Yasui Makoto noticed the faint emotions flickering across the faces of the Uma Musume girls in Gold Ship's circle.
However, seeing Kitasan Black and the others completely immersed in the lively race-day atmosphere, he thought for a moment and decided to keep it to himself.
After leaving the lounge and settling into their reserved front-row seats in the spectator stands, they watched several races leading up to the afternoon's Tenno Sho (Spring). The moment Gold Ship appeared in the paddock, all the Uma Musume girls erupted in cheers.
"Gold Ship! Over here! Look here!"
"She seems to be in great shape! Go, Gold Ship!"
Amid Special Week and Vodka's excited cheers, Daiwa Scarlet and Silence Suzuka exchanged thoughtful words.
"Only the second favorite…? That's odd. Gold Ship won the Hanshin Daishoten last time. Why is her popularity like this?" Daiwa Scarlet wondered aloud.
"The first favorite is Kizuna, right?"
Silence Suzuka rested her chin on her hand, speaking softly. "I recall she was the Derby winner from the previous race. In the race guide and from the commentator, her long-distance adaptability is outstanding. Last year's Tenno Sho (Spring), she finished about three lengths ahead of Gold Ship. That explains why Gold Ship isn't as popular this time."
What they said was common knowledge among those familiar with the scene, and most of the listening Uma Musume nodded in agreement.
Almond Eye, however, turned to them with curiosity.
"Does winning the Japanese Derby make you the strongest Uma Musume?"
"Not necessarily," Daiwa Scarlet replied, gently ruffling Almond Eye's hair with a fond smile. "The Japanese Derby is special—any race called a 'Derby' carries that weight of being the peak of a generation. Winning it is a huge achievement. But there are other races just as meaningful. Like today's Tenno Sho (Spring), or the Arima Kinen at the end of the year—those bring together the strongest Uma Musume of the era. If you ask me, winning the Arima Kinen might feel even more impressive."
Almond Eye nodded, still a bit puzzled, while Vodka looked both amused and slightly exasperated.
"Hey, Daiwa Scarlet, saying that makes me—the one who won the Derby but never the Arima Kinen—feel a little awkward…"
Since Almond Eye, their junior, was present, Daiwa Scarlet didn't launch into her usual banter with Vodka. Instead, she spoke in a reassuring tone.
"Relax, relax. You couldn't run the last two because of physical issues. There was nothing you could do about that."
It was just a light self-deprecating comment, and Vodka didn't take it to heart. She flashed a bright smile, glancing toward the paddock and then the exit of the underground passage.
The paddock parade was almost over. Kizuna and Gold Ship, who had been the first to appear, had already made their way out and were being guided toward the starting gate by the staff.
"Gate 1…"
Vodka rubbed her chin as she watched Gold Ship's figure, her brow furrowing slightly. She turned to Special Week beside her.
"Hey, Special Week, is Gate 1 good for the Tenno Sho (Spring)?"
"Gate 1 for the Tenno Sho (Spring)? I think it's manageable… Are you worried about Gold Ship?" Special Week was also watching Gold Ship closely.
"Yeah. I didn't think much of it earlier, but now…"
Her gaze drifted across the long straight beyond the gates, and Vodka pondered aloud. "The Tenno Sho (Spring) straight is much longer than most races. Starting from the inside… it doesn't seem that advantageous, does it?"
With a reminiscent look, Special Week mused, "True. When I ran it, that straight felt incredibly long. Let me think—the straight after the start in the Tenno Sho (Spring) is about 417 meters, right? For the inner lane, that distance really isn't ideal. But for Gold Ship… she should be fine."
"The inner lane isn't that advantageous…?"
Almond Eye tilted her head in confusion. "Why? Running on the inside should save a lot of ground, shouldn't it?"
Even without speaking, Kitasan Black and Duramente looked over with clear curiosity in their eyes.
In their experience, trainers and instructors had always emphasized securing the inside lane. Training and races often focused on getting to the inner position early. This seemed completely at odds with what their seniors were saying now.
"About that…"
Vodka glanced at Special Week. "You explain it, Special Week. I'm not great with long-distance races."
Without hesitation, Special Week smiled and patted Almond Eye's head before addressing the juniors.
"Advantages between inner and outer lanes… it really depends on the specific race. In most races, yes, claiming the inner lane after the start is smart. But the Tenno Sho (Spring) has such a long straight, and right after the start the pace isn't that fast. You can maintain a good rhythm shifting laterally and find a solid cutting angle before the turn. The physical cost of running outer isn't as bad as it seems. That's when the inner lane's situation flips. The inner lane has fewer tactical options because the outer horses can surround you. If the outer lane doesn't suffer much in stamina or ground covered, the inner lane's disadvantages become obvious. There's also something very important. If the turf condition on the inner lane is poor, running inside means you'll have to fight your way out, or your speed won't build and you'll burn a ton of stamina. At that point, it's the inner position that's costing you ground and energy. So, don't be too rigid about it when you race in the future."
After Special Week finished with a smile, Almond Eye's eyes sparkled with admiration. She clenched her fists.
"Special Week-senpai… you're amazing! All the seniors are incredible… Suzuka-senpai, Daiwa Scarlet-senpai, and Special Week-senpai too… Of course, Vodka-senpai is amazing as well!"
Hearing the little junior's earnest praise, everyone burst into laughter. Vodka, just like Daiwa Scarlet had earlier, reached over and ruffled her hair.
"All right, you don't have to single me out. For this Tenno Sho (Spring), it's still your Special Week-senpai you should look to. Oh, and if you get the chance, you can ask McQueen-senpai too."
"Mm! I know!"
Almond Eye's expression stayed composed, but her tone carried clear enthusiasm, as if determined not to be underestimated.
"Special Week-senpai is the Uma Musume who achieved consecutive victories in the Tenno Sho (Spring) and Autumn after Tamamo Cross-senpai, and McQueen-senpai was the first to win the Spring Tenno Sho consecutively. I'll learn from all the seniors and strive to become an equally excellent—or even better—Uma Musume!"
"Oh? Even better?"
Vodka raised an eyebrow in surprise and glanced at Kitasan Black, who was grinning widely beside her.
"Kita-chan, you should really take a page from Almond Eye here. She's not just honoring the seniors—she's planning to surpass them."
"Almond Eye is already so ambitious!"
Kitasan Black nodded vigorously, her gaze steady. "But senpai's right. I need to work toward that kind of goal too!"
In the warm, cheerful atmosphere, Yasui Makoto, who had been smiling quietly the whole time, nodded to himself.
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