Looking out over the course, Kitasan Black could see that aside from the lightning-fast pace unique to sprint races, every other aspect of this mock race was far less polished than the races she usually took part in.
One could almost say that most of the examinees were simply charging down the track like calves too young to fear tigers, relying on raw momentum alone and lacking any real strategy or technique.
In sharp contrast, throughout the race, whether it was taking an advantageous position, controlling her posture through the turns, or adjusting to the rhythm of the pack, Almond Eye had already begun to show a sense of method. Her technique was still immature and rough, and her movements were still somewhat unpolished, but there was already a faint trace of a professional Umamusume in her.
It was not only Yasui Makoto and Kitasan Black who noticed these traits. Before long, Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa's commentary came through the broadcast as well.
Grass Wonder's gentle, highly distinctive voice sounded first.
"The race is approaching the halfway point. Sayakachan is still in the lead. Lily Noble has given up chasing for now and is currently near the front of the leading group. It seems she intends to look for an opportunity in the later stages."
"The other participants are gradually slowing down as well. It appears they all have similar plans."
"However, this is actually a very good strategy. It's wonderful for newcomers to use their abundant stamina and enthusiasm to run with everything they have on the course."
"But they must also pay attention to tactics and rhythm control."
"For example, when going through a turn, if they simply accelerate and neglect to adjust their center of gravity, not only will they waste stamina, but it can also easily affect their speed."
El Condor Pasa immediately picked up where she left off, adding in a raised voice.
"Exactly, exactly! Everyone, make sure you remember this. In an official race, charging forward with your head down isn't enough. If you want to debut, or even win graded races and G1s, the right strategy and timely reactions on the spot are extremely important."
"On this point, Almond Eye is doing relatively well."
"Her technique is still immature, and she was a little slow out of the gate at the start."
"But she adjusted very quickly, and she already seems to understand how to observe the situation during a race and choose a suitable position."
"You've got real potential, Almond Eye!"
"Of course, everyone is performing well. Everyone grows from inexperience into maturity, and this race is an excellent learning opportunity."
The Umamusume in the stands listened to their seniors' commentary, all looking thoughtful.
Some of the less experienced Umamusume began discussing it quietly, considering how they should improve in their future training.
As for the upper-year Umamusume, who already had a deeper understanding of races, they nodded slightly, showing their agreement with Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa's views.
On the course, Sayakachan's breathing gradually grew heavy. Her chest rose and fell violently, and every exhale came with a burst of hurried panting.
After hearing the broadcast announce her lead, a touch of satisfaction instantly rose in her eyes. The corners of her mouth lifted unconsciously, revealing a trace of pride she could hardly hide.
However, that satisfaction lasted only an instant. She quickly realized that this race was far from the point where she could relax.
Especially when the broadcast praised Almond Eye, her heart abruptly tightened, and almost instinctively, she flicked a glance back out of the corner of her eye.
During the long period she had spent preparing for the entrance exam, her family had gone to great lengths to help her achieve excellent results.
They had rushed around everywhere, inviting many experienced instructors and trainers, and had even called on the senior Umamusume among their relatives and friends who had already begun to distinguish themselves on the track.
She remembered one senior, while giving her pre-race guidance, warning her with a serious expression, "In this entrance exam, there is an Umamusume called Almond Eye. You must pay special attention to her."
At the time, Sayakachan's heart had been filled with confidence in her own abilities, and she had treated it as nothing more than a cautious reminder from her senior. She had not truly taken it to heart.
It was only before the race began, when she checked the entry list, that she happened to notice she was in the same race as this Almond Eye her senior had specifically mentioned.
And now, after seeing Almond Eye's condition with her own eyes, Sayakachan had no choice but to admit that this opponent was no ordinary runner. She did indeed have something exceptional about her.
In Sayakachan's view, the running style she had chosen for this race should absolutely ensure victory.
Her opponents, like her, were all inexperienced rookies.
In a race like this, rather than competing with what little technique and experience they had, it was better to trust instinct and run as fast as they could.
That was the advice her seniors, instructors, and trainers had given her.
And this running style had indeed already shown results. The opponent who had been chasing her closely the entire time was clearly starting to struggle now. Her steps had grown heavy, her breathing more and more rapid, and the others were in much the same state.
Even those running farther back and trying to conserve their strength might not necessarily have the chance or ability to handle the complicated race situation after the final turn.
She firmly believed she could maintain the lead all the way to the end.
But Almond Eye gave her a different feeling.
Out of the corner of her eye, Sayakachan caught sight of Almond Eye's steady steps. Her breathing was even and rhythmic, as if she were untouched by the fierce competition before her.
Her figure looked light, yet it held a kind of tenacious strength.
Though she still seemed immature in terms of technique, every movement she made, whether it was the clever, subtle adjustment of her center of gravity through the turns or her control over speed and rhythm in different sections of the race, seemed to carry her own thought and planning.
A thread of unease rose in Sayakachan's heart. She suddenly realized that Almond Eye might not be as easy to deal with as the other opponents.
She could not help turning her head to look at Almond Eye again, a few more shades of scrutiny and vigilance in her gaze.
At this moment, Almond Eye was skillfully making use of the gaps between the runners ahead, steadily advancing forward. She was not rushing to overtake anyone right away, yet without drawing attention, she had already closed the distance to the front runners.
What exactly is this Almond Eye planning?
Sayakachan thought to herself, Does she still have something up her sleeve?
She unconsciously quickened her pace, trying to widen her lead, but her legs sent up waves of soreness from the high-intensity sprinting earlier.
She gritted her teeth and forced herself to endure the discomfort, silently praying that the race would end quickly so she could protect this hard-won lead.
Yet she also knew clearly in her heart that as long as Almond Eye was still on the course, this race was full of variables, and no one could predict the final result.
Lily Noble was positioned near the front of the group, and Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa's commentary came clearly into her ears through the broadcast.
When she heard the seniors accurately analyze her tactics and point out that her earlier attempt to chase Sayakachan had been somewhat impulsive, mixed feelings rose in her chest.
At that moment, she could not help feeling secretly annoyed, thinking back to the scene just now when she had accelerated at full strength without thinking, trying to overtake Sayakachan.
Looking at it now, that impulse had been far too poorly considered. Not only had it consumed a great deal of stamina, it had also thrown off her original rhythm.
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