"Take Them Down," Don't Hold Back

The bitter wind of late December swept across Nakayama Racecourse, yet it could not disperse the scorching excitement in the air.

Dawn had barely broken, but the area outside was already roaring with crowds. All kinds of support banners and flags representing different Horse Girls had long been raised, like a swaying forest of color.

A massive Arima Kinen promotional poster hung high above, Kitasan Black's sprinting figure and the bold words "Autumn Triple Crown: Final Battle" constantly stirring everyone's nerves.

By morning, the sunlight had dispelled the chill of dawn, bathing the turf track in vivid green.

The seventeen competing Horse Girls, dressed in Victory Outfits of every color, appeared one by one in the Introduction Segment before the main grandstand under the host's guidance.

Each name announced drew a tidal wave of cheers from the corresponding supporters in the stands.

"Kitasan Black! It's Kitasan Black!"

"Kita! Look over here!"

"Autumn Triple Crown! You have to make it happen!"

Kitasan Black stood in the most prominent position, dressed in that black-and-gold Victory Outfit. Facing the flashing cameras and roaring crowd, she waved steadily in acknowledgment.

Her gaze swept over the stands. She could clearly feel expectations even heavier and more fervent than those at the Tenno Sho Autumn or the Japan Cup weighing upon her shoulders, yet they also ignited the fire in her chest.

Not far from her, Satono Diamond stood elegantly in a long pale-green dress. During her interview, her tone was gentle, but her gaze was sharp—

Golden Lyric wore a cold expression, while Wanlai Zhengming blew kisses in every direction as though she were attending a party, sending her fans into shrieking fits.

Koushou Hayate's face was slightly red as she tried her best to hold her back straight.

Teio Sho adjusted her glasses and