Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Ten Meters Chapter 60: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Ten Meters [60]

While Yasui Makoto sorted through race data in his temporary office, Kitasan Black sat nearby, watching race footage on his tablet.

Once finished organizing the docunts, Yasui walked over to his Uma Musu and glanced down at the screen.

"Oh? Wakaba Stakes?"

"Ah? Yup."

Lifting her eyes from the tablet, Kitasan smiled wistfully. "This ti tomorrow, Gold Ship-senpai will be racing just like this, won't she…?"

Her eyes brightened again, quickly refocusing on the screen.

"Here she cos! Go! Go! Push through!"

Drawn by Kitasan's excited shouts, Yasui watched as a chestnut-haired Uma Musu dashed across the finish line, accompanied by the comntator's enthusiastic voice:

"Akagane Zenshun! It's Akagane Zenshun!"

"A dominant two-horse-length victory!"

"Let's congratulate Akagane Zenshun on her spectacular Wakaba Stakes win!"

"Wooow! That was amazing!" Kitasan cheered enthusiastically, turning toward Yasui with hopeful eyes.

"Trainer, do you think Gold Ship-senpai will also win this brilliantly tomorrow?"

Yasui paused to consider the question.

In his previous life, he hadn't been an expert in horse racing. Most of his knowledge was hastily gathered for specific tasks.

Thus, he mostly rembered famous racehorses and major races—like Gold Ship's victories in the Satsuki Sho, Kikuka Sho, Takarazuka Kinen, and Arima Kinen.

But minor races like the G2 Hanshin Daishoten were harder to recall clearly, though he vaguely rembered Gold Ship winning it.

Even so, his accumulated experience allowed him to analyze it with confidence.

"It's highly likely—at least, for this Hanshin Daishoten."

Motioning for Kitasan to hand over the tablet, Yasui continued thoughtfully:

"Judging by past results and current data, Gold Ship has a clear advantage in long-distance races."

"In terms of abilities, apart from her sowhat problematic starts, her stamina, strength, and determination are exceptional, with above-average speed."

"Actually, her racing type is similar to yours—but due to her richer racing experience and…unconventional tactics, her advantage at mid-to-long distances is obvious."

"Furthermore, this race is at Hanshin Racecourse, where she's practically unbeatable. Aside from a single G3 loss during her rookie year, she's dominated there—Kobe Shimbun Hai champion, two-ti Hanshin Daishoten champion, and two-ti Takarazuka Kinen champion. Hanshin might as well be her backyard."

"So, unless…"

He hesitated for a mont.

Since hearing about this Uma Musu a few days ago, he'd taken the ti to recall related events from his previous world—especially regarding the Takarazuka Kinen. Though not imdiately rembering specifics, he knew sothing significant had happened with Gold Ship.

Then he rembered that infamous incident—"The 12.1-billion-yen high kick."

Horse racing betting had been legal in Japan back then, with colossal sums of money wagered, especially on prominent horses. Gold Ship had been among the biggest stars.

Like in this world, she'd maintained near-unbeatable dominance at Hanshin Racecourse, causing the betting pool for her third Takarazuka Kinen attempt to swell to an astonishing 12.1 billion yen.

And that's precisely when disaster struck.

She perford a massive high-step leaving the gate, instantly falling behind by more than 20 ters. Even novices watching knew catching up was impossible.

Realizing this herself, Gold Ship seed to abandon the race altogether, casually trotting ho in 15th place.

All bets placed on her evaporated instantly, turning her infamous high-step into the legendary "12.1-billion-yen high kick."

Yasui's hesitation stemd from the eerie similarity in how smoothly Gold Ship's current career was progressing compared to his previous life. If events unfolded similarly, sothing equally shocking might happen during this year's Takarazuka Kinen.

But this wasn't the ti to discuss such things. Returning to his senses, Yasui stared seriously at the black-haired girl before him.

"In any case, Gold Ship's chances of winning the Hanshin Daishoten are high."

"However, her racing style is extrely peculiar, and not exactly sothing you should emulate."

"So, unless I specifically instruct you, don't you dare copy her."

Kitasan Black had been attentively listening to Yasui's analysis, fascinated by his detailed insights. She never expected him to suddenly turn stern, speaking in such a solemn tone.

Stunned, she blinked blankly before hastily nodding.

"Oh, um…right, got it!"

She scratched her head, suddenly looking troubled.

"Honestly, I also thought Gold Ship-senpai's training thods were really…strange. I never understand what she's doing, but sohow, she always wins anyway."

"If Trainer says so, I definitely won't recklessly imitate her!"

"That's good," Yasui nodded, visibly satisfied. He then shifted his gaze toward a nearby whiteboard, expression serious once again.

"Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's go over your race tomorrow."

"My luck recently hasn't been great, and unfortunately, you've drawn gate 1 this ti… No, I'm not apologizing—just venting. Listen carefully now."

"Unless in extre circumstances, starting from either the innermost or outermost gates presents unavoidable disadvantages."

"The other trainers likely already guessed that you're good at running as a front-runner or stalker, and they'll definitely plan tactics against you—especially gates 2 and 3."

"Unless sothing unexpected happens, those two opponents will likely try a blocking maneuver right from the start."

"Forget about what 'blocking' ans for now… Actually, no, let briefly explain."

"'Blocking' is a legally permissible tactic to obstruct opponents."

"Don't worry about it too much for now; I'll teach it to you when necessary, and maybe even practice it with you."

"Now, back to the early stages."

"Although the odds are low, if by chance no one obstructs you at the start, imdiately seize the lead using the techniques we've practiced."

"Then, between the 600m and 1100m marks, establish enough of a lead based on the racing situation."

"Doing so denies your opponents the opportunity to deploy their late kicks."

"But, as I've ntioned, other Uma Musu will almost certainly try to hinder you, intentionally or not, especially at the start."

"Rember, if that happens, never fight for position—under no circumstances should you force it."

"Steady your rhythm and endure until the first turn."

"Unless sothing extraordinary occurs, that's when your race really begins…"

Yasui spent considerable ti on this pre-race analysis, ticulously illustrating points through diagrams, video references, and computer-generated simulations.

After completing the tactical briefing, he proceeded to analyze her opponents.

As in her last two races, despite consecutive victories, the girl still wasn't the favorite.

She was ranked fifth this ti—slightly better than her previous ninth place.

Ahead of her in popularity were Furao Shinkou, Noda Gold, Sacred Angel, and Black Bailey.

Compared to the latter two, Yasui was significantly more concerned about Furao Shinkou and Noda Gold.