Upon entering the Classic level, the most noticeable change was that Polaris Glacier's hair became even more luxuriant.
When spread out on the bed, the area it covered was visibly much larger than before.
At the same time, Polaris Glacier's height also grew to about 1.67 meters, which was already among the tallest of the Horse Girl her age.
Her weight increased to a certain extent, perhaps it was the retribution for constantly eating desserts.
As for where it added...
One could somewhat tell from her stockings and underwear, which had become a bit tight and needed to be replaced.
Besides that, her control over her aura also seemed to have strengthened.
Now, even if it was Hanxue in her winning uniform, Polaris Glacier was confident she could control her.
Waking up in the morning, she got out of bed, pulled open the curtains, took a dress from the wardrobe, entered the bathroom, and changed after finishing her ablutions.
When a knock sounded, the Head Maid's voice followed:
"Young lady, breakfast is ready."
After breakfast, she checked the time and felt it was still early, so she called Yuu Mai to take a walk together in the front garden.
Last night, Mother sent detailed information on the three Derby races to Kumi Trainer, who was now diligently studying and analyzing them.
Polaris Glacier also requested a copy, planning to read it whenever she felt interested.
At eight in the morning, she and Yuu Mai sat down promptly on the sofa in front of the television, ready to watch this year's Arima Kinen.
At the same time, in Japan, at Nakayama Racecourse.
Ninety thousand spectators gathered, and the stands were already packed to capacity.
The Four Crown Horse Girl Chitose Meiji, this year's undefeated Triple Crown Horse Girl Rudolph Symboli, and the original Japan's General Katsuragi Ace...
Regardless of strength or popularity, the triumvirate had formed, and everyone eagerly anticipated their clash and confrontation.
Amidst the crowd, discussions occasionally arose:
"CB's performance at the Japan Cup was truly unacceptable. Did that CB, who once represented the rising sun and was full of glory, ultimately fail to withstand the erosion of time, and her strength regressed...?"
"That's unavoidable. The time Horse Girl are active on the track is always limited. The era is advancing, let's look at the new Emperor, Rudolph Symboli."
"Although Rudolf lost to Katsuragi Ace in the Japan Cup, everyone knows it was due to lingering fatigue from consecutive races. This time, she will definitely redeem herself."
"I understand what you're saying, but when I was voting for the race, I still couldn't resist casting all my votes for CB."
"I'm just willing to believe in her. I just want to see her sprint on the track again, defeating all opponents and winning in a desperate counterattack. That would be so romantic."
"Uh... Actually, I also cast all my votes for CB, but sports competition is ultimately about strength. Romance alone isn't enough, you know..."
At this moment, another voice joined in:
"That's not right. Today is clearly Katsuragi Ace's retirement race, why aren't you discussing her?"
"Hmm... Katsuragi Ace has already fully proven her strength at the Japan Cup. Not only did she defend the honor of her homeland, but she also shattered the pride of two Triple Crown Horse Girls. What more needs to be said?"
"Furthermore, today is her retirement race, so let's just wish her a beautiful ending."
"Hiss... Damn it, my Katsuragi Ace... Why is she retiring so early...?"
"Look on the bright side, she's only withdrawing from the Twinkle Series. You'll definitely see her running again in the Dream Cup in the future."
Regardless of the audience's discussions, in the Players' Lounge at this time.
"Rudolf, how do you feel?"
Maruzensky asked with concern, looking at Rudolph Symboli who had changed into her winning uniform and walked out of the changing room.
"Very good. I can clearly feel a strong desire within my body, urging me to run on the track."
Rudolph Symboli replied with a smile, presumably that was the Horse Girl's fighting instinct.
In order to avenge her defeat at the Japan Cup and to defeat Katsuragi Ace head-on, her body was already burning with excitement.
An aura like a raging fire ignited around her, and battle intent unconsciously surged in her eyes.
"Is that so? That's excellent then."
Seeing Rudolph Symboli like this, Maruzensky also felt relieved:
"Today's Rudolf, I can't imagine her losing."
The perspective shifts to another lounge.
Chitose Meiji, also in her winning uniform, jumped vigorously in place, feeling the condition of her legs, and nodded with some satisfaction:
"Hmm, it seems the massage was very effective. The burden has significantly lessened."
She twisted her wrist and turned to look at her reflection in the mirror:
"If it's now, maybe I can use my full strength for the first time in a while."
Thinking so, she tried to stir up her aura.
Strands of gentle breeze flowed around her, caressing her skin and sweeping through her long hair, and a shimmering light rippled in her eyes.
"Rudolf, Katsuragi Ace, let's have a decisive battle!"
The perspective shifts again.
Katsuragi Ace, dressed in her winning uniform, exhaled softly and clenched her fist slightly.
She had no regrets about her decision to retire after the race.
Having won the Japan Cup and left her mark in history, she had no regrets whatsoever.
However, this did not mean she had lost her desire for victory. On the contrary, she would pour everything into this Arima Kinen.
To defeat Rudolf once more, to lead ahead of CB once more, for a beautiful ending!
"Come on! The final stage, the final track, the final showdown!"
Her fist met her palm, and a blazing fire was already burning in her eyes.
Outside, the commentary and live broadcast for this race were handled by two very experienced gentlemen. At this moment, one of them was giving the opening remarks:
"The Nakayama Racecourse at the end of the year is also sunny today. Under the gaze of ninety thousand spectators, the Horse Girl participating in this race are officially beginning their entrance."
As his voice fell, everyone's gaze turned towards the athlete's tunnel.
Eleven Horse Girl, including Chitose Meiji, Rudolph Symboli, and Katsuragi Ace, emerged one after another and stepped onto the turf.
The audience immediately cheered for them and applauded in unison.
There is a saying that you can skip all the races throughout the year, but you absolutely cannot miss the Arima Kinen at the end of the year.
As one of the races based on fan voting, the entry list is essentially an all-star lineup.
In this race, you can see the Horse Girl' answers to the past year and their replies to the people who supported them.
Undoubtedly, no one wanted to lose, everyone wanted to win, which destined this race to be intensely competitive.
Before long, the opening signal sounded, and the Horse Girl walked towards the starting gate.
Among them, Chitose Meiji was in gate 2, Rudolph Symboli in gate 4, and Katsuragi Ace in gate 9.
"All Horse Girl have entered their gates."
G1, Arima Kinen.
Nakayama Racecourse, turf, 2500 meters, clockwise, track condition good.
Clear weather, 11 participating Horse Girl.
Among them, Rudolph Symboli was the first favorite, Chitose Meiji the second favorite, and Katsuragi Ace the third favorite.
Regarding the course, the 2500-meter race at Nakayama Racecourse requires starting from the outer lane and then moving to the inner lane to complete a little more than one full lap.
It includes three large turns, two straightaways, and a relatively short final straight.
It is worth mentioning that during this time, they will pass the grandstand front twice, and the audience usually cheers at the corresponding moments.
"The 29th Arima Kinen, now..."
The commentator's voice continued to ring out, and the Horse Girl inside the starting gate all assumed their pre-race stances.
"Clang!"
The next moment, the gates suddenly opened, and all the participating Horse Girl immediately charged out in unison.