Over the next few days of training, Nijinsky noticed that Xingyun Liuge had adapted even better to British turf. She had already switched to more suitable horseshoes and had even overcome the drawbacks of running on heavy ground.
"Still, this running style..." Nijinsky was both a British Triple Crown winner and a senior to Mill Reef and Brigadier Gerard. At a glance, she could tell that Xingyun Liuge had abandoned her previous approach and was now running in a way far better suited to British grass. But...
Why did this girl faintly resemble both Brigadier Gerard and herself now?
Though Brigadier Gerard had been the absolute queen of short-distance racing in Britain during the 1970s, adored by countless fans, and though many horse girls had tried to imitate her style, very few had succeeded.
As for imitating Nijinsky herself, there was even less need to mention it.
So what exactly was going on with Xingyun Liuge?
Nijinsky was extremely curious. She even wanted to call that junior of hers and have a proper chat—while taking the chance to urge her along a bit: As one of the Empire's Twin Stars, how can you just loaf around on your own? Hurry up and come shine at Central Tracen!
Perhaps because she had never personally trained any outstanding juniors, that formidable Miss Brigadier was not especially fond of coming to Tracen.
Reliving glorious old days and basking in public adoration? She might as well spend that energy teaching the next generation.
Still, she had compiled her training心得 and the problems she had encountered during training into a booklet and handed it over to Nijinsky. It was not that she was unwilling to help guide younger horse girls—she simply had a competitive streak with Mill Reef.
After all, the two of them had belonged to the same era, and Mill Reef had already produced many exceptional juniors. Naturally, she had no intention of falling behind.
Speaking of Mill Reef, this horse girl, who had claimed the Derby Stakes, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, had likewise boasted an astonishing record. Yet she had retired because of injury and rarely had a chance to set foot on the track again. It was a pity, beyond any doubt.
Just as Nijinsky was sinking into those memories, a knock came at the door.
She immediately spun her swivel chair around and rolled herself, chair and all, back to her desk with a soft rumble.
As student council president, she had to set an example for the entire school. She certainly could not let anyone catch her slacking off.
"Come in."
Nijinsky instantly slipped into a mode of polished composure, as naturally as breathing.
"Good day, President. These are the list of this year's participants for the Two Thousand Guineas. Please take a look."
The newcomer had dazzling golden hair. Under the sunlight, those smooth strands gleamed like real gold.
She had a pair of clear azure eyes, as calm and transparent as a tranquil sea. The gold-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of her straight nose added a touch of refinement, perfectly complementing her graceful manners and quiet bearing.
Anyone who saw her would surely murmur inwardly: What a lovely young lady. She must be a proper noble-born heiress, surely.
"Thank you for your hard work, Diminuendo. How are your preparations coming along? I have very high hopes for you, you know."
Those were sincere words. Although Diminuendo was still adjusting her condition, Nijinsky believed she had what it took to win the title.
This quiet young lady had reeled off four straight victories last year.
Though she had suffered a regrettable defeat in the recent Fillies' Mile, she had finished second. If she reviewed the race seriously, absorbed the lesson, and refined her condition, then winning the first leg of the Classics was entirely within reach.
The reason Nijinsky did not say victory was guaranteed was simple: Central Tracen still had two other strong contenders. Who would come out on top could only be decided by form and performance on the day. And now Xingyun Liuge had appeared in the middle of it all as well.
Whenever she thought about how the horse girl introduced to her by her adorable junior Maruzensky had come all the way here to challenge for the British Triple Crown, Nijinsky could not help wanting to laugh. Not for any malicious reason—simply because it meant Maruzensky had finally and truly融入 into the Japanese horse girl community. That alone made her feel gratified.
When she had first learned that Maruzensky would be barred from the Japanese Derby, she had felt heartfelt regret on her behalf.
Now that Maruzensky had taken this step, surely it meant she had finally untied that knot in her heart and begun a new life.
But even setting Maruzensky's own twists of fate aside, Nijinsky still felt that the JRA's way of doing things was far too rigid. Japan had been running horse racing for many years. Local heroes like Haisekiko had emerged before. No matter how one looked at it, there should have been a supplementary mechanism in place for the late-blooming prodigies who were bound to appear sooner or later. Yet they had done absolutely nothing.
Just as Nijinsky was thinking that, Diminuendo spoke up.
"President, I would like to have a simulation race with that Ms. Xingyun. Please grant your approval."
Her tone remained as elegant and measured as ever, but her words were not exactly polite. She did not ask what Nijinsky thought, nor did she inquire whether it was feasible. She simply requested approval.
Nijinsky smiled faintly.
"In the distant East, there is an old saying: 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you need not fear a hundred battles.' Since you have such an idea, I naturally have no objections. Go ahead and do as you wish."
Then she lowered her gaze and added in warning,
"Though I imagine little Xingyun has been waiting for this too."
Not being satisfied with the intelligence already collected and wanting, before the race, to gain a more direct understanding of her opponent—this was an excellent instinct. Nijinsky wholeheartedly approved of Diminuendo's choice. She believed it would provide better entertainment for the spectators and for every horse girl participating in the race.
At the same time, she was also giving a subtle hint: your thinking is fine, but that does not mean the other side has not thought the same. She may well seize this opportunity to feed you false information.
For example: Xingyun Liuge had used a bold front-running strategy in both her debut race and the Hong Kong Gold Cup, yet in the Chukyo Cup and the UAE Derby she had adopted entirely different approaches.
Which of those was truly her strongest style?
Would she unveil an entirely new one in the Two Thousand Guineas?
Even Nijinsky could not say for sure.
So she chose to observe.
In truth, Diminuendo had no need for Nijinsky's reminder. She had already considered the same possibility. After all, this Ms. Xingyun had gone undefeated from the very start of her debut—truly charging ahead with triumphant momentum. If she lacked real ability or tactical depth, it would have been impossible for her to achieve so much. Merely adapting to foreign soil would have exhausted most horse girls to their limit.
Still, she thanked her senior for the advice, then went to find Xingyun Liuge—and, very smoothly, secured the practice race.
The invitation had gone too smoothly. Just as the president had said, Ms. Xingyun was probably agreeing because she intended to throw out a smokescreen.
After all, Xingyun Liuge had used different strategies before, and she raced equally on turf and dirt. A training match was the perfect place to release misleading signals.
The British Triple Crown ranged from around 1600 meters to around 2800 meters, and it stretched over a long season. No matter when one chose to plant a false lead, there was every chance of reaping excellent results from it.
Still mulling it over, she heard the gates slam open.
Approx. 1600m Two Thousand Guineas Simulation — Turf, Cloudy, Good to Soft
It had rained last night. Although the drainage system had done its job, the turf was inevitably softer than it would be on a clear day. When their shoes struck the ground, there was a faint drag and dampness underfoot.
Diminuendo's golden hair streamed behind her, but she failed to seize the lead. So she fixed her gaze squarely on Xingyun Liuge's back, exerting pressure from behind.
Xingyun Liuge had chosen the front-running strategy she had predicted.
But was this only because Xingyun Liuge wanted to mislead her?
Join here to read ahead.
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