Oguri's WTR?" Berno leaned closer, curiosity sparkling.
Oguri Cap's ears pricked straight up. She had never checked her rating herself, even after her two G1 victories earlier in the year. She wanted to know how those overseas judges evaluated her achievements.
Shuta An, however, had looked it up already—back when Oguri won the French Two Crowns.
"118 for the French 2000 Guineas. 119 for the Prix du Jockey Club. If you compare horizontally… it's only average."
He glanced toward Oguri Cap as he said it. The Japanese media praised her endlessly for her "historic achievement" in the first half of the year, but the truth was that competition level in that year's French Two Crowns had been—lacking.
Hours After—the runner-up of the Prix du Jockey Club—had fallen apart ever since she got overtaken by Oguri's insane comeback run in that race. Her participation in the Japan Cup even depended on her Fuji Stakes performance—and she wasn't even listed as a contender. With all this in mind, Shuta An quietly worried that Oguri might feel hurt by the blunt reality. But—
"119 points." Oguri's eyes sparkled. "That's great! It's three points above the Japan Cup entry requirement!"
Her sheer sincerity left Shuta An momentarily speechless.
"Then the Autumn Tenno Sho should also have a rating, right?" Berno Light pressed on.
"There should be," Shuta An shrugged. "But I haven't checked. Let's look it up now—maybe the URA website already posted it."
He clicked the mouse a few times. The Autumn Tenno Sho section appeared instantly. Oguri Cap and Berno Light both leaned in. And there it was—the rating for the two "gray monsters" who finished in a dead heat:
"121" "121"
Because their noses crossed the line together, the rating was the same for both.
"121—now that's a proper G1 winner's score." Shuta An nodded, satisfied. "Looks like IFUA acknowledged the level of this year's Tenno Sho."
"But in that case—" Berno frowned, "No wonder Anne warned that Tony Bianca and Ellerslie Pride shouldn't be underestimated. Their ratings are incredibly high."
"It's fine." Shuta waved off the concern. "Tokyo's turf is completely different from Australia or Europe. They might not adapt."
But after watching the afternoon broadcast of the Fuji Stakes, his confidence faltered.
"Both overseas challengers lost—one finished second, the other seventh. Hours After collapsed completely, finishing seventh."
"Is that really the same opponent I fought neck-and-neck with at Chantilly?" Oguri stared in disbelief. "This performance is—"
"Some Uma Musume mature too early. By this time of year, their ability already declines," Shuta wagged a finger. "Hours After probably belongs to that type."
"Oguri shouldn't pay attention to her anymore," Berno added. "We need to focus on preparing for the Japan Cup."
And just like that, preparations for the Japan Cup began. The race was only 400 meters longer than the Autumn Tenno Sho—but that didn't mean their previous tactics could be copied completely. Still, Shuta An's basic strategy remained similar.
No tricks. No gambles. A straightforward, honest fight.
"The two overseas Uma Musumes from the Fuji Stakes almost definitely won't run, so the field will be fourteen. And while Tokyo's final straight favors late-surgers, given that most of Oguri's current skills activate when she's running near the front, a mid-pack pace-chasing tactic is safest."
"Last time, Miss Tamamo Cross forced a front position and failed. With a longer distance this time, she'll definitely switch back to her preferred late-charge."
"That means—" Shuta tapped his chin, "the roles will reverse. Tamamo will be the one marking Oguri. But since Oguri handles pressure well, even if she's marked, she won't panic."
He paused—then tapped his head lightly.
"No—I can't just assume that."
He pulled out his phone and opened Line. Tojo Hana, working in the Rigil activity room, heard her phone vibrate, checked the message—
"Shuta-kun is requesting chase training for Oguri Cap?"
And more than that—he specifically wanted an Uma Musume capable of mid-back late-charge tactics. The first name that came to Hana's mind: Symboli Rudolf.
Rudolf could go forward, of course—but her late-chasing strength was equally fearsome.
After thinking it over, Tojo Hana forwarded the request. A reply came immediately from the "Emperor":
"Understood. Set the time."
—
November 23rd.
After breakfast, Shuta An took Oguri to Central Tracen Academy.
"Are we going to record today's cut-in?" Oguri asked while following behind him.
"That's right. And a few days ago, I arranged training partners for today."
"Training partners?" Oguri blinked. "But I always do cut-in alone."
"This time is different." Shuta wagged his finger. "Today, you'll run in the lead and experience being marked."
"Being—marked?" Oguri frowned. "To deal with Tamamo?"
"Partly." Shuta glanced at the big screen outside, playing a Japan Cup promo.
"And partly to prepare for Tony Bianca and the others."
"Will Tony Bianca mark me?" Oguri asked, a spark of excitement in her voice.
Shuta shook his head. "Can't say. But since you're a French Two Crowns winner and also won the Tenno Sho from the front it's only natural they'll mark you."
"Because Oguri is strong." A light smile crossed his lips. "Strong competitors get targeted. It's natural."
"But before anything—Oguri needs to adapt. Throwing her straight into being marked would be irresponsible."
Oguri hummed quietly and didn't speak again. At Central Tracen's gate, Tokai Teio was already waiting.
"Trainer! Oguri-senpai!" Teio waved brightly. "I'll take you to the training ground!"
"Thanks, Teio." Shuta ruffled her hair before following.
Oguri, still puzzled, wondered silently: Who exactly is waiting for me if Teio is here to escort us?
She glanced at Shuta's back—then kept her questions to herself. They walked on, and Teio chimed:
"The President and Miss Mejiro Ramonu have already arrived. They're waiting for Oguri-senpai before starting warm-ups!"
"Oh? Not just Rudolf—Miss Ramonu too?" Shuta truly hadn't expected that. He had only requested Rudolf. This was… an unexpected bonus.
Even Oguri had heard of Mejiro Ramonu—Japan's first Triple Tiara winner. Though injuries forced her to retire from the Twinkle Series, her Dream Trophy popularity remained sky-high.
Not to mention her lineage. The name "Mejiro" was legendary.
Oguri also noticed Shuta's faint regretful look when Teio mentioned Ramonu's recent race schedule.
Trainer thinks Miss Ramonu's racing choices aren't ideal?
Having grown familiar with him, Oguri could read the subtle shift in his tone. But she swallowed the thought.
Soon, they arrived at the track. Rigil members stood at the sidelines, watching. Rudolf, wearing a training uniform, stood ready on the track beside another dark bay Uma Musume.
"I'm not late, am I?" Shuta asked Tojo Hana. "Didn't expect so many spectators."
"I invited them," Hana smiled. "It's not often we get to watch a chase at this level."
"For today's chase," Shuta turned to Rudolf, "I'd like you and Miss Ramonu to start behind Oguri, mark her, and pursue her for seven furlongs. Please keep the intensity at 'slightly strong.'"
"Alright." Rudolf nodded. "Understood."
Mejiro Ramonu nodded as well. "I'll match that."
Oguri clenched her fists.
So this is what it feels like to be the one being marked
Being chased by both Rudolf and Ramonu would bring more pressure than Tamamo Cross and Tony Bianca—because unlike those two rivals, Rudolf and Ramonu would work together. As the three Uma Musume began warming up, Shuta quietly asked beside Tojo Hana:
"Silence Suzuka's debut—Miss Hana convinced her, right?"
"Yes," Hana lowered her voice. "Thank you, Shuta-kun. Without you, I don't think I could have swayed her."
"I get why you're cautious," Shuta nodded. "Her front running style needs proper physical development. If her body matures enough, she can win steadily just by running at her own pace."
"You think Suzuka suits a front running strategy?" Hana was surprised. "I actually think she'll fit an aggressive lead even more."
"I won't comment on that," Shuta said lightly, eyes already drifting back to the track. "She's your trainee after all."
Hana twitched at the subtle deflection. She caught the message clearly.
"Miss Oguri Cap is being marked today is that to handle Tamamo Cross?"
"Not just her." Shuta's gaze fixed on Oguri's form. "There's also Tony Bianca, and others. Tamamo will likely run a late surger or an end closer, so Oguri will be the one everyone marks."
"Do you have confidence in winning the Japan Cup?" Hana asked quietly.
"Of course." Shuta answered instantly, without a hint of hesitation. "Oguri knows exactly how much prize money she'll earn from winning."
"And ever since the Autumn Tenno Sho—I've promised myself this." He lowered his voice, almost like a vow—
"No matter the race, I must believe that Oguri can win. Anyone else can doubt her—but I won't."
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