The Radiant Knight, Margaret Nearl!
The Kentucky Derby, won by an unprecedented, unparalleled ["Blizzard Great Escape"] strategy—a breathtaking victory by twenty-five lengths!
As the commentator's rapturous praise finally subsided, it marked the conclusion of a Kentucky Derby destined to resonate across America and beyond.
In the commentary box, two professional commentators were still voicing their awe, reporting the aftermath of Nearl's dominant wire-to-wire triumph.
[Following the Radiant Knight's victory in this first leg of the American Triple Crown, the second across the line was… the Dark Monster, Sunday Silence!]
[Taking third, three or four lengths behind Sunday Silence, is Easy Goer!]
[Without a doubt, this was a race beyond anyone's pre-race expectations. Let us celebrate the Radiant Knight's absolute dominance!]
[And in such a…]
The commentators' recap continued.
But besides these two experts, there was also a tremendously popular guest commentator.
Seabiscuit herself—a living legend, one of the most celebrated Uma Musume in American history—was flushed with excitement, utterly enthralled by the race she had just witnessed and described.
In this moment, Seabiscuit no longer saw herself merely as a "retired elder" or "senior official" of the sport.
She was, once again—an Uma Musume!
After all, she was aiming for this year's [Dream Cup]. Sooner or later, she would clash with the legendary monsters who had made their names over the past decades!
The first Dream Cup had been held a century ago, in what could be called the ancient, mythic era of Uma Musume racing.
It was only this year that the second Dream Cup would be held—a gap of over a hundred years, making this event even rarer than a once-in-a-century legendary Uma Musume.
In Seabiscuit's estimation, this Dream Cup would feature no fewer than three legendary Uma Musume, and possibly as many as five or six!
Even now, it was certain that at least Man o' War, Secretariat, and Seabiscuit herself would compete—that made three.
And by the time the Dream Cup began, there might also be The Radiant Knight Nearl, the first overseas Pegasus, Platinum, and others… any of whom could potentially enter as legends.
Beyond them, others like Airline, Ruffian, and Sham also had the potential to break into legendary status, though their chances were hard to predict.
That was why the number of legends might start at three, but could easily reach five or six.
Since she wouldn't be the only legend in the race, and the Dream Cup was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event…
Well, the more exceptional the competitors, the better!!
Seabiscuit couldn't wait to see Margaret Nearl reach her peak, attain legendary status, and face her in the Dream Cup.
If her own chances of winning were slim to begin with, then rather than praying for some slim victory, she'd rather witness more and more brilliant rivals—and offer the Three Goddesses a battle for the ages, one without equal in history!
She would proudly etch her name into that mythical contest, destined to be remembered for generations—perhaps even surpassing Eclipse's legendary achievements!
Returning to the mindset of an Uma Musume, Seabiscuit regarded Margaret Nearl with immense admiration.
'What a magnificent race… but it's not enough yet. This is only the first leg of the Triple Crown.'
'Still, if she can win the next leg, the Preakness Stakes, and perform even close to this level… with just these two races, she might barely qualify for the Dream Cup!'
The powerful yet elegant blue-haired elder narrowed her eyes slightly.
If her assessment of Margaret Nearl—and these private reflections—were to become public, it would surely send shockwaves through the dirt-track Uma Musume world.
The Dream Cup had only twenty-plus slots; qualifying was practically equivalent to ranking among the top twenty Uma Musume in the past century.
In other words, if Nearl could achieve this with just two wins in the American Triple Crown—all within less than a month—her performance would surpass that of many American champions who had won multiple G1s, some even nearing double digits!
That would be like…
Man o' War and Secretariat returning to the track!
Historically, the first Big Red Monster, Man o' War, had won two legs of the Triple Crown, not all three.
But given that her only loss was in a controversial "fixed" race, and she was undefeated otherwise, it was clear Man o' War had voluntarily withdrawn from the final leg, the Belmont Stakes, rather than suffering a defeat.
In that earlier era, transportation was less convenient, and racecourses across America's vast states varied significantly—unlike the standardized conditions of modern tracks—creating great unpredictability.
Many Uma Musume stayed and competed within their own regions. After winning two classics, Man o' War was persuaded by her family and team to forgo the challenge of the third.
But despite having only two crowns instead of three, Man o' War soon casually [challenged and defeated] an older Triple Crown winner, proving that her two crowns were greater than that three!
That was why it was often said: Secretariat was the strongest Triple Crown winner in history, and the second-greatest Uma Musume of all time.
"It's unbelievable! Front-running victories in the rain are rare, but aside from Platinum, you can find a few examples in history. But a [Blizzard Great Escape]? This is a first!"
"The strongest!! The strongest!! Among this year's Triple Crown contenders—no, among all Triple Crown winners—Nearl might be the genius with the potential to challenge for the top."
"Absolutely! Especially since my once-favorite, now second-favorite, Ms. Seabiscuit herself—as guest commentator—praised the Radiant Knight Nearl, saying she has what it takes to face the great red monster, Secretariat, in the future!"
"Secretariat's already a historic top-two, a peerless monster who might even surpass Man o' War. If Nearl can face her in the future, doesn't that mean she too has the potential to contend for the strongest?"
"By the way, Ms. Seabiscuit was your former favorite? Who's your current number one?"
"Who else could it be? Of course, it's the Radiant Knight herself!!!"
Amid all the discussions, countless conversations buzzed with excitement about Margaret Nearl.
Without a doubt, these debates wouldn't die down anytime soon.
One major reason the [American Triple Crown] was regarded as the world's foremost Triple Crown was its grueling schedule—a brutal test of endurance!
The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes—each a legendary super-grade race—had to be completed in just five weeks.
Winning three G1 races in less than two months! It demanded talent, strength, and even physical resilience.
Many truly excellent, gifted Uma Musume had fallen under the strain of recovery, their bodies unable to return to full strength, ultimately failing in the longest and final leg.
Thus, this intense, high-stakes American Triple Crown was destined to dominate conversations endlessly throughout those two months.
Even though America hosted dozens of G1s, all were overshadowed by the Triple Crown races during those two months.
One could say the entire world would be watching, eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama of the Triple Crown.
"To think someone actually pulled off a Blizzard Great Escape…"
"Radiant Knight!! Radiant Knight!!"
"Gotta admit, the Radiant Knight's brilliance outshone both Sunday Silence and Easy Goer."
"Just putting this out there—I'm not a lesbian, but Nearl is so dashing, heroic, and captivating! I really want to go on a date with her!"
"Sob… looks like the third Big Red won't be able to replicate the second Big Red's feat. But can she match the first Big Red?"
Easy Goer, having already lost the first leg, naturally couldn't replicate Secretariat's Triple Crown achievement.
But if she won the next two races, she would still be emulating the legendary feat of Man o' War—just the first Big Red instead of the second…
Many of Easy Goer's fans, and fans of the great red legacy, still held out hope.
But some were already being won over, converted into fans of Nearl!
--+--
The radiance of the Radiant Knight, the Golden Pegasus, was shining over the racetrack!
In the aisle of the spectator stands, a tall, crimson-haired young woman was striding away on her fair, well-proportioned, and captivatingly long legs. After one last deep, lingering glance at Nearl out on the track, she turned calmly and prepared to leave.
[The Big Red Monster · Secretariat]!
The strongest dirt racer of the current era, second only in history!
Even in the context of the Dream Cup, she had every right to be considered a top contender—an absolute powerhouse capable of rivaling any Uma Musume in history. And yet, she was now wearing a surprisingly satisfied smile, turning away with clear delight.
"Interesting… truly fascinating."
"Nearl… It seems she really might reach the heights that Senior Seabiscuit mentioned. She has that kind of potential."
"But—"
As a senior Uma Musume, and one who knew the American Triple Crown inside and out, Secretariat found herself eagerly looking forward to what came next.
On the surface, judging solely by the Kentucky Derby, Nearl's performance had clearly surpassed that of both Sunday Silence and Easy Goer.
Yet the keen interest Secretariat showed suggested she believed this year's Triple Crown could still take an unbelievable turn.
"This year's Triple Crown isn't like the one in my era—it's not a duel, it's a three-way showdown."
"That's why, when it comes to the final leg, the intensity might even surpass what we saw back in my day."
Secretariat murmured quietly to herself. This monster, whose power far exceeded what words like "Queen" or "Empress" could describe, openly acknowledged the uniqueness and ferocity of this year's Triple Crown.
Many athletes in sports tend to glorify the era they competed in, hyping up rivals they either defeated or lost to, while openly or indirectly expressing dissatisfaction or pity toward newer generations—all to prove their own excellence.
Such things are common, but Secretariat was different. She was almost like Japan's Platinum, to the point where racing officials and Hall of Fame committees were eager to prove her worth.
And now, even Secretariat couldn't help but praise this year's Triple Crown and recognize its intensity.
"After all, it was just a one-on-one duel between me and Sham."
"How could that compare to the thrill of a three-way battle?"
The crimson young lady knew all too well that having two top contenders in a race was entirely different from having three.
In the former, you only needed to focus on one opponent and overtake them.
But a three-way battle? That was anything but simple. The chaos on the track, the shifts in racing tactics—everything became unpredictable.
And that wasn't all. The real climax… was actually in that final race!
"On average, out of three two-crown Uma Musume, only one will achieve the Triple Crown."
"Will Nearl be one of the two who fall short, or the one who rises?"
"Be prepared, Nearl. You're too strong—so the Belmont Stakes might seem within reach. But that final leg… I'm sure it will bring you endless surprises!"
A pleased smile curled on Secretariat's lips as she looked forward to the Belmont Stakes.
Why the Belmont?
Why would Nearl's strength make that very race dangerous, full of unexpected twists?
Because… it was the longest of the Triple Crown races, stretching 2400 meters. And it came last, with very little time to rest in between.
The three-way rivalry—and Nearl's overwhelming power—would be on full display there.
Because Nearl was just too strong!
Sometimes, strategy isn't something you use in just one race.
Sometimes, avoiding a race altogether is part of the plan.
So, in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, the other two of the "big three"—Sunday Silence and Easy Goer—would weigh factors like physical recovery, potential injuries, and tactical considerations before making a choice.
And that choice might be… to withdraw!
That's right—avoid the race.
Skip the second leg, conserve energy, and return in peak condition for the final, longest race—the Belmont Stakes—to face the Radiant Knight, worn out from recent battles and not at her best!
History had seen Uma Musume who fought through to the Belmont, only to be defeated by fresher rivals who hadn't run the full Triple Crown.
And given how fiercely contested the Kentucky Derby was, and how unbelievably strong Nearl had proven…
It was entirely possible that the other two top contenders—or even other talented Uma Musume outside the "big three"—might make exactly that choice.
Withdraw, lie low in the second race, then come back at full strength in the third to take down a weary Radiant Knight!
It might seem underhanded, sacrificing the glory of one race, but for the sake of ultimate victory, many Uma Musume would see it as worth it.
After all, the Radiant Knight, Nearl, had already been highly praised by Seabiscuit herself—hailed as a future genius who might even rival Secretariat.
Just defeating Nearl—even before she reached her peak—would be enough to make history, to be remembered as the first to ever hand her a loss!
So after her stellar performance in the Kentucky Derby, Nearl would face increasingly difficult circumstances—pushing her rivals to their limits, forcing extreme measures.
That was why even Secretariat was looking forward to what came next, especially that final Belmont Stakes!
"Will you simply be an ordinary, barely-qualified participant in the Dream Cup? Or will you enter as a top contender? It all depends on whether you can seize the Triple Crown!"
"Come—I'll be waiting for you in the Dream Cup."
The Big Red Monster girl crossed her arms proudly.
But then, fierce competitor that she was, her expression softened slightly as a thought crossed her mind—a touch of tenderness and anticipation mixing with her pride.
'Once I defeat Nearl, or after the Dream Cup…'
'I'll have finally fulfilled my promise with Dr. Lin. Then I can retire and go to him, right?'
Secretariat still couldn't stop thinking about a certain young doctor!
But…
Something worried her. Dr. Lin had already been in the United States for several months.
She'd been so focused on training and racing, barely spending time with him—only seeing him for periodic check-ups…
Was that too little? Too impersonal?
'I trust that proud rivals like Man o' War and Flightline will keep their word.'
'But—!!'
'That Sham… her successful recovery and return to the track have been giving Dr. Lin a lot of attention lately.'
Sham, already popular and now back with a G1 victory, had publicly credited Dr. Lin in post-race interviews, praising his medical skills.
That had thrown a wrench in Secretariat's plans.
Originally, she thought that without backing from a major family or international hospital, even if Dr. Lin was skilled…
He was young, running his own clinic—so it shouldn't have been easy for him to quickly gain fame among Uma Musume.
Based on how things were before he left for Japan, she expected it would take at least two or three years for him to gradually build a reputation—that would be normal, even fast.
But Sham's popularity, her major injury, and her triumphant return had all unfolded in a way Secretariat hadn't anticipated, leaving her uneasy.
'In my original plan, by the time the Dream Cup ended at the end of the year, Dr. Lin would only have gained some local recognition—maybe treating a few G2 winners or G1-placing Uma Musume.'
'If they were just small fry, that would be fine—neither the quantity nor quality would be a threat.'
'But now, multiple G1-winning Uma Musume are seeking him out.'
'Dr. Lin is in danger!'
An inexplicable sense of crisis began to cloud the crimson monster girl's heart.
Too many potential rivals…?!
The tall, stunningly beautiful genius gently pressed a hand to her ample chest, frowning slightly.
"Then… from now on, I need to keep a closer eye on Dr. Lin."
"I really hope what I'm worried about doesn't happen."
Dr. Lin belonged to her!!
--+--
On the racetrack, the Golden Maiden, Nearl, stood tall beyond the finish line.
Not far from her, a raven-haired girl and a crimson-haired young lady both stood blank-eyed, as though they had just experienced something deeply difficult to accept.
Seeing this, Nearl smiled faintly. She wasn't much interested in saying things like, "What a thrilling race…" or "I'll never forget this…"
Instead, she turned her attention to her system rewards.
[Race: Kentucky Derby]
[Rewards: …]
Before her time, it was Man o' War who, as a dual-crown winner, had defeated a Triple Crown champion and firmly occupied the throne as the undisputed historical number one.
And in Seabiscuit's eyes, this Miss Margaret Nearl had the potential to replicate Man o' War's unparalleled dual-crown feat—or even Secretariat's legendary Triple Crown.
If she could maintain the level she showed in the Kentucky Derby, she could emulate Man o' War—or even Secretariat! A ticket to the Dream Cup and a place among the top twenty in dirt racing history were almost within Margaret Nearl's grasp.
'But—Nearl, I'm sure your goal isn't just "barely qualifying," is it?'
Seabiscuit's deep, ocean-blue eyes gleamed with fighting spirit, thoroughly ignited by a super rookie who had only debuted months ago.
'Become a legend. Enter the Dream Cup as a top contender—I'll be waiting for you!'
--+--
Meanwhile, from the spectator stands on both sides, exclamations of shock and intense discussion continued to ripple through the crowd.
"Nearl!! Nearl!!"
"In-incredible! Even though I'm an Easy Goer fan, after witnessing such a breathtaking victory, I can't help but be drawn to Nearl."
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.