Chapter 4. Race Schedule Press Conference
The next day, after arriving at the club room and turning on his computer, Shuta An prepared to browse through the latest news.
The very first Twinkle Series headline that entered his sight immediately caused his brows to rise slightly.
"Miss Mejiro Dober Registers for Ranvet Stakes — Dubai Expedition Possibility Completely Eliminated?"
Not long afterward, interview invitations from various media outlets flooded in almost simultaneously.
Although Mejiro Dober had lost to Special Week and Grass Wonder during the previous Arima Kinen, she still remained the undefeated Triple Tiara Uma Musume. Her popularity among Twinkle Series fans had not declined in the slightest.
On the contrary, countless people were now paying close attention to how her campaign would be arranged this year.
After all, among the domestic races during the first half of the year, the only G1 races truly suitable for Miss Mejiro Dober's distance aptitude were the Yasuda Kinen and the Takarazuka Kinen.
As for the Spring Tenno Sho—
No one seriously believed Miss Mejiro Dober could challenge a 3200-meter race successfully.
Even if the Spring Tenno Sho was practically an obsession carved into the bloodline of the Mejiro Family itself, Mejiro Dober's aptitude clearly did not support such an extreme distance.
"There's no way she'll run the Yasuda Kinen and then directly continue into the Takarazuka Kinen during the first half of the year, right?"
Many reporters subconsciously began speculating according to Shuta Trainer's usual race-planning habits.
"Most likely, they'll begin with the Dubai International races before transitioning into the Yasuda Kinen route."
And by now, many media analysts—and even personnel within the URA Association itself—had gradually realized a rather awkward issue.
Within the Twinkle Series, there was not a single G1 race specifically positioned for Triple Tiara-route during the early half of the year.
Or perhaps more accurately—
Most G1 races suitable for older Tiara-route were concentrated after May.
Which also meant that, during the first four months of the year, older runner lacking long-distance aptitude could only choose between G2 and G3 races domestically.
For the overwhelming majority of Uma Musume, this was not considered a major problem.
After all, the percentage of Uma Musume capable of consistently competing in graded races probably did not even exceed ten percent.
However, for Team Sadalsuud—
This issue became unusually prominent.
Because within Shuta An's race-planning philosophy, unless absolutely necessary, he generally preferred allowing his Uma Musume to compete exclusively in G1 races.
"Since Shuta Trainer himself hasn't expressed any dissatisfaction regarding this matter yet, it's better not to alter the race calendar rashly for now."
That ultimately became the URA Association's final conclusion.
Meanwhile, after receiving the interview invitations from every direction, Shuta An rejected all of them cleanly without leaving room for negotiation.
As compensation, however, he announced through Team Sadalsuud's official social media account that he would hold a small press conference that afternoon in order to explain the team's racing plans for the first half of the year.
"Mainly, I'll be discussing Dober and Teio's schedules."
Sitting in front of the computer, Shuta An lightly rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"As for Teio, everyone can probably guess the route already even if I don't explain it. The one reporters and fans are truly curious about is probably Dober."
Thus, throughout the entire morning, Shuta An remained seated at his desk, carefully polishing the contents of his speech for the upcoming press conference.
Afterward, he borrowed a small auditorium from Symboli Rudolf within the Academy to use as the venue.
There was no need for any particularly extravagant preparation anyway.
Once he completed the draft, Shuta An headed toward the cafeteria for lunch.
"Now that Team Sadalsuud has its own clubroom, Ann-san only comes back to the office to clock in anymore."
The moment Kitahara spotted his friend, he immediately began teasing him.
"Being able to stay with the Uma Musume in the clubroom every day is much more comfortable than sitting together with us in the office, isn't it?"
"It really is."
Shuta An admitted it immediately without even trying to hide it.
"After finishing work, I can even openly play games on the console there. I'd never dare do that inside the office."
"That's only because Ann-san's gaming skills are too terrible."
Nishizaki Ryu immediately joined the conversation while complaining dramatically.
"I've genuinely never seen someone get stuck at World 1-1 in Super Mario before."
"There's clearly a delay between the controller input and the character movement."
The young man waved his hand seriously while defending himself.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he smoothly shifted the topic away.
"Speaking of which, today should be the day the Academy's medical examination results come out, right?"
Yesterday had been the first Twinkle Series race day of the year.
Meanwhile, the day before that, every Uma Musume at Central Tracen Academy had undergone routine medical examinations to confirm their physical condition.
Uma Musume like Mejiro Dober, who did not personally return to the Academy for examinations, instead used medical institutions partnered with the Mejiro Family and officially approved by the URA Association.
Their examination results would then be uniformly sent back to their respective Trainers afterward.
This had also become one of the new welfare policies proposed by the recently appointed URA Association Chairman for Uma Musume.
Naturally, the Association's expenses had increased significantly because of it, causing the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to complain endlessly behind the scenes.
However, considering the explosive development of the Twinkle Series in Japan over recent years, nobody truly dared to raise the matter publicly.
"That's right."
Kitahara nodded slowly.
For some reason, the way he answered sounded unusually heavy to Shuta An.
"The reports should arrive in our email inboxes sometime this afternoon. Ann-san is probably the most relaxed one among us, though."
Nishizaki Ryu sighed enviously.
"There are only two active Twinkle Series Uma Musume in Team Sadalsuud right now, plus Kurofune and Rice Shower's reports. It shouldn't take long for you to finish checking them."
"My Team Spica probably won't finish reviewing everything until the day after tomorrow."
"Then Miss Tojo must have it even worse."
Shuta An could not help muttering.
"The one suffering the most is this guy right here—Kitahara."
Nishizaki Ryu immediately pointed toward Kitahara, who already looked half-dead.
"Team Scorpii's size is practically equal to the combined total of our three teams together, isn't it? At this rate, he'll probably still be reading medical reports by the end of the month."
"The main issue is what comes afterward."
Kitahara sighed heavily.
"After reviewing the reports, we still have to write formal summaries and submit them back to the Academy. If everything is normal, then that's fine. But if any special situations appear, then Trainers like us are definitely going to end up working overtime again."
Even so—
After a brief pause, Kitahara still quietly added,
"Still, I hope one of the Uma Musume in my team shows signs of maturation."
"That would mean more Uma Musume becoming eligible for their Twinkle Series debuts."
Nishizaki Ryu immediately understood the hidden meaning behind those words.
"And it also means more opportunities to earn prize money."
"Signs of maturation…"
The moment he heard that phrase categorized as a "special situation," Shuta An suddenly developed a vague premonition.
—
After lunch, Shuta An returned to the common room.
And sure enough—
A new email containing packaged medical examination reports was already sitting quietly inside his inbox.
After downloading the attachments, the young man began opening them one by one.
"Let's check Kurofune and Rice Shower's reports first."
Before reviewing the newest results, Shuta An first pulled out their previous examination reports, preparing to compare the changes carefully.
However—
The moment he saw Rice Shower's newest medical report, Shuta An's pupils contracted sharply. Then, in a voice filled with disbelief, he murmured aloud:
"Rice Shower…has already shown signs of maturation?!"
Which also meant—
Rice Shower, who had joined the team less than half a year ago, was already about to begin preparations for her official Twinkle Series debut.
—
At three in the afternoon, the small auditorium inside Central Tracen Academy was already packed with reporters from across Kanto, along with several media outlets that had rushed over from Kansai overnight.
The moment Shuta An announced through Team Sadalsuud's official social media account that he would hold a press conference in the afternoon, numerous Kansai reporters had immediately purchased Shinkansen tickets and hurried toward Tokyo without hesitation.
Thus, when Shuta An stepped into the auditorium, even he himself could not help showing slight surprise after sweeping his gaze across the audience.
Not only were all the seats already occupied—
Several late-arriving reporters were even forced to stand at the very back of the auditorium while holding cameras and notebooks tightly in their arms.
"Please prepare a few extra chairs for the reporters standing at the back."
Shuta An turned toward the Academy staff nearby and spoke calmly.
Only after everyone had finally settled down did the noisy atmosphere inside the auditorium gradually quiet.
Soon afterward, all eyes focused toward the lone young man seated on the stage.
After all—
It was precisely because of a single post from him that these reporters had abandoned their editorial offices and rushed all the way to Central Tracen Academy.
"The theme of today's unofficial press conference is exactly what I mentioned this morning."
Shuta An adjusted the microphone slightly before continuing in a calm tone.
"I'll mainly be discussing Team Sadalsuud's race arrangements for the first half of the year. Or more specifically—"
"The schedules for Mejiro Dober and Tokai Teio."
After pausing briefly, Shuta An continued speaking.
"First, let's begin with Tokai Teio's schedule."
"Normally speaking, before challenging the Satsuki Sho—the opening race of the Classic Triple Crown—an Uma Musume should ideally participate in a graded race beforehand as preparation."
"However, Tokai Teio is not the type of Uma Musume who requires a warm-up race in order to perform."
"At the same time, we also cannot ignore one reality."
As he spoke, Shuta An's gaze slowly swept across the reporters below the stage.
"The consecutive schedule of the Satsuki Sho followed immediately by the Japanese Derby places an enormous burden on Classic-year Uma Musume. Injuries occurring during this period are far from uncommon."
"You are all veteran followers of the Twinkle Series. You should understand better than anyone how many Uma Musume completely burn themselves out after the Japanese Derby."
"And I do not want Tokai Teio to become one of them."
At that moment, the entire auditorium became completely silent.
"Ever since she first watched the Twinkle Series as a child, Tokai Teio has only ever had one dream. To become an undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume like Symboli Rudolf."
The moment those words fell—
Several reporters subconsciously exchanged glances. The speculation appearing in their minds sounded somewhat outrageous at first glance.
But after remembering that Tokai Teio was an Uma Musume personally trained by Shuta An—
The possibility suddenly felt strangely reasonable.
"In other words—"
Shuta An calmly revealed the answer himself.
"Tokai Teio will only participate in two races during the first half of the year."
"The Satsuki Sho. And afterward, the Japanese Derby."
"She will officially begin pre-race training for the Satsuki Sho in March. As for after the Japanese Derby—regardless of the results—Tokai Teio will immediately enter her summer break."
"If she successfully wins both spring Triple Crown races, then our autumn objective will naturally become the Kikuka Sho."
"But if she loses either one of them—"
Shuta An paused briefly.
"Then our target will shift toward the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
The moment those words landed—
The entire auditorium exploded into commotion.
"The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?!"
Several reporters stood up almost instinctively in shock.
Ever since El Condor Pasa's heartbreaking defeat against Montjeu, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe had gradually surpassed the Washington, D.C. International Stakes and become the race Japanese Twinkle Series fans longed most desperately to conquer.
And despite Team Sadalsuud already having claimed numerous prestigious international G1 victories over the years—
Not a single Uma Musume under Shuta An had ever challenged the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe before.
Even Oguri Cap—
The symbolic peak of Team Sadalsuud itself—
Had never once been entered into the Arc.
And yet now—
Tokai Teio, whose only current G1 victory remained the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, had already been placed into future Arc consideration by Shuta An himself.
Naturally, the reporters could no longer remain calm.
"Of course, the prerequisite for challenging the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is that Tokai Teio fails to win both the Satsuki Sho and the Japanese Derby."
Shuta An shrugged lightly.
"From a psychological standpoint, I still hope that situation never occurs. However, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is indeed part of Tokai Teio's future plans. If possible, I still intend to arrange an Arc challenge for her during her senior year."
The reporters below immediately began writing frantically once again.
In an era where anticipation toward the Arc continued growing year after year, this statement alone already possessed enough impact to dominate tomorrow's headlines.
Only after the sounds of frantic note-taking gradually subsided did Shuta An continue speaking again.
"Next—let's discuss Mejiro Dober. As already mentioned in the news this morning, Mejiro Dober has officially registered for races in Australia."
"As for the Dubai International races, we did indeed receive an invitation. However, after discussing things carefully with Mejiro Dober herself, we ultimately decided to choose the Australian expedition instead."
"The first target will be the Ranvet Stakes. Afterward, she will challenge the Queen Elizabeth Stakes."
"Once those two Australian G1 races conclude, Mejiro Dober will return to Japan and aim toward either the Yasuda Kinen or the Takarazuka Kinen."
"In other words, during the first half of the year, she will challenge three G1 races." "As for the second half of the year—"
Shuta An shook his head slightly.
"We have not finalized anything yet, so I have no comment for now."
This time, he did not explain the reasoning behind the schedule in detail. Naturally, the reporters immediately raised their hands one after another.
"May I ask whether there were additional factors influencing Miss Mejiro Dober's race schedule aside from her personal wishes?"
"There were." Shuta An answered directly without hesitation. "Before May, there simply are no domestic G1 races truly suitable for Mejiro Dober."
"The same issue exists in Europe and America. As for Hong Kong, she already won there once last year, so personally speaking, I don't have much motivation toward returning immediately."
"Meanwhile, both Dubai and Australia offer very high prize purses. I personally leaned toward those two options from the beginning. And since Mejiro Dober herself ultimately chose Australia, that became the final decision."
Almost immediately afterward, another reporter quickly stood up.
"Then may I ask whether your earlier statement implies dissatisfaction with the URA Association's current race arrangements?"
"That's not my intention."
Shuta An immediately denied it calmly.
"The URA Association's work deserves recognition. The race calendar cannot simply be altered because of several individual Uma Musume."
"Besides, I know the URA Association itself has already recognized this issue. So I believe appropriate changes will eventually happen in the future."
The reporters originally assumed the press conference would conclude there.
Unexpectedly—
Shuta An calmly introduced the next topic instead.
"Next, I'll briefly discuss Rice Shower from Team Sadalsuud."
At that moment, the atmosphere inside the auditorium visibly shifted again.
"Rice Shower's latest medical examination report has already shown signs of full-fledged maturation."
As he spoke, Shuta An slowly raised his head before sweeping his gaze across the reporters below.
"In other words—If everything proceeds smoothly, Rice Shower will make her official debut this year. And next year—"
"She will challenge the undefeated Triple Crown stage of the Twinkle Series."
The moment those words landed, the reporters could no longer suppress their reactions.
Although Rice Shower's fame still could not compare to Tokai Teio's overwhelming popularity, her sudden addition to Team Sadalsuud's roster had indeed sparked a considerable amount of discussion beforehand.
Countless fans had remained curious about exactly what kind of talent had allowed her to enter Team Sadalsuud.
And now—
They finally had the chance to ask directly.
Thus, nearly every reporter raised their hand at once.
However, Shuta An clearly had no intention of answering further.
He simply raised his hand lightly toward the crowd.
"I'll only say this much. Rice Shower possesses the qualifications necessary to become one of the protagonists on the undefeated Triple Crown stage."
"That is all. Today's press conference ends here. Thank you all for coming."
As those final words fell, Shuta An stood up calmly before leaving the auditorium through the side entrance beneath the countless stunned gazes directed toward him.