Chapter 14. Everyone's Thoughts
The first race of Dubai World Cup Race Day—the Godolphin Mile—began at 4 PM local time.
Though it was already late March, the afternoon heat still pressed down at a sweltering 30°C. Under such conditions, the Trainers chose not to remain outdoors, instead gathering inside the private box specially arranged by the Dubai URA Association for Shuta An.
"Even though the boxes look similar in size Ann-san's is clearly on another level."
Mr. Kitahara had already made a full round of the room before speaking, his tone tinged with unmistakable admiration.
"There's a dedicated tea bar, a much wider selection of drinks in the fridge, and even assorted snacks and chilled fruits prepared in advance."
Turning his head, he looked toward Tojo Hana.
"Miss Tojo, how does your box compare?"
"It's the same as yours," Tojo Hana replied calmly, holding her coffee cup. "Rather…Shuta-kun's is the only one that's special, isn't it?"
"Maybe it's because I was the one who proposed the race schedule for Dubai World Cup Race Day."
Shuta An took a sip of sparkling water, answering without much concern.
"You should've joined the Hong Kong expedition back then. That way, you might've had a chance to get acquainted with Sheikh."
"Even if I did, I wouldn't be capable of planning something like this," Mr. Kitahara said with a shrug, grabbing a bottle of cola before dropping onto the sofa.
"A shame Dubai prohibits alcohol…otherwise, having a drink here would be perfect."
"If Hayate Fubuki wins this race, the prize money alone would be enough for you to drink for an entire year," Nishizaki Ryu remarked flatly.
"Well, of course I hope she wins."
Kitahara leaned back, spreading his hands.
"She already has results in graded dirt mile races. If she takes this one, it'll be a rare accomplishment for a Japanese dirt Uma Musume."
"That's true… but the competition this time…" Nishizaki Ryu frowned slightly. "They look quite strong."
"It'll be fine."
Shuta An's response was immediate, almost dismissive.
"The American Uma Musumes here aren't top-tier even by their own standards. Beating them is far easier than going to the U.S. and challenging a dirt G1 there."
"Then there's absolutely nothing to worry about!"
Kitahara clenched his fist, his fighting spirit reigniting instantly.
—
Inside the gate, Hayate Fubuki cast a brief glance to both sides.
Fire Thunder. Thunder Sky.
"Both are American Uma Musumes…their main victories are in G3 races. And according to Trainer, this is their first time running 1600 meters—"
She steadied her breathing, her thoughts sharpening.
"So as long as my start is clean, I won't have to worry about being boxed in between them."
For runners attempting a new distance, neither would recklessly contest the lead from the outset—that was her judgment.
It was also Shuta An's conclusion after analyzing their Trainers' conditioning philosophies.
If either of them charged forward aggressively, it would have become a serious obstacle to her race plan.
"Click!"
The gates flew open.
Hayate Fubuki exploded forward. Within just a few strides, she had already gained half a horse length over FireThunder.
"What a start! Hayate Fubuki breaks away from the pack almost instantly! Is she going to take the lead today?!"
The commentator's eyes widened in shock.
"She's never taken the lead in domestic races before!"
"Phew…"
In the box, Mr. Kitahara let out a long breath.
"It looks like the starting technique she learned from Silence Suzuka is really paying off. She created separation immediately."
"Both of the American runners hesitated slightly after the start," Tojo Hana observed, nodding as she watched the live broadcast. "It seems they're being cautious about the extended distance."
"When everyone else is cautious, it benefits Hayate Fubuki the most," Shuta An added.
"With the pace suppressed, she won't face pressure from behind. By the final straight, her conserved stamina will allow her to accelerate and withstand any late charge."
"In that case, a slow pace is ideal," Nishizaki Ryu continued, leaning forward.
"If she can control the first 600 meters within 36—maybe even 37 seconds—this race is essentially hers."
Moments later—Hayate Fubuki passed the 600-meter mark in 38 seconds.
"Isn't that too slow?!"
Nishizaki Ryu's expression tightened.
"A slow pace is beneficial, yes—but too slow becomes counterproductive. She won't be able to maximize her stamina, and the runners behind will have complete freedom to accelerate."
"That's not the case." Shuta An shook his head calmly. "Dubai uses a different timing system from Japan."
"This 38 seconds here would translate to roughly 36 seconds in Japan. It's still a controlled pace—not excessively slow—and for Hayate Fubuki, it's optimal."
"I see." Understanding dawned on Nishizaki Ryu's face. "This is my first time racing in Dubai. I didn't realize the timing differences."
"The system here follows the European standard," Tojo Hana added. "If you haven't raced in Europe before, it's normal not to know."
"Then I'll have Special Week challenge a European G1 as well!"
Nishizaki Ryu suddenly clenched his fist, declaring it with conviction.
"European G1—" Shuta An gave a faint, knowing look. "Special Week's adaptability to heavy tracks is questionable."
"If that's the case, America is also an option. The Breeders' Cup Turf, for example."
"But that would interfere with preparations for the Japan Cup, wouldn't it?"
Nishizaki Ryu waved his hand dismissively.
"This year, didn't Hana-chan say El Condor Pasa won't be running in the Japan Cup? As a Derby-winning Uma Musume, Special Week has a responsibility to defend that title."
"In past years, it wasn't always the Derby winner who took that role."
Mr. Kitahara muttered, glancing sideways at Shuta An.
"It's better to decide based on actual conditions. Personally, I think the Breeders' Cup Turf is a great opportunity—no domestic Uma Musume has ever won it." (Oguri didn't race the Breeders' Cup Turf 2400m but race the Mile one.)
"And it's only her second year," Shuta An added with a faint smile.
"She already ran the Kikuka Sho, then the Japan Cup, followed by the Arima Kinen. Adding the Breeders' Cup before the Japan Cup wouldn't be unreasonable."
"Would you ever arrange a schedule like that for your own trainees?" Nishizaki Ryu shot back immediately.
"No."
Shuta An answered without the slightest hesitation.
"Hayate Fubuki crosses the finish line!"
The commentator's voice rang out sharply, cutting through the room just as the Trainers were mid-conversation.
Even before the shout fully landed, Mr. Kitahara had already sprung up from the sofa.
"Fantastic! Hayate Fubuki!"
"Oh!"
Applause followed in unison, the room instantly filled with energy.
"Congratulations, Mr. Kitahara—a perfect start," Kawamura Hirokazu said, unable to suppress the anticipation rising in his own chest. Thinking of Passion Flare, he couldn't help but imagine himself leaping up in the same way later.
"Thank you, Ann-san. That pace-setting tactic was incredibly effective."
Kitahara turned toward Shuta An, his expression bright with gratitude.
"If it weren't for your guidance, I would never have dared to let Hayate Fubuki use a front-running strategy she's never tried before—especially on a stage like this."
"There's no need to thank me." Shuta An waved it off lightly. "The one who trained her to this level is you."
"Exactly, exactly," Nishizaki Ryu chimed in with a grin. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he added, "But more importantly…shouldn't you go downstairs right now? The Winning Live doesn't start until the evening—this is your only chance to speak with her after the race."
"You're right." Kitahara snapped back to his senses. "Thank you."
Without another word, he strode quickly out of the private box.
"If I hadn't reminded him, Hayate Fubuki would definitely be complaining," Nishizaki Ryu chuckled, watching his friend disappear through the door.
"Indeed."
Shuta An's gaze shifted briefly to the schedule.
"The next race involving one of ours is the UAE Derby."
He looked up.
"Kawamura-kun—how's Passion Flare's condition?"
"Very good," Kawamura Hirokazu replied honestly, spreading his hands. "But the competition is strong this time. We'd already be satisfied with a top-five finish."
He paused, then added with a faint smile,
"Still—I told her that if she finishes in the top two, she'll qualify directly for this year's newly established Japan Dirt Derby. No need for additional races. And if she does that, I'll give her a long vacation—until the end of May."
"In that case, Miss Passion Flare will definitely push herself," Tojo Hana said, her eyes curving into gentle crescents. "No wonder she's been training so diligently—and even seeking advice from Taiki. So there was an extra reward waiting."
"A break until the end of May…that's a full two months," Trainer Shibasaki added thoughtfully. "If she finishes her exams early, she could enjoy it completely. For an Academy Uma Musume, that's an offer that's hard to refuse."
—
The Dubai Gold Cup concluded with victory going to Sabotage—much like last year's champion Veracity, another European-born Uma Musume naturalized in the UAE.
"Honestly, this race is a perfect stepping stone toward the Spring Tenno Sho," Shuta An remarked. "For long-distance specialists, skipping the Hanshin Daishoten to run here is a viable option. After all, the prize money is higher."
"But the Dubai Gold Cup is a G3, while the Hanshin Daishoten is a G2," Tojo Hana countered with a small shrug. "That difference alone likely influences many decisions. Didn't the Academy have a runner this year who declined the Dubai invitation to fully prepare for the Spring Tenno Sho?"
"Everyone makes their own choices—it's not something we should judge," Mr. Kitahara said, scratching his head. "Still…you only truly understand how exceptional Dubai's hospitality is after experiencing it yourself. If there's an opportunity next year, I'll definitely bring another Uma Musume overseas."
"I agree," Shibasaki nodded.
For dirt sprint specialists, competing in the Twinkle Series for six or seven years was entirely normal. Someone like Hayate Fubuki, only in her second year, still had a long runway ahead. Maintaining form for another four years—and making an annual trip here—was entirely feasible.
Of course—That assumed her results remained strong. Otherwise, coming here would amount to little more than an expensive vacation.
"What about you, Shuta-kun?" Nishizaki Ryu shifted the topic.
"Me?"
Shuta An tapped his chest lightly.
"That depends on the Uma Musume's development. Dober will likely come next year to challenge once."
"The Dubai Turf? Is the Sadalsuud team aiming for a three-peat?" Nishizaki Ryu raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"No." Shuta An shook his head. "If Dober performs well in this year's Japanese Oaks, I'll likely enter her in the Dubai Sheema Classic instead. The prize money there is higher."
"As expected," Kitahara muttered under his breath. "Ann-san really does prioritize races with higher prize pools."
"Prestigious races rarely come with low prize money, don't they?" Shuta An replied with a grin.
"That's difficult to argue with," Tojo Hana continued smoothly. "Take the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe—the pinnacle of European middle- to long-distance racing. Its prize money is the highest in Europe."
At those words, something flickered in Shuta An's mind.
So that's it—He kept the thought to himself.
El Condor Pasa focusing on overseas campaigns this year…and now the Arc being brought up so naturally—Their true target was already clear.
—
In the UAE Derby, Passion Flare had drawn gate one—just like Silence Suzuka.
As a result, she was the first to enter.
Tilting her head slightly, she glanced toward the still-empty gate two.
"Invasor… from Uruguay…"
Her thoughts sharpened quietly.
"She won the Uruguayan 2000 Guineas—a G1. The only G1 winner in this field."
A brief pause.
"But a G1 in Uruguay is still a G1 in Uruguay. In terms of overall ability, she's not as strong as Discreet Cat."
Her focus narrowed further.
"The real threat is Discreet Cat from America."
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"As long as I finish in the top two, I get two months of vacation… I can't let this chance slip away. The last time Trainer gave me a long break…was before my debut."
—
After entering gate two, Invasor did not glance at her opponents.
Instead, she lifted her gaze toward the star-strewn sky.
Her Trainer had not come to Dubai.
She didn't know why.
But she couldn't forget the look in his eyes when she left.
"It felt like a farewell."
Her eyes slowly closed.
"I just want to finish this race quickly… and go back to ask him what happened."
—
Far away, at Tracen Academy in Uruguay—
Invasor's Trainer sat across from an American Trainer, both watching the UAE Derby broadcast.
"If Invasor finishes in the top five, we'll finalize the contract immediately. No issues with that, correct?" the American Trainer asked.
"Of course." The Uruguayan Trainer smiled brightly. "I'm very satisfied with this arrangement."
The transfer fee—after deducting team expenses and the portion owed to Invasor's family—would be more than enough to support his child's overseas education.
There was no hesitation in his decision.
In fact—Invasor's family had been even more eager than he was to send her to America.
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