The team of Horse Girl, led by Funabashi and Polaris Absolute Speed, entered the wide, gentle curve, and the pace gradually stabilized.
Seeing that Polaris Glare was not running at the very front, the spectators couldn't help but feel a pang of worry.
This included Kumi Trainer.
Standing within the railing, her gaze fixed as much as possible on that blue-haired figure, her face gradually showed concern:
“My Lady…”
Since participating in G1 races, no Horse Girl had ever challenged My Lady for the lead position in the early stages of a race.
Moreover, today's gate start was also very different from before; the other Horse Girl in the race did not linger inside the gates but started uniformly.
In such a race, Kumi Trainer's first thought was not about any special qualities of the other Horse Girl, but rather the possibility of My Lady experiencing an abnormality in her body.
After all, My Lady's performance had always been overwhelming, completely on a different level from other Horse Girl.
Now that a situation different from before suddenly appeared, it was inevitable to think of the possibility of a physical abnormality preventing her from performing at her best.
Especially since My Lady's current running speed was noticeably slower than her usual speed in the early stages of a race.
Perhaps noticing Kumi Trainer's troubled expression, the Head Maid spoke up at this moment:
“Kumi Trainer, don’t worry, My Lady hasn’t truly unleashed her full power yet.”
Normally, she would only start to accelerate after the curve or in the final straight.
“I know, that’s not what I’m worried about, but…”
Before her words fully fell, Yuu Mai also spoke at this moment:
“It’s fine, it’s not a physical problem, Polaris's legs are in great condition.”
“The difference in speed now compared to before is just due to a small accident, and this accident won't affect her ultimate victory.”
As a Horse Girl, Yuu Mai could certainly see more than Kumi Trainer, who was human.
In her eyes, the scene of Polaris Absolute Speed being continuously interfered with by Funabashi's aura was currently reflected.
“Is… that so…”
Hearing Yuu Mai say this, Kumi Trainer also relaxed a little.
For her, My Lady's health was the top priority; race honors and such came second.
“That’s right, we just need to watch Polaris win, and witness her basking in the cheers of the people.”
Perspective shift, on the turf track, midway through the wide, gentle curve.
Polaris Absolute Speed continued her strides, gradually growing impatient with the blurring, spinning scenery before her and the soft, mushy feeling under her hooves.
Especially thinking that someone was still running ahead of her, occupying the position that originally belonged to her, an unnamable anger surged in her heart.
Her emotions fluctuated violently, and platinum flames suddenly erupted in her eyes, quickly spreading throughout her body.
【The playful antics should end now; letting someone occupy the front for so long is unforgivable.】
The voice in her heart sounded, and the platinum flames suddenly burst forth, sweeping forward with a fierce surge.
At the very front, Funabashi was still maintaining her aura, pondering when to start her sprint.
Suddenly, a scorching aura, with an unstoppable momentum, swept up from behind, quickly enveloping her before she could react.
“So hot?! What is this?!”
For a moment, surprise and bewilderment mixed together; she felt as if her entire body was on fire.
The accompanying indescribable ominous feeling made her unconsciously slow her pace, and the aura she had been emitting was swallowed, losing its intended effect.
And at that very moment, the blue-haired figure who should have been left behind suddenly shot past her.
Her still somewhat clear consciousness vaguely heard the other party's contemptuous words:
“You should retire now, side character named Funabashi.”
Retire? What a joke?!
She instinctively wanted to retort, but the intense Polaris Glare Attack that encroached from the front made her throat swallow the words forcefully.
“As a reward for making my emotions fluctuate on the track, I'll give you this concentrated Polaris Glare!”
Only Polaris Absolute Speed at the very front could be heard shouting loudly, and under conscious control, the previously dispersed Polaris Glare suddenly converged, all rushing towards Funabashi:
“Receive it with gratitude, then fall to the very back, completely losing all remaining strength!”
The Horse Girl still chasing in a group behind only felt their bodies suddenly become much lighter, and their stamina returned to a normal rate of consumption.
However, correspondingly, the pressure on Funabashi's side suddenly increased by more than a little; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it doubled.
Her body was washed over by Polaris Glare; following the previous scorching heat, what she now felt was a bone-chilling cold.
Her stamina was consumed at double the rate, her steps became heavier, and a look of terror gradually appeared on her face:
“What a joke?!!!”
Horse Girl slowly passed by her side one after another, her gaze fixed intently on the blue-haired figure at the very front, shouting with unwillingness and anger:
“Polaris Glare! What is this?! If you have the strength, then have a fair fight with me! Damn it!”
She didn't bother with the other party, nor was there any need to.
The other party had already lost the qualification to win, and even the qualification to contend for a place.
The race progressed, and the long, wide, gentle curve finally came to an end.
After turning the corner and entering the final straight, there were still approximately 330 meters left to the finish line.
Two layers of leg power unleashed, domain simultaneously deployed.
Polaris Absolute Speed burst into acceleration, galloping past amidst the cheers of the spectators, completely ending the suspense of this race.
The placings were confirmed, and the announcement from the commentator sounded promptly:
“Crossing the finish line! Polaris Absolute Speed! Epsom Derby conquered!”
“With this, all three International Derby victories belong to her alone!”
“Eighteen consecutive wins since her debut! She has won eight G1 level races!”
“Polaris Glare! She has proven with her powerful strength that she is a dazzling superstar not to be ignored on the world stage! Can anyone truly stop her?!”
Can anyone truly stop her?
Regarding this, the spectators might have their own thoughts.
However, there is no doubt that Polaris Absolute Speed, currently bathed in cheers, has embarked on her journey to the world's highest peak.
And to truly reach the top, she still needs to face a hurdle, or rather, a test.
That is, mixed G1 races where top-tier Horse Girl will be competing.
She needs to win those races to solidify her position and gain more attention.
And as it happens, among the races currently being considered, there are two such mixed competitions—
The Eclipse Stakes and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, both held in the summer.