As Little Anzu left everyone else in the dust on the track, the spectators cheered and applauded, while an irrepressible buzz of discussion rose among them.
"Whoa! That kid's amazing! Her name's Anzu, right? Looks like she'll become an outstanding Horse Girl someday!"
"I've heard of her. She's from Lord Kanaloa's family, I think—apparently one of Lord Kanaloa's juniors."
"My kid told me about her too. I heard her family specializes in short distances. Never expected her to run so well over this distance too!"
Amid the clamor, Kitasan Black stood at the very front of the stands, jumping about and shouting excitedly.
"That's it! Just like that! Go, Little Anzu!"
Like an official race, this event had prepared dedicated viewing seats for the "Little Trainers," located at the very front where they had the clearest view of the race.
Like Kitasan Black, the Satono Sisters and Duramente were seated here as well.
Futanari Shingang and Noda Gold Colt, who would soon be competing in the Satsuki Sho, were among them.
While Kitasan Black was brimming with excitement, every one of the Horse Girls beside her was left dumbfounded.
Even Duramente, who usually wore an aloof expression, had parted her lips slightly.
"...Hey, Little Kita, you... she..."
After hesitating for a moment, Satono Crown grabbed Kitasan Black's arm and said, both annoyed and amused, "Just how did you coach this kid...? That running style... isn't she being reckless?"
"Go, Little Anzu! Go—ah?"
After shouting and bouncing around for a few moments, Kitasan Black finally noticed that her arm had been grabbed.
"Crown-chan, did you say something?"
"I said..."
Satono Crown helplessly pointed toward the track and looked over. "Isn't the way she's running reckless...? Huh? Her speed..."
On the track, Little Anzu, who had exploded forward at a startling pace