Countless spectators rose to their feet, craning their necks and staring wide-eyed at the track in disbelief.
"What's going on? Why isn't Kitasan Black taking the lead?"
"Is this really the Kitasan Black we know?"
"Won't she get boxed in on the Inner Lane like this? What kind of Running Style is that?"
Amid the mounting cries of alarm, Wang Ziding, seated at the front of the stands, widened her eyes in shock. The cheering stick in her hand nearly slipped from her grasp.
Having known Almond Eye for so long and trained with her constantly lately, she naturally knew that Kitasan Black excelled at taking the lead.
She also knew that with this Running Style, one had to seize the initiative right from the start and open up enough distance.
Then, using the advantages in stamina and pace gained from that gap, one could gradually secure victory.
Yet on the track at this moment, Kitasan Black had opponents ahead of her, to her Outer Lane, and behind her.
It was not impossible to seize the Lead Position now, but it would definitely cost far more stamina. For an Escape Horse, that was far too unfavorable.
"Senior Little Kita—doesn't she specialize in taking the lead?"
Full of shock and doubt, Wang Ziding covered her mouth and let out a low cry.
"Wh-what is going on?"
Anxiously puzzled, she turned to look beside her.
Then she discovered in surprise that although Almond Eye looked excited, she did not appear worried at all.
Anjing Zhen was even more composed, watching the race with a firm gaze and a faint smile at the corner of his lips, as though everything was proceeding exactly as expected.
At that moment, a thoughtful voice suddenly drew Wang Ziding's attention.
"I see. She chose a Frontrunner Running