Uma Musume: Becoming a Legendary Trainer Chapter 22: The Winner Will Surely Be Me

On May 12, the sparsely populated Kasamatsu racecourse looked quiet as Kitahara glanced between his clipboard and the track.

Belno Light, however, seed a bit distracted. She stared at the track, then stole a glance at Kitahara, then back at the track, wearing a worried expression.

After exchanging glances like this for a while, she hesitated and finally asked, "Mr. Kitahara… do you think Oguri really has a chance of beating Fujimasa March?"

"You an Oguri Cap's debut race?" Kitahara asked absently, still focused on the track while jotting notes on his clipboard.

Oguri Cap's debut race had already been scheduled for one week later, on May 19.

Coincidentally—or perhaps not—Fujimasa March's debut race was also on the sa day, and even the sa event.

This coincidence surprised both Oguri Cap and Belno Light, but Kitahara thought quietly, "As expected."

In the other world, Oguri Cap's debut race had also been on May 19, in the exact sa event as Fujimasa March.

Their race numbers were identical too: Oguri Cap was number 5, and Fujimasa March was number 1.

After the initial shock, Oguri Cap beca even more confident, filled with fighting spirit, and practiced even harder.

Belno Light, still worried, trained alongside Kitahara to help Oguri Cap. On this day, they ca to Kasamatsu racecourse to inspect the venue for the debut race.

Oguri Cap hadn't co yet because she had received a package from her mother and needed to take care of it first.

"I am a little worried…" Belno Light admitted, hesitating. "Before entering the academy, I had heard Fujimasa March's na. She had already won championships in so entertainnt races, and she was even a special recruitnt for the academy. As for Oguri…"

Seeing Belno Light falter, Kitahara pondered for a mont.

In the other world, Fujimasa March was undoubtedly a strong local horse. Her two wins over Oguri Cap were no accident; she possessed real strength.

Even if she didn't always win afterward, her subsequent results always showed her near the top.

Unfortunately, Fujimasa March's prototype horse was an early-maturing type. She perford extrely well at first, but because she matured too early, she peaked early and declined by the ti she faced Oguri Cap.

However, from a historical perspective, Kitahara didn't think Fujimasa March's talent was limited to that.

He believed it was due to outdated training thods and the skill level of her trainers and jockeys that her potential hadn't been fully realized.

Kitahara's reasoning: Oguri Cap, as the well-known "battle-hardened king," had competed in 33 career races, including 22 top-level events. Comparable top horses in the sa era had only participated in a dozen or so similar events.

Historically, even after Oguri Cap retired in 1990, Fujimasa March remained active on the track, only officially retiring in 1992, participating in many races, including top-level central events.

From this perspective, while her overall quality might not surpass Oguri Cap, her grit could rival—or even exceed—Oguri Cap's.

"If I can apply various advanced experiences to guide her, it's not impossible for Fujimasa March to challenge Oguri Cap. But she didn't join my team, so beating the current Oguri Cap would be difficult."

After a mont's thought, Kitahara composed himself and smiled at Belno Light:

"Fujimasa March is strong, but you also know how strong Oguri Cap is. Her raw abilities—speed, stamina—there's nothing to worry about."

"Moreover, the outco of a race isn't determined just by experience, training, or physical strength. Many fine details must be considered."

"Weather, track conditions, mood, running style, even luck—all of these matter."

"So that's why we ca to Kasamatsu early to inspect the venue." He shifted the topic, pointing at the track while summarizing his analysis:

"Oguri Cap's race starts at 14:30, first race. The course is 800 ters on dirt, about three-quarters of the total track. Both the first and last sections are straight; the middle has only one corner."

While explaining, Kitahara pointed to the start and finish. "The distance is short, with few corners, so the race variables are smaller. Straight-line speed is obvious; everyone can accelerate. In this case, tactical maneuvering on the track is limited. If she gets a good start, the rest should go smoothly. Conversely, a bad start is hard to recover from."

"Belno Light, you'll also race on this track, so rember this. I'll explain it to Oguri Cap when she arrives."

Belno Light obediently took out a small notebook and pen, carefully recording notes, murmuring to herself: "The start is key…"

Kitahara continued: "With Oguri Cap's ability, straightaways aren't a problem. Especially in the final stretch, her finishing kick is exceptionally strong, enough to make up for earlier issues. Even if problems arise in the early or middle sections, she still has a chance to reverse the race."

Belno Light was surprised. "Eh? But you said Oguri Cap's strength isn't an issue…"

Kitahara smiled. "Yes, but I also said that the outco depends on many factors, like the start I just ntioned. This debut race emphasizes the start, and Oguri Cap has no prior professional training. Even if she has a crash course now, old habits won't change overnight. We can't guarantee she won't have an issue."

"So we prepare for the worst. Assu she may have a problem at the start; that way we can fix it in advance."

Belno Light understood, impressed. "I see… Mr. Kitahara, you really think of everything."

Kitahara modestly continued his analysis: "Besides starts and straights, there's another point you and Oguri Cap need to note. For short races like 800 ters, Uma Musu will maintain maximum speed throughout. In turns, centrifugal force can push them outward, forcing extra distance and possible collisions."

"There are ways to minimize this: decelerate early, or run a wider arc so it approximates a straight. Both thods have pros and cons, and we'll discuss strategies when Oguri Cap arrives. For now, just get an impression. I'll refine the plan according to her when the ti cos."

As he discussed key points, soone spoke before Belno Light could complint him:

"You seem like an excellent trainer. I'm even more eager to race against Oguri Cap. But just so you know—the winner will surely be ."

The voice was familiar, with a tone full of aning. Kitahara and Belno Light turned toward it and saw the racehorse girl they had been discussing: Fujimasa March.

Her silver hair was ticulously grood, her delicate features serious, exuding a heavy expression.