"Nine umamusume will race in the day's final race, ladies and gentlemen."
Thus, Grand Ekinoks's race time had come. Grand Ekinoks was horse number 4 and although there was some chance she could win, she could not be described as the obvious favorite this time.
"Our last race will be on the 1400-meter turf. The number 1 Umamusume is named Ahlas. At number 2 is Baba Story, number 3 is Çerkezbeyi, number 4 is Grand Ekinoks..."
After the announcer counted everyone, all the umamusume headed to the spots where they would start. After a few minutes of torture-like waiting, I heard the announcer.
"The white flag is in the air and..."
I heard the familiar sound of the door again, and as all the umamusume began to run with full power, I heard the announcer.
This time Grand Ekinoks did not slow at the start. Her concentration was in place.
In the first 100 meters, nine Umamusume were moving toward the finish line in a line. In the previous race, they had clustered, and Grand Ekinoks had remained at the back.
This time there was no such clustering, and Grand Ekinoks was in a better position than in the previous race. She was currently in fourth place and looked like she showed no expression on her face.
This line formation would show itself on the first turn of the race.
"Now, from the outer lane, number 5 Selimhan is making a move and challenging for second. There seems to be some movement behind. From the inside, number 9 Reserpin is trying to pass her opponent."
The umamusume had begun moves to pass their rivals. Grand Ekinoks was not aiming to take the lead at this moment, but to hold her position.
This continued into the first and second corner. As they were about to enter the final straight, Grand Ekinoks began to drift toward the outer lane.
I am sure Grand Ekinoks is thinking the same thing as me now.
The umamusumes who attempted to move earlier acted too soon.
Everything about Grand Ekinoks could be said but she could not be called "stupid." According to what I heard from the teachers, she had scored very high on exams.
It falls into the 1400-meter sprint category. In short distances, explosive power is the most important thing. If that force appears at the wrong time, a significant loss of speed can follow.
Grand Ekinoks is not the only umamusume who dreams of winning the Gazi Race. Most of these umamusume only care about that race and disregard other events.
Grand Ekinoks is not such a Umamusume, and as she entered the final straight she continued to veer toward the outer lane to create space for herself. Her rhythm also changed and she began taking bigger steps.
"Into the last 400 meters, there is a struggle between Selimhan on the outside and Vurgun on the inside. The inner, barrier-adjacent Reserpin and the outer Grand Ekinoks are increasing their speeds!"
This race would be won by Grand Ekinoks. She had begun increasing speed in the last 400 meters and had eliminated the speed loss after changing her stride.
She started closing in on the leaders at full speed. While Vurgun tried to fall back behind her inner neighbor to spare him, Selimhan surged ahead and passed Vurgun.
But Grand Ekinoks was much faster.
"Selimhan took the lead, and as they enter the last 200 meters, Grand Ekinoks is coming from the outer lane!"
Her rival noticed Grand Ekinoks approaching and tried to accelerate.
But her explosive power was nearly spent, and Grand Ekinoks caught up in the last 100 meters.
With 50 meters left, she passed her rival!
"Grand Ekinoks is leading the final meters and wins the race!"
After this, I didn't even listen to the announcer. I was just looking at the board and I probably had a smile on my face.
1. Grand Ekinoks (4)
2. Selimhan(GB) (5)
3. Vurgun (7)
4. Reserpin(IRE) (9)
5. Tremor (6)