Morning of January 17.
Central Tracen Academy, 2400m simulated race track.
The weather shift that began yesterday hadn't improved by morning; the rain had fallen for a whole day, affecting most outdoor courses.
"Heavy going" was no exaggeration for the turf.
It was still essentially winter, and the drizzle made it colder.
Even so, enthusiasm ran high.
Most folks living at Central Tracen are racing fans; as soon as they heard a French exchange squad would clash with Japan's active runners today, anyone who could spare the time came with umbrellas and packed the stands.
Though not a public meet, fans valued it like a G1.
Why? Because the visitors were horse girls from the country of the Arc de Triomphe—France!
And leading them was the very Noblesse who once crushed Japan's Paris dream—returning to Japan.
An event this grand is rare even if you haunt every track—only Central Tracen could offer such a treat.
Today's course simulated Tokyo Racecourse's 2400m, counter-clockwise.
A distance on the upper edge of middle distance—a test of stamina for everyone. Add in the muddy heavy turf, and the stamina tax climbs.
The race hadn't begun, but everyone knew it might become a tug-of-war of endurance.
Among the fifteen runners, if anyone showed a stamina flaw, the heavy track would swallow her whole!
So—who had the weakest stamina among eight French and seven Japanese runners?
"Stardust Illusion, right?"
Outside the paddock, a tall chestnut-haired, green-eyed filly on crutches addressed her trainer's back.
"You're right. I've been boosting her stamina, but time is too short—less than three months since she stepped onto the horse-girl stage, and only one month of Central-level training," Toyama Scarlet said. "Even Miho Bourbon's been doing hill repeats for almost half a year… This race will pressure Stardust Illusion most."
"Heavy going, 2400m, rain, and the opponent is that tyrant and her cohort—every factor is bad." Ines Fujin hobbled up and bumped Toyama's shoulder. "So, what can a senior do?"
"Teach her, Ines," Toyama Scarlet grinned, unfazed by the headwinds. "By any analyst's look, Stardust Illusion can't win."
"But that's because her current style is missing something. That's why I asked you here—tell her what you felt in the Derby. With what resolve you chose an all-out runaway. Tell her everything… partner."
"Trainer Toyama only calls me 'partner' at times like this," Ines teased.
She'd known Toyama over a year. After rising from the provinces to Central, the first horse girl Toyama picked was her—Ines Fujin.
Back then Toyama was still green, but swore that if Ines stuck to the regimen, they'd stand atop Japan together.
Many said Toyama's training was torture.
Even in Europe and America, hill work is two or three times a week; Toyama demanded three sessions daily, later four. Except for Ines, every early recruit had to leave. But Toyama kept her promise and took Ines to G1.
After the Satsuki Shō loss, Toyama faced criticism from all sides; the JRA even tried to suspend her, nearly forcing a trainer change that would have cost the Derby.
Though they got a "let the Derby result decide" gamble, Ines accidentally learned why:
Toyama Scarlet had prostrated herself on the student council office floor before Symboli Rudolf, forehead and limbs pressed tight to the ground, begging her to believe they would succeed.
Only then did Rudolf fend off JRA pressure and win them a last chance.
Ines didn't blame Rudolf.
The Emperor had only worried that Toyama was the kind of trainer who would sacrifice a horse girl's body for her own honor.
Only after seeing the weight of that prostration did Rudolf believe in their bond.
Training and racing are a joint choice between horse girl and trainer.
"Don't worry, Trainer Toyama. I'll pass on my experience to Stardust Illusion. Looks like you expect a lot of her."
"Of course," Toyama sniffed. "I have confidence in every horse girl I train—and Stardust Illusion is the type who creates miracles in races."
"In that case, there's only one thing a trainer should do—support her. Handle everything outside the race, and give her the stage to make miracles."
Ines smiled. Toyama always did as she pleased. If a horse girl had any 'selfish' request tied to racing, Toyama would make it happen. Like entering the Derby—and choosing an all-out runaway before it.
No other trainer would support a runaway at 2400m, right?
2400m. All-out runaway.
The media had said: like Icarus flying toward the sun—seeking self-destruction.
But to her request, Toyama only said:
"If you want to, then do it. If I can't let my horse girl win the way she wants, safe training means nothing."
"You still love talking over people, Trainer Toyama," Ines laughed helplessly and hobbled toward the lounge.
"Tch. I'm off to find Miho Bourbon—once you're healed, get back here. Two juniors are waiting for you to coach."
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