Chapter 24: Satsuki Sho

"Fourth in the betting, drawn in Gate 2, Number 3—here comes Seiun Sky. She finished third in her previous race, the Yayoi Sho, but has shown remarkable growth since entering the Classic season. And today, she’s been blessed with a gate draw that favors front-runners."

"If all the major contenders focus solely on Witolum Pedes, attention toward Seiun Sky may thin out. By the time they realize it, she could easily slip away and steal the race."

"Even Witolum Pedes considers her a dangerous rival, and her ability is undeniable. How each contender builds their strategy—including that potential battle for the lead—will be something to watch."

"Gate 6, Number 12—King Halo, the second favorite. She defeated Special Week in a fierce battle in the Yayoi Sho. And although she was at a disadvantage in last year’s Tokyo Sports Hai, she still pushed Witolum Pedes all the way to the brink. She’s unquestionably one of the stars of this year’s Classics."

"She shows no sign of being intimidated by the G1 stage. If anything, she’s the type who thrives under that spotlight."

"Her timing in the late stages will also be worth paying attention to."

"And now, the top favorite—Gate 7, Number 14: the overwhelmingly expected Witolum Pedes. Up to this point, she boasts an incredible ten races and ten wins, now marching proudly into the first gateway of the Classic season. Her previous start was the surprising 1200m Crystal Cup, which she won in dominating fashion. And today’s race is at Nakayama—a course she knows well. Truly, she appears to have no blind spots as she aims for an undefeated Satsuki Sho victory. If we had to list a concern, what would it be?"

"It would have to be distance and fatigue. This is Witolum Pedes’s first time running 2000m. If she keeps her usual pace, there’s a real possibility she could fade on the final hill. Especially coming off a sprint race—and considering she’s a front-runner—controlling the early tempo so it doesn’t get too fast is essential. As for fatigue, she’s running on short rest, and the accumulated wear and tear can’t be ignored. For a normal Uma Musume, entering races on this schedule would be difficult. And naturally, she must also be thinking ahead to what’s coming next."

"I see. There’s the Derby, and then important races continue into the autumn. Keeping that in mind, how will the others rise to challenge her?"

"Lastly, the outermost gate—Gate 8, Number 18: Special Week. She finished a strong second last time, and before that, in the Kisaragi Sho, her powerful finishing kick shone as she split the pack."

"Following yesterday’s Silence Suzuka, we hope to see another victory today."

The fanfare rings out across Nakayama Racecourse. Ninety thousand spectators have gathered, eager to witness the beginning of a legend. Will a future Triple Crown Uma Musume be born today—or will the reigning dominance finally be shaken?

This year’s Classic Road begins here.
The G1 Satsuki Sho.

Eighteen competitors, each in the race of a lifetime, now step up to take on Nakayama’s 2000 meters.

One after another, the Uma Musume enter their gates.

Seiun Sky is guided into hers by staff.

The loading proceeds smoothly; half of them are already in.

Bearing overwhelming popularity, Witolum Pedes settles into Gate 14.

Finally, Special Week steps into the far outside stall.

All Uma Musume are loaded. Applause rises for the athletes assembled upon the Satsuki stage.

With pride in their hearts and the wishes of their fans behind them—the Satsuki Sho begins!

All competitors break sharply, cleanly, with a beautiful even start.

Now then—who will take the lead?

There she goes. As expected, Witolum Pedes bursts forward from the outside and cuts sharply toward the front.

Even on this grand stage, she chooses a front-running strategy.

But from the inside, Seiun Sky also moves up to challenge her, refusing to let Witolum Pedes claim the head of the pack uncontested.

The watched contenders Special Week and King Halo choose to settle mid-field.

Up front, Witolum Pedes has cut tightly toward the rail, with Seiun Sky running right alongside her. Every time Witolum Pedes tries to claim the lead, Seiun Sky raises her pace to match. The two run side-by-side as they leave the first straight and enter the initial corner.

The leaders remain Witolum Pedes and Seiun Sky, still shoulder-to-shoulder.

About three lengths behind them in third is the Uma Musume in pink silks, Kanjou Shion, entering from the Sumire Stakes.

She’s followed by Kouei Tenkafubu. Fuji Happy Girl trails behind them.

Special Week maintains sixth position, biding her time.

Inside her is Shinsei Light, conserving energy for a late surge.

And King Halo—the one in green silks—keeps a close eye on the front as she settles into her rhythm.

Oh! Seiun Sky and Witolum Pedes remain side-by-side at the head of the field, widening the gap behind them.

Witolum Pedes tries to break away, but Seiun Sky digs in, denying her the inside.

They enter the second corner still parallel, the gap behind already stretched to seven lengths. Witolum Pedes running the outer line, Seiun Sky hugging the rail—neither giving an inch.

Ah! Here Witolum Pedes suddenly accelerates, securing the lead just before they enter the straight. She maintains that speed.

Seiun Sky holds her pace and enters the backstretch alone in second.

Witolum Pedes now leads by five lengths. Can she maintain this pace?

Seiun Sky follows with six lengths between herself and the group behind.

Third is still Kanjou Shion, with Fuji Happy Girl circling wide around her.

Oh—here comes Special Week, moving up!

Special Week chooses this moment—right as they enter the backstretch—to attack Kanjou Shion from the outside.

Inside is Kouei Tenkafubu, and on the far outside, King Halo steadily creeps forward. Yua Away City and Tokai Bachin trail behind.

The rear pack tightens and forms a cluster. From Special Week back to the very end, where Esukei Bad Nyan runs, the gap is roughly twelve lengths.

But the leaders are flying.

Witolum Pedes now runs completely alone at the front. She’s eased off slightly, but even so, her lead remains huge.

How will the others respond?

And—Special Week moves again! Incredible acceleration. In the blink of an eye, she draws up alongside Seiun Sky.

Now even King Halo begins advancing from the middle group.

This race is turning into something unbelievable.

They enter the fourth corner with Witolum Pedes still leading. Special Week closes the gap to five lengths.

Seiun Sky sits just behind her—does she still have a final kick left?

Two lengths behind them runs King Halo.

It’s an astonishing race. The crowd’s roar and applause shake the stands.

The top contenders surge into the fourth corner all at once.

They’ve passed the 400-meter marker and are heading toward the final straight.

Will the reigning queen show her dominance? Or will someone stop her?

Already—already—Witolum Pedes charges into the final stretch.

Can the chasing runners catch her on Nakayama’s short straight?

Three hundred meters left. Special Week is closing—closing—three lengths! King Halo breaks free from behind and pushes forward.

Is Witolum Pedes still not fully unleashing her sprint? Her pace remains steady. The gap continues to shrink.

Special Week draws level from the outside, pressing against Witolum Pedes. Finally—finally—her hand reaches for that undefeated back.

No. She can’t reach. She can’t reach—Witolum Pedes won’t allow it.

Witolum Pedes erupts the moment she’s challenged!

One length—two lengths—she leaves Special Week behind instantly.

Two hundred meters left. The hill approaches. Seiun Sky is fighting back. King Halo launches a wide charge.

But Witolum Pedes still leads. Special Week holds second.

Special Week pushes with everything she has—but she’s not gaining.

Witolum Pedes in front. The gap widens. She pulls away—keeps pulling away.

She’s strong. She’s unbelievably strong.

Witolum Pedes—unshakable—crosses the finish line in first!

Second place to Special Week. Third looks to be King Halo.

With overwhelming composure, she wins without the slightest hint of danger.

The turf’s reigning champion, Witolum Pedes, crushes the first great trial with her overwhelming power.

Special Week fought bravely and moved early, but in the final stretch, the victory belonged entirely to Witolum Pedes.