In the United States, the Japanese Twinkle Series usually struggles to gain traction. While there are dedicated fans who track the overseas circuits, for the most part, Japanese Umamusume remain a niche interest. However, three names have defied that trend, forming a "Big Three" that commands the American public's respect.
One is Mejiro Rampage—the "World Tyrant" who conquered the globe and claimed the Breeders' Cup Classic. Yet, in a certain sense, the remaining two might be even more beloved by the local crowds.
"Leading the pack, it's the Sand-Streaking Super Express, Amazing Dyna! Hot on her heels is the Sovereign Blade, Lady Saber! As expected, these two have seized the initiative and are tearing away from the field!"
The crowd roared. These two had truly "invaded" the American dirt circuit, staying for long-term expeditions rather than one-off appearances. While Rampage had only appeared for her singular, dominant BC Classic win, Amazing Dyna and Lady Saber had become fixtures of the US Twinkle Series. In terms of raw local popularity, they had actually begun to eclipse the Tyrant herself.
There was Lady Saber, the "Samurai of the East," who had beaten even Rampage to the punch by becoming the first Japanese Umamusume to win a US G1. And there was Amazing Dyna, the speedster whose blistering pace seemed designed to make up for every second she had ever trailed behind Saber. Their rivalry—and their shared history as the only ones capable of challenging Rampage on dirt—fueled the fans' obsession.
"Dyna holds the lead! Lady Saber is pressing her hard, but this pace is suicidal! It's absolutely ruinous! But wait—our homegrown champions aren't folding today! They're hanging tough! Fifty Magna is looking for revenge, and A.P. Indy is biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike! Heart of Doogie and Dramatic Platinum are in the mix, but they can't seem to dent the lead of the Japanese pair! This pace… it's a haunting echo of that legendary BC Classic! Will anyone find another gear, or will Dyna and Saber simply run them all into the ground?!"
"This year… this is the year I finally move past you, Dyna!" Saber gritted her teeth.
"Rampage isn't here," Dyna shouted back through the wind, "so I'm going to win this by shattering the world record!"
Both of them could see it. Even though they were at the front of the pack, a phantom galloped ahead of them—the "Ghost of Rampage." It was the lingering image of the girl who had conquered this very race. One had to wonder how many scars that Tyrant intended to leave on the world before she was satisfied.
'Why?' Saber thought, her heart hammering against her ribs. 'Why are you always the one at the front?!'
'You're always there,' Dyna echoed internally. 'Always just out of reach.'
In the end, neither had ever managed to defeat the Tyrant during her active career. Saber had even pivoted to the turf, "invading" the Autumn Tenno Sho in a desperate bid to challenge her, only to be turned away. And then, Rampage had retired—slipping away while she still had so much more to give. Now, every time they ran, she was there: a ghost burned into their retinas. They were "obsessed" in the truest sense of the word, their minds branded by her shadow. Yet, that same brand served as a permanent spark, keeping the fires of their competitive souls burning bright.
"I came here to beat you! Now, Dyna—step aside!"
"They're into the final stretch! Fifty Magna is closing the gap! A.P. Indy is surging! The pride of our nation is mounting a massive assault on the Japanese leaders! Can the home team show their strength against the girls from the Land of the Rising Sun?! They're within two lengths! They're almost—they're almost on them—!"
"This is everything I have! Max Power, Full Throttle—AMAZING DYNAAAA!"
"Witness the edge of my soul! This is the strike that strikes true—SLICING BLADE!"
"N-No! Unbelievable! Amazing Dyna and Lady Saber are pulling away again! It's a breathtaking dead heat! They're neck-and-neck, stride for stride! Is this the true power of the Tyrant's rivals?! A.P. Indy and Fifty Magna are giving it their all, but they can't close! They just can't reach them! And there—Lady Saber pulls ahead! Saber takes the lead! Lady Saber is clear! LADY SABER CROSSES THE LINE FIRST!"
"Lady Saber wins it! Amazing Dyna takes second, Fifty Magna third, A.P. Indy fourth, and Dramatic Platinum hangs on for fifth! Japan has done it—three wins in the Breeders' Cup! This is the strength of the East! Lady Saber has conquered the Breeders' Cup Classic!"
"I… I finally did it…"
Saber stood on the track, gasping for air. She had finally grasped the crown of the BC Classic—the undisputed title of the world's dirt queen. Back when she had lost the Champions Cup, she had sworn she would reach this summit. But the feeling in her chest wasn't just relief or achievement… it was the overwhelming joy of knowing she had finally climbed high enough to stand where Rampage once stood.
Then, she looked at the official time on the board.
[1:57.7]
A new world record. She had surpassed the legendary mark set by Spectacular Bid. It was a time that should have cemented her name as the greatest in history.
And yet, Saber's expression was a complex mixture of a self-mocking smirk, exasperation, and a strangely refreshed smile.
"Still… so far to go, huh?"
The current world record was 1:57.5—the time set by Mejiro Rampage.
In the end, even at her absolute best, she hadn't reached her. She was one breath away, a fraction of a second short. But she could still be proud. No one could look at this result and feel anything but awe. She knew Dyna was likely feeling the exact same thing.
"That back of hers… it's still so far away, isn't it?" Dyna said, walking up beside her, her voice tight but respectful.
"Truly," Saber replied. "It seems I must begin the daily grind of forging a new blade all over again. But then again… I wouldn't have it any other way."
The summit they sought was infinitely high, but they were closing the distance. With their heads held high amidst the roar of a Japanese sweep at the Breeders' Cup, the two of them made a silent vow. Their goal remained unchanged. They would keep running until the ghost was finally overtaken.
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