With this training method in mind, Yasui Makoto naturally planned to ask Daiwa Scarlet and the others for help.
Regular paired-running sessions typically lasted anywhere from one hour to several hours.
Practice races, however, required much less time.
Though the intensity of these practice races was slightly lower than official competitions, the duration was similar, usually lasting only a few minutes. With proper rest afterward, this method allowed for far greater scheduling flexibility.
This meant he wouldn’t need to worry about disrupting Daiwa Scarlet and the others’ work or studies.
However, Yasui hadn’t anticipated that before he could even propose this training idea, Special Week would mention the Summer Dream Trophy—a golden opportunity.
As he’d explained earlier, the Dream Trophy was effectively an “All-Star Invitational” within the Twinkle Series.
Officially classified as a “G1,” it truly deserved this status, as all participants were legendary Uma Musume who had previously won G1 races.
Although these Uma Musume had already retired, their extraordinary talent and capabilities still ensured thrilling races of exceptional quality.
Every participant was renowned throughout Japan and even overseas. Indeed, fans eagerly attended each Dream Trophy merely for the chance to see their beloved champions galloping once again on the green turf, even if they no longer regularly raced.
Thus, events like the Dream Trophy effectively sustained and elevated the Twinkle Series’ popularity.
Beyond that, these races significantly benefited the growth of current and future Uma Musume.
The participants’ vast experience and skills were indisputable.
Once participants, venues, and race details were finalized, these retired stars would come to nearby academies for training. Students and trainers there could then apply to meet them, seek advice, or arrange paired-runs and practice races.
Yasui had long been aware of this, though he hadn’t seriously considered it before.
Having been in Tokyo for barely half a year, even if he’d applied and passed the academy’s review, he would’ve surely had to wait in line just to meet these legendary Uma Musume.
However, thanks to Kitasan Black’s warm personality and good relationships, he’d already met several retired stars over the past few months and received considerable help from them.
Now, leveraging the Dream Trophy to arrange practice races seemed entirely feasible.
As Yasui pondered, the Uma Musume began discussing Kitasan Black’s upcoming training and races.
“But regarding experience with the Classic Triple Crown…”
Special Week sipped some carrot juice, scratching her head bashfully.
“I lost both the Satsuki Sho and Kikuka Sho to Sei-chan. Maybe the Japanese Derby is the only one where I can offer any real help…”
Kitasan Black quickly shook her head.
“Spe-chan-senpai, please don’t say that! I’ve only raced three times, so everything you share is valuable for me!”
Vodka nodded firmly in agreement.
“Exactly, Spe-chan. Daiwa and I will be busier soon, probably only able to join Kita-chan once or twice a week for paired-running. You’ll be able to spend more time with Kita-chan and Trainer Yasui discussing the Classic races.”
“Kita-chan performed exceptionally at the Spring Stakes—she’s got a strong chance at the Satsuki Sho.”
Suddenly, Vodka glanced mischievously at Gold Ship, who was busy eating heartily.
“Oh, right—Gold Ship, pause eating for a second. You’re the only one at this table who actually won the Satsuki Sho. Aren’t you going to share some tips with Kita-chan?”
At this, everyone’s attention shifted. Kitasan Black looked eager, while Daiwa Scarlet and Special Week wore complicated expressions.
Chew… chew… gulp.
Finishing a large chunk of steak, Gold Ship wiped her mouth, thoughtfully stroking her chin. Her gaze shifted from Vodka, to Kitasan Black, then Yasui, and finally back to Vodka.
“So… You really want Kita-chan to learn from me?”
Vodka’s expression froze instantly.
“…You’re right. What was I thinking…?”
Her lips twitched slightly. She turned awkwardly to Kitasan Black, laughing nervously.
“Ahaha… Um, Kita-chan… Can you just pretend I didn’t say anything?”
Kitasan Black was baffled.
“Huh? Wait… What’s wrong?”
She frowned slightly, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
“I thought Gold Ship-senpai ran the Satsuki Sho really impressively. Am I not supposed to learn from that?”
“Well, you’re right—I did run it impressively, no denying that.” Gold Ship puffed up proudly, then quickly turned serious.
“But Kita-chan, you know me. I never listen to my trainer’s strategies.”
“So even if you wanted to learn how I ran, I couldn’t explain it, because honestly, half the time I don’t know how I run myself.”
“Take my Satsuki Sho, for instance.”
“That day was pouring rain, and ten races before mine had already torn the track apart. The turf was horrible—especially the inside lane, which felt like running through oil and glue, slippery and sticky at once.”
“I don’t know if Trainer Yasui ever mentioned conditions like those, but generally no sane Uma Musume would choose the inside lane.”
“But…”
She pointed proudly at herself with a smug grin.
“I’m no ordinary Uma Musume—I’m the great Gold Ship!”
“I clearly remember thinking how nice and empty the inside lane looked since everyone else was crowded outside, and I just charged ahead down the inside in one go.”
“But frankly, if I had to run that kind of track again, I’d probably slip and fall flat.”
“Plus, I talked to Daiwa and Vodka. They said you’re best at running as a front-runner.”
“But I’m a chaser. If you learn from me, what would you practice? Falling behind?”
She joked playfully, but seeing Kitasan Black’s slightly disappointed expression, Gold Ship laughed warmly.
“Oh come on, Kita-chan! Don’t look so down. Daiwa and the others are trying hard to help you, right? Of course I’ll find some way to pitch in!”
“As for how exactly…”
Her bright, cunning gaze shifted toward Yasui Makoto.
“I think that’s best left up to your trainer.”
Hearing this, Kitasan Black and the others turned toward Yasui expectantly.
To be honest, if this were the past, Yasui wouldn’t even consider asking Gold Ship for help. Her eccentric reputation was simply too widespread.
Yet, first with Special Week, and now with Gold Ship, Yasui had discovered something unexpected:
No matter their outward demeanor or how rumors portrayed them, these Uma Musume possessed surprisingly clear insights into racing.
Initially, Yasui had seen Special Week as somewhat scatterbrained. Yet, she’d quickly identified crucial aspects of Kitasan’s race with remarkable accuracy.
Gold Ship was similar—claiming she had no idea how she ran, yet effortlessly breaking down every detail of her own Satsuki Sho victory.
Perhaps the most rational approach was to set aside previous biases and personally witness their strengths, leveraging their experience to boost Kitasan’s potential.
Yes, this was definitely the right approach.
—
This is a fan translation of 赛马娘：从被撞飞十米开始 by 百升飞上天 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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