I told you so long ago

"Starlight Peak herself isn't the problem!" The one who responded was not Daiwa Scarlet, but Vodka, who stared intently at the track and analyzed at a rapid pace:

"Arima Kinen is a full 2,500 meters, and the course has six turns in total. That uphill stretch before the Finish Line has to be passed twice.

"Starlight Peak is already accelerating so desperately to fight for position right after the first turn. Her stamina consumption is too high—she may start slowing down as soon as she enters the Final Bend.

"No, she might even lose speed before reaching the Final Straight.

"The problem is that Little Kita is currently in an excellent position, the ideal spot for her to launch the rhythm she excels at. If she gives it up too easily, the race rhythm she worked so hard to seize will be gone!

"But if she engages Starlight Peak in an intense battle for position now, her stamina will be drained severely as well!"

That thorough analysis instantly drained the color from Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox's little faces.

Before they could panic, Special Week and Silent Suzuka moved in with tacit understanding, one on each side. Wearing slightly nervous but reassuring smiles, they gently rubbed the two girls' heads.

"All right, Daiwa, Vodka, don't make it sound so serious. Look how badly you've scared the two little ones."

Special Week quickly grumbled at her two friends before turning to Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox. In her uniquely earnest yet comforting tone, she said:

"Don't worry. What they said is only what would happen under normal circumstances—but your Senior Little Kita is no ordinary Horse Girl!"

"Mm, if it's Little Kita—" Before Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox could fully process those words, Silent Suzuka,