"The contenders have burst from the gates, a perfect start!"
"No one suffered a slow break this time!"
The commentator at the announcers' booth declared.
While a slow break is a rare occurrence in a G1-level race, she still made a point to mention it because races involving Barbatos were notorious for them.
According to data from Barbatos's previous races, the probability of adjacent competitors experiencing a slow break was over 60%.
There was plenty of online discussion about this phenomenon; it had become a distinctive feature of Barbatos's races, especially after the incident in the previous Tokyo Sports Haiwhere all the other runners chose to cover their ears.
"The third-favorite, Freedom Soldier, is currently holding a mid-pack position. She did not choose to immediately create distance from Barbatos."
"She is a Uma Musume highly skilled at running from behind."
"Is she planning to match Barbatos's final burst of speed in the last stretch?"
"Mister Yutaka, what are your thoughts on this?"
The commentator turned and asked. From her perspective, the positional gap between a runner from behind and Barbatos's deep-closer style was minimal.
Without creating that early distance, Freedom Soldier would find it very difficult to defeat Barbatos.
"Freedom Soldier's approach to handling Barbatos is a mature choice."
"Looking at her past races, she has never employed a front-running strategy. If she were to suddenly change her running style for this race, she would likely lose steam in the latter half."
"By sticking to her strength—running from behind—and focusing on what she does best, she has the potential to unleash 100%, even 120% of her ability."
Yutaka, with a calm smile, articulated his analysis.
Even for a Uma Musume who could be called a "monster" within G1 ranks, abruptly changing running styles often led to poor stamina management. Instead of elevating her performance, it could cause her to underperform.
Freedom Soldier's choice was clearly sound.
Now, it came down to whether she could surpass her limits, or whether Barbatos could perform as she typically did.
"I see."
"Then we can look forward to a showdown between Freedom Soldier and Barbatos in the final stage!"
At this point, the commentator couldn't help but let out a soft sound of surprise.
"Sakura Rambler's position is also towards the rear!"
Considering Sakura Rambler was skilled at running just behind the leaders and had even used front-running tactics before, was this a new strategy she was trying against Barbatos?
"She was likely affected during the start,"Yutaka, who had noticed this detail, chimed in. "She exchanged words with Barbatos before the race began."
"Although she was focused on the gate's opening and didn't have a slow break, her start was undoubtedly somewhat impacted."
"She's now working her way back to her preferred position, which will cost her a fair amount of stamina."
The commentator nodded. "Ah, that explains it."
--+--
On the track.
Barbatos was, as usual, positioned at the very back.
During her initial enrollment trial, due to her speed and perception of the other Uma Musume, she had adopted the deep-closer style. It had now become her most proficient strategy.
Even though she could attempt to change her approach now, for her first G1, she decided to play it safe and stick with what she knew.
Watching Freedom Soldier ahead of her.
Watching Sakura Rambler, who had already overtaken both her and Freedom Soldier, moving up to a position just behind the leaders.
A strange feeling welled up inside her.
As a G1-level race, she had imagined it would be inherently more challenging than a G2, like the difference between easy AI and standard AI in a game.
But it seemed... this race wasn't that different from the ones before.
'Are they conserving stamina, planning to battle me in the final sprint?'
'No, probably not.'
While her sprint's duration might be a weakness, in terms of pure sprinting speed, she was currently in the top tier below the legendary runners. Even El Condor Pasa and Silence Suzuka wouldn't necessarily be her match.
Her gaze remained fixed on the Uma Musume ahead, waiting for the moment they would make their move, so she could adjust her position accordingly.
She had to be prepared for any unexpected developments later on.
Even if it was the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, as a G1 event, it was not to be taken lightly.
As a frequent user of the deep-closer style, she understood well: the speed required to run at the back was different in every race.
There was a world of difference between only being able to run at the back, and choosing to run at the back.
--+--
In the spectator stands.
At the Canopus team's spot.
Ikuno Dictus couldn't hide her confusion. "Sticking to your own running style is fine, but just how are they planning to handle B-chan's final sprint?"
After all, in previous races, both she and Nice Nature, and even Seiun Sky who had created an early lead, had all been caught by Barbatos.
Was this the difference between G1 Uma Musume and themselves?
Or was it that one of them had also mastered the use of a "Zone," confident they could surpass Barbatos in that aspect?
"That's exactly why B-chan is definitely going to win this race!"
Twin Turbo declared confidently, hands on her hips.
Urara chimed in with equal vigor, "That's right! I also have a feeling B-chan will win the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies!"
Nice Nature couldn't help but mutter, "If only it were that simple."
This was the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies. Even the legendary trainer Yutaka had said Freedom Soldier's strategy wasn't wrong—meaning Freedom Soldier had a chance to contend for victory against Barbatos if things continued this way.
And Sakura Rambler was no opponent to be underestimated either!
Listening to his charges' discussion, Minamizaka sighed softly.
As a trainer from the central Tracen Academy, he could see the issue clearly. Senior Yutaka's analysis was completely correct.
By focusing on their own running styles and not being influenced by other Uma Musume, they often performed better than if they changed tactics on the fly.
But as a guest commentator, there were some things Senior Yutaka couldn't conveniently say.
This had led Nice Nature and the others into a misconception.
There was indeed a difference in race grade between G1 and G2 events, but ultimately, it depended on the Uma Musume participating. Some G2 races featured entirely G1-level competitors; their competitive value often wasn't lower than most G1s—sometimes it was even higher!
Freedom Soldier and Sakura Rambler were both top runners of this generation.
But were they stronger than the Tacit Accord who placed 5th in the Takarazuka Kinen and had unlocked her Zone?
King Halo, who lost to El Condor Pasa, Special Week, and Barbatos, and debuted later—was she necessarily weaker than Sakura Rambler and the others?
--+--
T/N: While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.