Oguri Cap and Super Creek spoke almost simultaneously, their tones carrying unquestionable certainty. Hearing them, Shine Brilliant immediately focused on the training track, where dust was billowing into the air.
On the dirt straightaway, three figures were racing at astonishing speed.
Hokubu Genkoma was in the lead. Her stride was long and powerful, every push off the ground brimming with strength.
Her steady form carried the composure of someone long accustomed to the racetrack, while also harboring terrifying energy ready to erupt at any moment. She cut through the air, charging straight ahead without hesitation.
Close behind Hokubu Genkoma, Anmokume trailed by about two horse lengths.
Judging by the rhythm of her arm swing and the length of her stride, her top speed at that moment didn't seem much slower than Hokubu Genkoma's. The small gap was more due to her slower reaction at the start and her lack of skill and experience during the initial acceleration.
Even so, the distance between her and Hokubu Genkoma was gradually widening, albeit very slowly.
On Anmokume's other side, a little farther back—about another horse length or so—was Chunqiu Fen.
Her running form clearly showed signs of inexperience and a lack of systematic training. Her movements weren't as fluid as the first two's, and even her exertion seemed a little reckless.
But what was surprising was that, despite all that, her slender body seemed to hold an energy that belied its appearance. She wasn't being left far behind by the two older girls, and her speed was well above the average for an Uma Musume her age.
"Indeed... I see."
Watching the situation on the track, Shine Brilliant murmured absently, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"That girl called Anmokume... seems to have impressive upper-body strength and core stability, and her