On the day of the race, the Hanshin Racecourse was as bustling as ever.
Though it was a short-distance event, the prestige of a G1 grade still drew tens of thousands of spectators, packing the stands to capacity.
In the VIP boxes, unnoticed by the crowd, two high-ranking URA officials watched the track, engaged in a conversation concerning the future.
"The candidate for next year's expedition to the United States will be decided by this race," Hoshino Chiyuki said, her hands folded as she focused intently on the turf.
Nakano Shiro nodded slightly. "Indeed. We can finally confirm the representative for the American Dirt Triple Crown."
On the list in Chiyuki's hand, an Uma named Hokuto Vega had already been confirmed for the Dubai expedition, but a slot for the U.S. remained open.
Since the track record of Japanese Uma Musume overseas had been underwhelming, the winner of this race would shoulder the heavy responsibility of the expedition.
The two officials had a disagreement: Chiyuki leaned toward the experienced Narita Brian, believing her two-plus years of racing history and multiple titles were enough to handle the rising star in America, "Silver Charm."
Shiro, however, favored the dark horse Myriad Dreams.
Her performance at the Winter Cup, where she defeated numerous legends, was breathtaking. Despite being a rookie, her potential was limitless.
Unable to settle the debate, the two reached a consensus: In this Hanshin race, whoever wins earns the right to go abroad.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the track had reached a fever pitch.
"Next up is the third favorite, Mayano Top Gun!"
The petite Uma Musume stepped onto the paddock full of energy, blowing several kisses to the crowd.
"Hi~ Maya-chan is going to do her best!"
Her "little adult" persona drew bursts of laughter from the spectators.
"The second favorite, Myriad Dreams!"
Myriad Dreams' entrance was concise and sharp.
Imitating Silence Suzuka, she tossed her cape aside with a cool flair, then picked up the hem of her racing clothes and exited quietly.
Despite having defeated Narita Brian in the Winter Cup, she was a newcomer who had only debuted a few months ago, so her fan base still couldn't compare to that of the Triple Crown legend.
"And finally, the first favorite—Narita Brian!"
When that majestic figure appeared on the stage, the entire racecourse erupted instantly.
Special Week, watching the tidal wave of cheering fans, couldn't help but marvel.
"Is this the appeal of a legend? Even after suffering a loss, she still has so many supporters..."
Before the gates, all the Uma Musume were fully focused, standing ready.
Bang!
The moment the gates swung open, sixteen figures charged out simultaneously.
Narita Brian demonstrated legendary starting technique, seizing a lead position almost instantly.
She tore through the air like gray lightning, every stride striking a heartbeat-skipping rhythm.
Myriad Dreams embedded herself directly into the middle of the pack, her gaze locked onto the gray figure ahead.
The system interface flashed rapidly in her vision, displaying various data— Narita Brian's stride frequency, stamina distribution, and even muscle power output were captured with precision.
"She really is strong..." Myriad Dreams whispered to herself.
Even through the system's analysis, she could feel the terrifying power contained in an opponent's run that had been tempered through a thousand trials.
In the VIP stands, Hoshino Chiyuki nodded slightly. "Brian's rhythm is perfect, it seems she's in top form."
Nakano Shiro, however, noticed a different detail. "But look at Myriad Dreams. Her running style is unique."
"Even though she's in the middle of the pack, she isn't affected by the other runners at all. Every step looks like it's executing a pre-set program."