Chapter Summaries

Anjing Zhen focused on Anzu’s assessments while Wang Ziding prepared for her dirt Simulation Race. Later, he and Kitasan Black discussed Anzu and their planned trip to Dubai, where they learned the travel arrangements were already prepared.

• Qingrou Ruge and Anzu advised Wang Ziding on dirt-track racing before she headed to the track for her examination.
• Anjing Zhen returned to the empty Trainer's office and decided to focus his efforts on Kitasan Black and Anzu rather than sign more Horse Girls.
• Anjing Zhen spent the day analyzing Anzu's assessment results, and Kitasan Black later found him still working after nightfall.
• Kitasan Black told Anjing Zhen that Anzu had gone to play with new friends and that other Trainers were interested in Almond Eye.
• Anjing Zhen told Kitasan Black that Dubai had replied and prepared their plane tickets, hotel, and reception team.

Anjing Zhen, Almond Eye, and Kitasan Black flew from Japan to Dubai for a training and study visit, excited about the Dubai World Cup and their luxurious accommodations. After arriving, they met the Dubai Association’s reception staff and drove toward the Burj Al Arab Hotel.

• Almond Eye marveled at the clouds on her first flight while Kitasan Black shared her excitement about the training trip.
• Anjing Zhen explained Dubai’s lavish World Cup arrangements and the group’s planned hotel stay, track tour, and possible joint training.
• Almond Eye and Kitasan Black watched Dubai’s scenery as their plane descended and landed at Dubai International Airport.
• Anjing Zhen, Almond Eye, and Kitasan Black met the Dubai Association’s reception staff, who escorted them to a waiting luxury vehicle.
• The three traveled through Dubai, taking in its city and desert scenery as the Burj Al Arab Hotel came into view.

Anjing Zhen brought Almond Eye and Kitasan Black to the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, where he let them explore while he studied the Dubai World Cup competitors. He reviewed Duramente and Futanari Shingang’s recent races and plans, considering what Almond Eye and Kitasan Black could learn from them.

• Anjing Zhen arrived at the Burj Al Arab Hotel with Almond Eye and Kitasan Black, who marveled at its luxury.
• Anjing Zhen sent Almond Eye and Kitasan Black to explore the hotel and adjust to the time difference while he studied the Dubai World Cup entrants.
• Anjing Zhen read about Duramente’s return from injury, including her narrow victory in the Nakayama Memorial Race, where Futanari Shingang placed third.
• Anjing Zhen learned that Duramente had entered the Dubai Sheema Classic as preparation for another attempt at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Anjing Zhen considered Futanari Shingang’s strong record and her choice of the Dubai Turf, a race whose distance suited her strengths.

Anjing Zhen studied elite overseas Horse Girls to prepare Kitasan Black and Almond Eye for international racing, while the two watched training at the Burj Al Arab Hotel. The chapter ended when a striking Horse Girl on the track noticed them and turned to look their way.

• Anjing Zhen decided to use the time before the Dubai World Cup to improve Kitasan Black's overseas adaptability and prepare Almond Eye for future overseas races.
• Anjing Zhen studied California Spangle, Adayar, and other Dubai World Cup contenders, considering how to observe them and make contact with their teams.
• Kitasan Black and Almond Eye watched the Horse Girls train and discussed their starting speed, cornering technique, and stride.
• A striking Horse Girl on the track turned her gaze toward Kitasan Black and Almond Eye.

Kitasan Black and Little Anzu met California Spangle while watching training in Dubai, and California Spangle invited them to race. Kitasan Black eagerly accepted and went to change, leaving Little Anzu to explain the plan.

• California Spangle approached Kitasan Black and Little Anzu and asked whether they were competing in the Dubai World Cup.
• Little Anzu introduced herself and Kitasan Black in English, and California Spangle introduced herself in return.
• Little Anzu explained that they had come to acclimate rather than compete, and California Spangle suggested they race together.
• Kitasan Black guessed what California Spangle had proposed and eagerly agreed to race.
• Kitasan Black ran to change clothes and tell their Trainer, asking Little Anzu to explain the plan to California Spangle.

Kitasan Black and Almond Eye met California Spangle in Dubai and arranged a friendly race, while Anjing Zhen welcomed the chance to gain practical experience against an overseas competitor. The group gathered at the Burj Al Arab Hotel’s training grounds, where California Spangle met Anjing Zhen.

• California Spangle admitted she had barely understood Kitasan Black’s words, but said their shared love of running and competitive spirit needed no translation.
• Kitasan Black excitedly told Anjing Zhen that she and Almond Eye had arranged a casual race with California Spangle, and he decided the race would help their overseas training.
• Anjing Zhen followed Kitasan Black to the Burj Al Arab Hotel’s lavish training grounds and spotted California Spangle without her Trainer.
• Almond Eye introduced Anjing Zhen to California Spangle, who was surprised by his appearance.

Anjing Zhen proposed two consecutive practice races for Kitasan Black and California Spangle, matching each Horse Girl with the other's preferred surface and distance. California Spangle accepted, and Anjing Zhen realized he had underestimated her stamina as they prepared to run.

• California Spangle greeted Anjing Zhen and accepted his proposal to race Kitasan Black.
• Anjing Zhen proposed a 3,000-meter dirt race followed by a 2,000-meter turf race, with a break between them.
• Anjing Zhen warned California Spangle that two races would take substantial stamina and offered to postpone one.
• California Spangle insisted she could handle the races, citing her experience running the Triple Crown, and headed for the track with Kitasan Black.
• Anjing Zhen admitted to Almond Eye that California Spangle's stamina was comparable to Kitasan Black's.

Almond Eye worried that Kitasan Black would struggle against California Spangle on dirt, but Anjing Zhen urged her to trust her senior. When other Horse Girls asked to join the Practice Race, Anjing Zhen agreed, and the training run began to take on the feel of an official event.

• Almond Eye learned that California Spangle had won the first two races of the American Triple Crown and worried that Kitasan Black could not beat her on dirt.
• Kitasan Black and California Spangle warmed up as Horse Girls at the training ground recognized them and discussed their achievements.
• Several Horse Girls approached Kitasan Black and California Spangle and asked to train with them.
• California Spangle invited the Horse Girls to join their Practice Race, and Kitasan Black asked Anjing Zhen for permission.
• Anjing Zhen welcomed the Horse Girls, and staff prepared the track and brought in a commentator as the runners headed to the starting line.

Kitasan Black and California Spangle began a 3,000-meter dirt Practice Race, and both surged into the lead. Anjing Zhen realized Kitasan Black was struggling to match California Spangle on the unfamiliar surface, though her adaptability exceeded his expectations.

• Kitasan Black calmed herself in the starting gate despite the unfamiliar dirt track and English commentary.
• California Spangle watched Kitasan Black with anticipation and hoped she would show her a surprise.
• Kitasan Black and California Spangle burst from the gates and pulled ahead of the other Horse Girls.
• Almond Eye was shocked that California Spangle could match Kitasan Black's front-running pace.
• Anjing Zhen judged that Kitasan Black was keeping up with California Spangle through strength and adaptability, but was struggling.

Anjing Zhen analyzed the heavy physical strain Kitasan Black faced on the dirt track and recognized California Spangle as an exceptionally talented dirt runner. Kitasan Black pressed on despite the resistance, but California Spangle accelerated past her and cut into the Inner Lane, spraying mud into her face.

• Anjing Zhen judged that Kitasan Black's stride and breathing patterns made the dirt race unusually taxing on her muscles and body.
• Anjing Zhen observed California Spangle's exceptionally efficient foot placement, pace, and technique, recognizing her as a world-class Horse Girl.
• Kitasan Black charged into the first turn from the Inner Lane and felt the unfamiliar dirt consume far more strength and stamina than she expected.
• Kitasan Black decided she would not admit defeat to California Spangle, despite sensing that her rival ran with effortless speed.
• California Spangle accelerated from the outside, passed Kitasan Black, and cut inward, sending dirt flying into Kitasan Black's face.

Kitasan Black struggled through the mud and sand kicked up by California Spangle on the dirt track, but kept her pace and determination. Watching her, Almond Eye recognized her senior’s refusal to give up and cheered her on.

• California Spangle passed Kitasan Black through the turn and took the lead, leaving Kitasan Black more than a horse length behind.
• The commentator described the race as split between California Spangle and Kitasan Black in front and the chasing pack behind.
• Almond Eye protested the amount of mud and sand, and Anjing Zhen explained that overseas dirt tracks were softer and sent more debris flying.
• Anjing Zhen observed that Kitasan Black had shortened her breathing but maintained her rhythm and continued racing.
• Almond Eye saw Kitasan Black’s resolve through the mud and shouted encouragement to her senior.

During the dirt-track practice race, Kitasan Black studied California Spangle’s technique and adapted her own stride to the muddy surface. With 1,000 meters remaining and stamina to spare, she considered whether to catch up and reclaim the lead.

• Kitasan Black endured the unfamiliar noise, mud, and pressure as she chased California Spangle.
• Kitasan Black noticed that California Spangle’s large strides and high stride frequency helped her reduce contact with the resistant dirt.
• Kitasan Black recalled riverbank training with Anjing Zhen, Silent Suzuka, and Rice Shower and applied its lessons to the muddy track.
• Kitasan Black adjusted her footwork, posture, stride, and rhythm to suit her own build and the dirt surface.
• Kitasan Black found a comfortable running style two or three Horse Lengths behind California Spangle and wondered whether to chase now with 1,000 meters left.

Kitasan Black adapted her running style by studying California Spangle, then sought a way to win their dirt-race practice. California Spangle recognized Kitasan Black’s determination and raised her speed, while Kitasan Black resisted chasing recklessly and held to her strategy.

• Kitasan Black adjusted her stride, rhythm, and force to imitate California Spangle on the unfamiliar dirt track.
• Anjing Zhen watched Kitasan Black adapt and realized she was determined to win.
• California Spangle recognized her own running style in Kitasan Black’s form and became excited by the challenge.
• California Spangle accelerated, widening the gap between herself and Kitasan Black.
• Kitasan Black resisted the impulse to chase and focused on the one chance she believed could let her defeat California Spangle.

California Spangle opened a huge lead, but Kitasan Black conserved her strength and launched a relentless long-distance pursuit. California Spangle crossed the finish line first, then praised Kitasan Black and said she was glad to have met her.

• California Spangle accelerated and built a lead of more than ten Horse Lengths while Kitasan Black held back.
• California Spangle realized Kitasan Black was relying on her superior endurance to catch up before the finish.
• Kitasan Black steadily cut into California Spangle’s lead as they charged down the final straight.
• Kitasan Black lost speed in the last 100 meters, and California Spangle won the Practice Race.
• California Spangle and Kitasan Black crossed the line exhausted, and California Spangle told Kitasan Black she was glad they had met.

Kitasan Black lost the Practice Race to California Spangle despite having stamina left, and she struggled to understand why she could not accelerate near the finish. After the crowd celebrated both runners and recognized Kitasan Black’s achievements, Anzu arrived and asked the fans to let her take Kitasan Black for a post-race examination.

• Kitasan Black realized she had lost speed in the final meters and lost the Practice Race to California Spangle.
• Scheherazade hugged Kitasan Black, introduced herself, and asked to take a photo with her.
• Horse Girls gathered around Kitasan Black and California Spangle for photos and autographs after learning about Kitasan Black’s racing record.
• Anzu reached Kitasan Black and asked the crowd to wait while Kitasan Black underwent a post-race examination.

After Kitasan Black lost to California Spangle in a dirt race, Anjing Zhen arranged post-race examinations and confirmed that both Horse Girls were physically unharmed. He advised postponing their hoped-for turf rematch because Kitasan Black was mentally tired after flying to Dubai and racing soon after arrival.

• Almond Eye worried about Kitasan Black's loss but took comfort in her senior's performance against a dirt specialist.
• Anjing Zhen called for official-standard post-race examinations because the race had reached near-official intensity.
• At the Burj Al Arab Hotel infirmary, Kitasan Black and Almond Eye praised California Spangle's strength while Kitasan Black vowed to challenge her on turf.
• California Spangle emerged from her examination in good health and asked about Kitasan Black's condition.
• Anjing Zhen confirmed Kitasan Black was physically fine but recommended discussing a turf rematch in a few days because she needed mental rest after traveling and racing.

After California Spangle postponed her turf showdown with Kitasan Black, Anjing Zhen had the girls rest and spent the evening analyzing Kitasan Black’s performance on unfamiliar track conditions. Kitasan Black later appeared at his door in a golden foreign-style outfit and asked what he thought of it.

• California Spangle gave Kitasan Black her contact information and hotel room number, then left after agreeing to postpone their turf race.
• Almond Eye encouraged Kitasan Black to beat California Spangle in their upcoming turf race, and Anjing Zhen sent both Horse Girls back to rest.
• After Kitasan Black and Almond Eye fell asleep, Anjing Zhen requested equipment and race data so he could review the Practice Race and study heavy-track adaptation.
• Kitasan Black messaged Anjing Zhen late at night and appeared at his door dressed in a golden bandeau and white-and-gold gauze skirt.
• Kitasan Black excitedly asked Anjing Zhen what he thought of her outfit.

Anjing Zhen found Kitasan Black wearing an elaborate outfit from the wardrobe in his hotel room, and they realized the clothes had likely been prepared for them by the Dubai Association or hotel. He told her the outfit looked good on her, and Kitasan Black happily spun around in it.

• Anjing Zhen let Kitasan Black into his room and discovered several white-and-gold robes in the wardrobe.
• Kitasan Black realized that the elaborate clothes were probably pajamas and evening wear provided by the hotel.
• Anjing Zhen suggested the clothes had been tailored using the information they submitted before traveling to Dubai and might be theirs to keep.
• Kitasan Black worried that her necklace and outfit might be made of gold, but Anjing Zhen reassured her and complimented her appearance.
• Kitasan Black explained how she had found the outfit and excitedly spun around in it.

Anjing Zhen analyzed Kitasan Black’s Practice Race and explained why she could not accelerate past California Spangle despite having stamina left. The discussion left them with several factors to address, including dirt-track technique, breathing rhythm, and the softened track surface.

• Kitasan Black asked Anjing Zhen if she could request Emperor’s approval to use her outfit as her Victory Outfit, and he offered to help with an application.
• Kitasan Black noticed Anjing Zhen working late and urged him to rest before asking about the Practice Race.
• Anjing Zhen explained that the dirt track increased lower-body effort and nerve fatigue, while Kitasan Black’s turf-based rhythm and Running Stance also hindered her.
• Anjing Zhen said Kitasan Black’s breathing rate rose too sharply after the 200-meter mark, causing oxygen debt and making acceleration harder.
• Anjing Zhen estimated that repeated use had softened the dirt track’s final stretch, reducing the ground’s reactive force and slowing Kitasan Black down.

Anjing Zhen cared for Kitasan Black after she fell asleep on his shoulder, then lay awake reflecting on his mother's advice about his feelings for her. He was left wondering whether he truly liked Kitasan Black and remembering that he should be patient because her racing career was short.

• Anjing Zhen noticed Kitasan Black had fallen asleep against his shoulder and gently laid her on the sofa.
• Anjing Zhen covered Kitasan Black with a blanket, brought her a pillow, and made the room comfortable while she slept.
• Anjing Zhen found Kitasan Black's self-portrait beside his notes on oxygen debt accumulation and quietly put the papers away.
• Anjing Zhen went to bed and recalled his mother's serious conversation about whether he liked Kitasan Black.
• Anjing Zhen remembered his mother advising him to consider his feelings carefully and be patient if he realized he loved Kitasan Black, since Horse Girls had short careers.