Since Polaris Glacier had not posted any statements about her overseas race on the Jun Yu Circle, most people actually did not know that she had already arrived in Louisville.
Therefore, currently, more attention was focused on this year's Spring Tenno Sho than on Polaris Glare's movements.
Fuchu, Tokyo, on a certain river bridge.
Chitose Meiji was walking slowly, her brows furrowed, and the thoughts in her eyes lingered for a long time:
“I lost again, not to Rudolf, not to Katsuragi Ace, nor to other first-rate Horse Girl…”
In March, to regain the feeling of victory, she participated in the G3-Grade Osaka Cup.
She intended to use this to adjust herself and face Rudolph Symboli with perfect readiness, to have a decisive battle with her.
However, the development of the race was beyond her original expectations and completely contrary to her plan of adjusting her condition.
She failed to win.
Not only that, but the load on her legs also increased again, and even massages could not alleviate it.
After another defeat, the audience who had originally supported her also felt disappointed:
“If she only lost to Rudolph Symboli, that would be fine, but now she can’t even win G3-Grade Races; CB is really finished.”
“The era of CB is over; she is no longer in her prime.”
“If she can’t win, why doesn’t she retire? I really don’t want to see her lose anymore.”
Similar sighs came one after another.
She could not refute; she could only silently accept it, as it was indeed the truth.
“Rudolf… This is the last time.”
Chitose Meiji suddenly stopped, flipped over the bridge railing, and jumped into the river below.
“This is the last time; this time, I must rush to the front, confront you head-on, and surpass you!”
Regardless of the outcome, she would not regret it; she just wanted to give her last breath as much as possible.
The way she exited the stage might not be graceful, but it must never be disheveled or desolate.
Pouring out all her strength, abandoning everything, just for the final showdown.
April 29th was the day of this year’s Spring Tenno Sho.
Chitose Meiji and Rudolph Symboli, the third time these two Triple Crown Horse Girls competed in the same race.
At 10:00 AM, the Kyoto Racecourse was already filled with a large audience.
At the stands, Maruzensky did not accompany Rudolph Symboli to the jockey lounge this time but arrived early to wait.
“Yo, good morning, Maruzensky-senpai, long time no see.”
Suddenly, a somewhat familiar greeting came, and turning her head, she saw Katsuragi Ace.
“Oh, Katsuragi Ace-chan, good morning~”
Maruzensky also smiled and waved, then said:
“It really has been a while, how have you been lately?”
“Hmm, I’m doing well. I went back to my hometown, and everyone’s enthusiasm was incredibly exaggerated.”
Katsuragi Ace still had that straightforward demeanor; after retiring, she seemed to be in even better spirits.
Her aura was consciously reined in, no longer giving off that scorching feeling as before.
“Huhu, seeing Katsuragi Ace-chan so energetic is better than anything.”
The two stood together, both looking towards the track.
“If Rudolf wins this Spring Tenno Sho, she will tie the historical highest record and become a Five-Crown Horse Girl.”
“Yes, it’s only a matter of time before Rudolf achieves five crowns with her strength.”
After a slight pause, Katsuragi Ace continued:
“On the other hand, Chitose Meiji, since last year’s Autumn Tenno Sho…”
Her words were not finished when the Announcer (Female)’s voice Just right interrupted:
“Today’s Kyoto Racecourse is also sunny and bright; G1, Spring Tenno Sho, is underway as scheduled.”
“Under the gaze of numerous spectators, the Horse Girl competing in this race are officially entering the track.”
As her words fell, the eyes of the audience, including Maruzensky and Katsuragi Ace, all turned towards the jockey passage.
Horse Girl were seen walking out one after another, Rudolph Symboli first, followed shortly by Chitose Meiji.
They did not deliberately approach each other, nor did any conversation occur.
After both of them entered, the audience clapped in unison.
Before long, the starting signal sounded, and the Horse Girl walked towards the starting gate, entering their respective assigned lanes.
Rudolph Symboli was in gate 15, the outermost gate, and Chitose Meiji was in gate 7.
“Now, all Horse Girl have completed their entry into the gates.”
Kyoto Racecourse, turf, 3200 meters, clockwise, track condition good.
A total of 15 Horse Girl participated, with Rudolph Symboli being overwhelmingly the most popular.
Regarding the course, the 3200-meter Kyoto track requires running one and a half laps plus a bit more.
It includes two long uphill straights, two straights in front of the stands, one of which is the final straight.
And two complete large curves, one medium curve.
Undoubtedly, this course demands very high stamina from the Horse Girl.
And usually, only Horse Girl confident in their stamina would choose to participate in the Spring Tenno Sho.
“Clang!”
The gates suddenly opened, and all Horse Girl immediately rushed out.
“The race has begun; the Horse Girl’ starts are very uniform.”
“They are observing each other’s positions; will the struggle for the inner lane indeed be intense?”
Differences in tactical choices quickly led to changes in their respective paces, and the Horse Girl formation gradually stratified, with the situation gradually stabilizing after a series of overt and covert skirmishes.
There were five Horse Girl leading this time, following each other very closely, arrayed in a diagonal line.
There were also three Horse Girl in the go first position, somewhat separated from the leaders, but with intentions to close the distance.
Then, behind the leading group, near the Bad line position, Rudolph Symboli was there.
Her expression was calm and composed; she occupied a good inner lane position, steadily running to conserve stamina.
And at the very back, Chitose Meiji’s pace was slightly faster than usual, her gaze constantly fixed on the front.
To be precise, she was staring at Rudolph Symboli in front.
“Rudolf is as calm as ever; her position selection is excellent. Not only can she conserve stamina, but she can also observe the front and back very well.”
At the stands, Katsuragi Ace crossed her arms, nodding with a smile on her lips.
“Mm-hmm, should I say, as expected of the Emperor? Her racecourse intuition and judgment are so outstanding that one can’t find any fault with them.”
Maruzensky also smiled, generally looking at the condition of all the Horse Girl:
“The few kids leading are a little too eager; if they set the pace too fast now, they won’t be able to sustain it later.”
“The three kids following are paying attention to the pace issue, but two of them seem a bit restless.”
“Further back… Huh? Is Chitose Meiji-chan planning to quicken her pace already?”
On the track, after passing the large curve and arriving at the straight in front of the stands, Chitose Meiji gradually accelerated, entering the Bad line group.
If it were according to her usual habit, she should have remained at the very back to conserve stamina at this point.
“Does she have some special consideration? Or is it…”