The Tokyo Racecourse buzzed with anticipation. Today was the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup, Air Groove's second race. Her debut had drawn eyes, with crowds packing the stands for her maiden, conditions, and open races. But today, the main event, saw a surge—reports claimed 100,000 spectators. A hefty turnout for a junior-class race.
Focus, though. Seated in the trainer's reserved section, Hachiman watched the track. Air Groove had parted ways to prepare, leaving him among the crowd.
"Air Groove's first graded stakes," Symboli Rudolf mused beside him. "I'm eager to see her race."
"She dominated her debut," Narita Brian said. "No sloppy run today."
"But there's always a 'what if,' right, Prez?" Tokai Teio teased.
"Her race sense surpasses mine," Rudolf replied. "No worries there."
Why were they here? Not that it was a problem, but they'd been glued to this spot since the first race, observing other Uma Musume—well, mostly Rudolf observing.
"Mind if I ask?" Hachiman said. "Why are you guys here?"
"Didn't we train with Air Groove?" Rudolf said. "Plus, we're pals, aren't we?"
"Whim," Brian grunted.
"Where Prez goes, I go!" Teio chirped.
None of that answered anything.
"Look at these odds," Rudolf said, eyeing a chart. "Air Groove's popularity is unreal. Top favorite by a mile, despite other Uma Musume with graded stakes caliber."
"You know why," Hachiman said. "None of them match her. Three months of Sakaba training? No junior-class Uma Musume's beating her. Tokyo's incline feels long for them, but not her."
"Bold words," Teio said.
"Even if her form's off, she'll win," Hachiman said. "I'm that confident."
For Air Groove, that slope was nothing.
'Tokyo's 10th race, the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup! A 1600-meter turf battle with 11 Uma Musume. Let's check the favorites: Air Groove at number one, Minamino Tesco second, Osumi Gallop third. All Uma Musume are entering the gates. Last in, number 11, Love Sick Guy, from the outermost post… All set!'
'The gates open, and they're off! Osumi Gallop stumbles at the start! Love Sick Guy from the outside surges to take the lead! From the innermost post, number 1, Air Groove smoothly climbs to second! Close behind, Mountain Stone, Kane Junna, and Minamino Tesco form a tight pack. Midfield, Marugo Winner and Gran Amigo trail slightly. The chasers—Hot Blood, Osumi Gallop, Absolute, and Excelto Chateau—push into the midfield!'
Blocked, huh? No issue. Air Groove would save her strength, then overtake them all in a final burst.
'Past the great zelkova tree, Love Sick Guy holds the lead, one to one-and-a-half lengths ahead. Air Groove, Kane Junna, and Minamino Tesco run side by side in second! Chasers close in as they round the fourth corner, passing the 600-meter mark! The leaders and front-runners align for the straight!'
The inside had a gap—barely. The outside, too, just wide enough for one. Small, but enough. Air Groove could slip through in a flash.
'From the outside, Osumi Gallop and Absolute charge, but from the inside, Air Groove surges ahead, taking the lead!'
"She's… on another level…"
What's wrong? This all you've got? Air Groove could push harder.
'Air Groove pulls away from Love Sick Guy in second! Mountain Stone and Minamino Tesco close the gap from midfield! Air Groove stretches the lead—four lengths, now five! Love Sick Guy, Mountain Stone, and Osumi Gallop battle for second! Air Groove storms to a crushing victory! Another flawless win since her debut, untouchable! The Tokyo 1600 meters posed no challenge! Second place to Mountain Stone, third a tight race between Love Sick Guy and Osumi Gallop! Air Groove, two for two, claims her first graded stakes!'
Tokyo 10th Race – Results
1st: ① Air Groove – 1:35.0
2nd: ② Mountain Stone – 5 lengths
3rd: ⑪ Love Sick Guy – Neck
4th: ⑤ Osumi Gallop – Head
5th: ③ Excelto Chateau – ½ length