Tokai Teio was fired up by Mejiro McQueen's words and was just about to chime in when the commentator's voice pierced through the curtain of rain, cutting her off:
"Tokyo Racecourse, Grassland 2000 Meters—the Tenno Sho Autumn is finally about to begin!
"The sixteen contestants are striding proudly toward the starting gates. Every one of them is among the strongest active contenders; it's such a star-studded field that it's hard to know whom to favor!
"But at this very moment, there is no doubt who has become the center of everyone's attention!
"Carrying the glory of two consecutive Veteran G1 wins in the Tenno Sho Spring and the Takarazuka Kinen, she now sets her sights on the pinnacle of glory—the Autumn Triple Crown! Not even this fine curtain of rain can conceal her soaring spirit—
"Kitasan Black!!"
With the commentator's shout, the stands seemed to erupt like a lit powder keg, unleashing thunderous cheers.
Looking toward the track amid the roar of the crowd, Tokai Teio's lips curled into a faint smile as she sighed emotionally.
"What a lineup of stars. It's almost as lively as the Arima Kinen.
"Why don't we just treat today like it's the Arima? What do you think, McQueen?"
"What are you even talking about? Who says something like that?"
After instinctively shooting back, Mejiro McQueen fixed a sharp gaze on the Horse Girls entering the starting gates and gave a slight nod.
"And there is another advantage: Little Kita happened to draw a position on the Middle Track this time."
Tokai Teio froze for a moment, then immediately realized that her friend was returning to the topic the commentator had interrupted earlier. She nodded to herself.
The Tenno Sho Autumn was notorious for being unfavorable to outside gates.
The starting line was set on