In one section of the stands, the TCB members had long since stopped their casual conversation.
They didn't even have time to be happy for Smart Falcon or cheer her on.
The four Umamusumes were all gaping, their eyes wide with astonishment.
When they saw Smart Falcon effortlessly overtake Satono Crown as if it were child's play, a happy smile on her face, they finally couldn't help but speak.
"Is Falcon-senpai really that strong?"
The one who uttered this exclamation wasn't Kitasan Black, nor Satono Diamond.
It was Mejiro McQueen.
Mejiro McQueen, known as one of the strongest active umamusume.
Even she was stunned by the astonishing speed Smart Falcon displayed on Dirt.
Not only was she shocked, but the three-time champion Tokai Teio was no less astonished.
"I... I just heard from the trainer that Falco-senpai is good on Dirt... I guessed she might perform better on Dirt, but I didn't expect... she's this amazing?"
Tokai Teio exclaimed in surprise, watching Smart Falcon overtake third place in the blink of an eye.
"Back at the academy, I always heard that Falco-senpai's strength was just average!"
It was no exaggeration to say that even Tokai Teio felt overwhelmed by Smart Falcon's speed at this moment, let alone the fact that Smart Falcon was running on Dirt.
"No... as expected of Trainer, her judgment is truly exceptional... Falco-senpai hasn't even trained much, has she? Just changing the surface, and she's already unleashed such power!"
Kitasan Black's blood-red eyes were filled with astonishment.
"This speed doesn't seem to require much effort from Falco-senpai. Look at her, she's smiling so happily!" Satono Diamond said, pointing at Smart Falcon on the track.
"Yeah, the trainer said that Falco-senpai used to lack confidence. Now that she's running at this speed, she must be very happy." Tokai Teio nodded.
"Speaking of which, I feel that Falco-senpai's speed is more than enough for a high-stakes race. Running an OP-level race is really unfair."
"Isn't that because Dia-chan's dad insisted on having Falco run the OP? Our trainer originally registered her for G3," Mejiro McQueen said with a laugh.
--
"Too fast, too strong—what kind of skill is this!"
"Smart Falcon's speed hasn't slowed down at all; she's already overtaken second place and is now only about three lengths behind first-place Royal Cruze."
"Soon, the third turn!"
"In a mile race, starting with a large deficit and then winning is unheard of."
"Smart Falcon, can she create a miracle?"
"Royal Cruze, can she maintain her lead?"
The commentator was completely captivated by Smart Falcon, almost constantly reporting on her performance from mid-race onward.
As she said, there had never been a case in history of winning a mile race after a major late start.
However, in this match, the commentator had been continuously reporting on an Umamusume who had been lagging behind since the middle of the race—something unprecedented.
But Smart Falcon possessed that same charisma.
Not because of her voice, nor because of her looks.
But because of her speed, drawing the attention of everyone in the arena, including the commentator.
She was dazzling.
At this moment, in a local OP-level race, Smart Falcon displayed a bounty match-level performance. She was simply too dazzling.
The audience couldn't take their eyes off her.
At this moment, on the track, Royal Cruze felt immense pressure.
The announcements about Smart Falcon surpassing the other Umamusumes, which had been ringing out since the middle of the race, continued relentlessly.
Finally, it was her turn.
Royal Cruze knew that if she started accelerating at the third corner, she would inevitably lose speed later.
However, as the front-running Umamusume, being overtaken by Smart Falcon would essentially mean losing her chance to win.
Therefore, Royal Cruze had to squeeze out all her remaining energy at the end of the race, further increasing her pace.
Thump.
Just as Royal Cruze began to accelerate, she heard a dull thud of footsteps nearby.
This footstep was like a heavy hammer blow, instantly shattering the last glimmer of hope in her heart.
That footstep, without a doubt, belonged to Smart Falcon.
"Smart Falcon has overtaken Royal Cruze and is in first place!"
"In first place!"
"What did I just see?! A 13-length sweep!"
"despite trailing by 14 lengths at the start, Smart Falcon showed no signs of discouragement."
"Even before the final stages of the race, Smart Falcon used her astonishing speed to overtake all thirteen Umamusumes ahead of her, taking first place!"
"What incredible resilience! What incredible skill!"
"So strong, so incredibly strong!"
The commentator even stood up excitedly from her seat, shouting into the microphone.
"Whoa—!"
The audience in the arena, witnessing Smart Falcon truly achieve this feat of sweeping past thirteen runners, erupted in cheers.
Although this was just a local race.
An OP-level race.
A Dirt race that wasn't highly regarded in Japan.
Smart Falcon's unwavering spirit in the face of a daunting start, and her incredible comeback with phenomenal speed, still thrilled the entire crowd.
"Smart Falcon! She's completely on her own!"
"She's already past the third turn and about to enter the fourth. And right now, the gap between her and second-placed Royal Cruze is widening."
"Five lengths, six lengths, seven lengths!"
"Smart Falcon's pace doesn't falter at all!"
At this moment, no one cared about the so-called prestigious Umamusume, Satono Crown, anymore.
Even though she had climbed from tenth to third.
Even though she was about to catch up with second-placed Royal Cruze.
No one cared about her anymore.
All eyes were now completely focused on Smart Falcon, whose two cute ponytails were tied with pink and black ribbons.
It is precisely because Dirt racing isn't highly regarded in Japan that Smart Falcon's dominance shines even brighter at Hakodate Racecourse, a venue heavily focused on Dirt racing.
If it were a Turf race, this situation would be completely different.
"A huge gap! Smart Falcon has already pulled far ahead of second-place Satono Crown!"