Chapter 305: California Chrome
After carefully confirming the detailed situations of Duramente and REAL STEEL, Makoto fell into deep thought about his own circumstances.
He knew very well that his experience in the Umamusume training zone—especially when it came to overseas expeditions—was far too limited.
At present, most of his understanding of international races came from past race information stored in his memory, as well as theoretical knowledge gathered from books and materials. However, when it came to actual practice, he was essentially a blank slate.
There were still more than half a month before the Dubai World Cup officially began.
The reason their group had arrived in Dubai so early was precisely to make up for this major gap in practical overseas racing experience.
Although staying abroad for too long might negatively affect their ability to readjust upon returning to races in Japan, from a long-term development perspective, this experience was undoubtedly a necessary and crucial step.
Moreover, Makoto had already made thorough and detailed preparations for the Spring Tenno Sho. Whether it was training plans or adjustments to the Umamusume's condition, everything was progressing in an orderly manner. Therefore, he wasn't worried about any issues arising in training after returning home.
Given all this, Makoto quickly clarified his next course of action:
Make full use of these precious two-plus weeks to deeply understand and effectively improve Kitasan Black's adaptability to overseas tracks, while also laying a solid foundation for the inexperienced Almond Eye's future international racing career.
With that in mind, Makoto swiftly shifted his focus to studying overseas competitors.
This time, his attention quickly locked onto interview reports of two exceptionally strong international Umamusume:
California Chrome, and Postponed.
Without a doubt, California Chrome was currently one of the hottest Umamusume in the United States—and even the world.
The year before last, she displayed unparalleled strength on the track, charging through her rivals and successfully winning the first two legs of the American Classic Triple Crown—the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
In those two races, she was like a gust of wind, crossing the finish line at breathtaking speed and leaving all her opponents far behind.
However, racing is always full of uncertainty and unexpected turns.
In the third leg, the Belmont Stakes, fate played a cruel trick on her.
At the moment the gates opened, she was unfortunately injured. Despite enduring immense pain, she still relied on sheer determination to finish the race.
Although she ultimately missed out on the supreme glory of the Triple Crown, her outstanding performance throughout the classic season left a deep impression on every spectator and professional.
Thanks to her remarkable achievements that year, she was rightfully named the best Umamusume in the United States—a recognition that fully reflected her strength and effort.
By last year, California Chrome had continued to maintain her astonishing momentum and excellent condition.
Every race she ran felt like a spectacular performance, captivating countless spectators.
Victory after victory caused her prize money earnings to skyrocket, showing signs of potentially breaking North American records.
Her training team had developed a scientific and rigorous program for her—from physical conditioning to technical refinement, from nutrition to injury prevention—every aspect was executed to perfection.
It was precisely this all-around meticulous cultivation that allowed her to consistently maintain such formidable competitiveness on the track.
Postponed, on the other hand, was a European Umamusume who was equally renowned in the racing world.
Last year, she had just won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes—a race of immense prestige in European racing. Winning it was proof enough of her extraordinary ability.
Like California Chrome, Postponed had become one of the top Umamusume in the UK thanks to her brilliant performances in the King George and other graded races.
In addition, many other powerful Umamusume would also appear on the upcoming Dubai World Cup stage.
From the United States, there were Frosted and Hoppertunity, both already famous in the American racing scene.
Meanwhile, on Dubai's home turf, Special Fighter and Mubtaahij were also forces not to be underestimated.
Makoto immersed himself fully in reading every interview about these top-tier Umamusume, not missing a single detail.
He carefully analyzed the race footage and training interviews of these Umamusume, trying to identify training methods and race strategies suitable for Kitasan Black and Almond Eye, and considering how to incorporate these valuable insights into future training plans.
At the same time, a more critical question kept turning over in his mind:
How to precisely observe and analyze the performances of these top-tier Umamusume during the Dubai World Cup, and how to interact with them during the pre-race period and in between events.
Relying solely on written materials and video footage to understand opponents was far from sufficient. Only through close, on-site observation could one capture key details such as their subtle movements during races, changes in rhythm, and fluctuations in emotion.
As for making contact, perhaps they could coordinate with the local Dubai racing association to organize some exchange events.
Or perhaps they could take the initiative to communicate with the training teams on the practice grounds and seek opportunities for joint training.
If they could create chances for Kitasan Black and Almond Eye to interact and exchange with overseas Umamusume, it would bring immeasurable benefits to their growth.
While Makoto was busy with his work, at the exclusive training grounds of the Burj Al Arab—
Standing at the edge of the field, Kitasan Black and Almond Eye were flushed with excitement, their cheeks slightly red, their eyes wide open as they stared unblinkingly at the Umamusume training on the track.
At the starting line, one Umamusume shot out like an arrow released from a bow, instantly leaving her training partners far behind.
Seeing this, Almond Eye's eyes sparkled with admiration as she couldn't help but exclaim:
"Wow, Kita-senpai, look at that Umamusume's starting speed—it's so fast!"
Kitasan Black nodded slightly, her gaze also locked onto the athlete's agile figure, her voice filled with excitement as she replied:
"Yeah, look at her cornering technique. When she takes the turns, her body angle is just right, and her stride is very stable—there's almost no deceleration."
"We need to pay attention to these things in our training as well."
The two of them chatted enthusiastically while carefully observing every detail of each Umamusume's training on the track.
Just as Kitasan Black and Almond Eye were immersed in observation and discussion, a particularly striking Umamusume stood out among the trainees on the track like a dazzling star.
Her smooth and elegant running form resembled a finely crafted work of art, drawing the attention of everyone around her.
At that moment, as if sensing something, she suddenly tilted her head slightly and cast her gaze toward Kitasan Black and Almond Eye at the edge of the field.