"Corner blocking" and "corner sealing" work on similar principles, though the former has lower requirements to pull off. Corner blocking can usually be managed with just one or two Uma Musume working together, while corner sealing normally needs two or more opponents coordinating.
In a turn, the leading Uma Musume instinctively stays close to the inner rail. Combined with the centrifugal force of the curve, this often blocks the path of the runners behind her, forcing the second-place horse and everyone further back to shift slightly outward from their ideal line.
If the leader traces a wide arc, the inside path becomes cramped or completely sealed off.
When the second-place Uma Musume and those behind her begin to accelerate, the ones trapped on the inside end up blocked. They waste energy constantly correcting their line just to break free.
As a front runner, Kitasan Black performs at her best when she can hold first or second position early in the race. Corner blocking and corner sealing are therefore highly effective ways to limit her strengths.
Daiwa Scarlet and the other veteran Uma Musume understand their junior well, which is why they used this tactic against her in the training race.
One of the most effective counters to this situation is the gradient acceleration technique that Kitasan Black employed in the early stages of the race.
By applying different levels of acceleration when entering the turn, holding through the apex, and then exiting it, this progressive change in pace can easily catch opponents off guard. It creates valuable opportunities for repositioning and overtaking.
Kitasan Black handled the early turn flawlessly and executed the technique with excellent timing and effectiveness.
However, when faced with the more demanding final turn, her performance became noticeably hesitant. She looked almost like a complete novice who had yet to make her debut, as if she were at a total loss.
The reason was simple: she had not yet fully mastered the technique. Its successful use in the training race had been somewhat accidental.
This was exactly why it had exceeded Yasui Makoto's expectations.
"So that's how it works..." After Yasui Makoto finished explaining, Kitasan Black nodded in understanding. She thought for a moment before continuing. "I wasn't overthinking it at the time. I just felt like it was the right moment to go, so I pushed forward all at once."
"That's the spirit," Yasui Makoto replied with a nod. He shook his head lightly and pointed toward the ramps on either side of the nearby stairs.
"But you're not only going to practice gradient acceleration. Do you see this ramp?"
Once Kitasan Black turned her gaze to the ramp, he continued.
"Your performance in the training race was very satisfying. It also confirmed that your finishing speed has improved considerably. This means we can move on to more advanced training.
"As you learned in your classes and as I've told you before, the greatest challenge of the Satsuki Sho lies in its two sharp uphill turns.
"What you need to focus on next, in addition to gradient acceleration, is mastering this particular section of the course."
Yasui Makoto was referring to the Satsuki Sho and the famous sharp uphill section at Nakayama Racecourse known as Nakayama Hill.
The turn has a very tight radius, and the uphill slope begins immediately after exiting the bend. Runners must simultaneously deal with the centrifugal force of the corner and the resistance of the climb, all while facing the heavy stamina drain that comes with running uphill. It demands exceptional stride adjustment, stamina distribution, and core strength.
Given how thoroughly the opponents in the training race, such as Daiwa Scarlet and the others, had already analyzed Kitasan Black's strengths and weaknesses, they would likely employ similar positioning and acceleration tactics to disrupt her rhythm or launch attacks in the actual Satsuki Sho.
Based on her past performances, Kitasan Black's stamina, stride, and power were not concerns. The real task now was to strengthen her sprinting ability specifically for these race conditions and to master the corresponding techniques.
After listening to all of this, Kitasan Black looked somewhat dazed.
"This... Trainer, why does the Satsuki Sho sound so much more complicated than the races I've run before...?"
"What else did you expect?" Yasui Makoto said with an amused smile at his Uma Musume's reaction. His expression then grew serious.
"This is the Satsuki Sho. It's a G1 race... one of the most prestigious events, and the first leg of the Classic Triple Crown.
"I didn't mention any of this to you earlier because your ability and experience weren't ready for it yet. But don't be discouraged.
"The same lack of experience applies to all your opponents as well. Everyone is a Classic-year Uma Musume right now. At this stage, what matters most is who can make the best possible preparations in the limited time available."
Kitasan Black slowly recovered from her initial shock. Having already competed in three races, she had come to realize that watching races and actually participating in them were two completely different experiences. That was the source of her surprise.
She had always known the Satsuki Sho was important, but only now, after hearing Yasui Makoto's detailed training plans, was she truly beginning to understand why.
Seeing the determination gradually return to Kitasan Black's face, Yasui Makoto nodded to himself in satisfaction and began the official training session.
As usual, a parachute was attached to Kitasan Black. This time, however, her track was no longer flat. They had created a simulated sharp turn leading directly into a ramp.
Using a series of traffic cones, Yasui Makoto had carefully laid out a replica of the "Nakayama Hill" section based on the actual conditions of the Satsuki Sho course.
Kitasan Black's task was to repeatedly run this simulated route while following the requirements of the sprint training.
Before long, the energetic "Hoo-yah!" cries of the black-haired girl mixed with Yasui Makoto's occasional corrections, echoing across the entire training ground.
...
"In this set, the angle of your outer foot landing is off. It's too far outward. That will cause you to run extra meters on the outside and waste some of your stride."
"Hai! I'll pay close attention next time!"
...
"Hmm, your foot placement is much better this time... But don't celebrate just yet. Your body lean is still problematic. Remember, this section has an uphill climb right after the turn. You need to shift your center of gravity forward before you exit the corner to generate momentum for the slope."
"Uphill right after the turn... uphill right after the turn... Lean forward, lean forward... Okay! I remember now! I'll run it again!"
...
"Stride frequency... stride length... heart rate changes... No major issues. This is currently your maximum threshold for sprint endurance. Run one more set and really commit this limit to memory with your body."
"Okay! I'll go again!"
...
"Your heart rate is at 180 bpm... You're getting close to the limit..."
"I feel like I can still push a little further, Trainer."
"You could keep going, but right now, is your mind still functioning properly? Remember, thinking also consumes stamina."
"My mind...? Yeah... I am feeling a bit tired up there. So... is morning training finished for today?"
"Not yet. There's one final set. This current state of fatigue is the perfect moment to train your decision-making ability. Give me a moment to adjust the route, then run the last one."
"Hmm! No problem at all!"