Chapter 43: Japan Cup

Gate 1, Horse 1: Air Groove enters.

Last year’s Japan Cup ended in bitter disappointment for her, but there’s no way she’s going to accept defeat quietly. She’s coming off just one week after the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, so hopefully fatigue isn’t an issue.

And perhaps most importantly, everyone is watching closely to see how she will race against Witolum Pedes, a first-time matchup. Can the Empress hold back this monster?

Gate 4, Horse 6: Sea Fukumabird enters.

Last year, she was chosen as the Uma Musume of the Year in both the U.S. and Canada—a top-tier competitor. She excels at powerful late surges, coming from behind to overtake in spectacular fashion. Can she catch up to Witolum Pedes on Tokyo’s long homestretch?

Gate 4, Horse 7: Stay Gold.

In the previous race, the Autumn Tenno Sho, she fought hard to finish third. She also finished second in the Spring Tenno Sho and the Takarazuka Kinen. She hasn’t been blessed with wins in the past year, but her ability is unquestioned. She’s desperate for a GⅠ title and will aim for the top on this big stage.

Gate 5, Horse 9: Special Week enters, making a challenge at the classic level.

In the Japanese Derby, she pushed Witolum Pedes to the limit down the final stretch. Now on the same Tokyo turf over 2400m, can she put on an even more thrilling performance than her Derby run? She seems to be in perfect condition today.

Third favorite: Gate 6, Horse 11: El Condor Pasa.

She’s in top form for this race. Both her previous races—the Mainichi Okan and the NHK Mile Cup—were against Witolum Pedes, making this their fourth encounter. She knows Witolum Pedes inside out. A slightly longer distance may be a concern, but we can expect a strong performance.

Finally, making her grand entrance: Gate 7, Horse 13: Witolum Pedes.

The young champion, proven strongest in the Autumn Tenno Sho, now sets her sights on the world stage. As the overwhelming favorite, she is in peak condition—ready to showcase a runaway performance leading to the world.

Fanfare echoes through Tokyo Racecourse. The Uma Musume enter their gates smoothly.

The stage is set. The best competitors have gathered. Now, it’s just a matter of settling the result.

Glory awaits at 2400 meters. The Japan Cup has started.

Witolum Pedes gets an excellent start. On the inside, Air Groove also breaks cleanly. The rest are slightly scattered.

The battle for the lead heading into the first corner—who will take the front? Who will hang back?

As expected, Witolum Pedes charges forward. Gaining steadily, she cuts inside and easily takes the lead. Already, she confidently sets the pace for the race.

Encouraged by the crowd, El Condor Pasa moves forward along the inner track. What will the Empress, Air Groove, do? Will Stay Gold hang back in mid-pack today?

The fight for the lead settles as the pack heads into the first corner.

Witolum Pedes accelerates sharply. Even among the world’s best, she naturally takes charge. But even now, she’s already seven or eight lengths ahead—yet she keeps pushing to widen the gap.

In second place, El Condor Pasa has moved up early. She doesn’t chase Witolum Pedes’ runaway pace, instead maintaining her own rhythm.

The third-place group sees Stay Gold advancing, peeking forward between the inner Air Groove and the outer Special Week.

The pack is starting to stretch out a bit. From second place back, it’s about ten lengths.

The front is flying. Witolum Pedes has already opened a gap far exceeding ten lengths. This pace isn’t typical for 2400m. It’s a solo tour de force by Witolum Pedes. Can she maintain it all the way?

Second place, El Condor Pasa, patiently advances along the economical inner course. Air Groove, the Empress, stays right behind her. On the outside, Stay Gold moves forward, while Special Week approaches, watching the leading Uma Musume closely.

Behind them, the German challenger Ongle stays back, while Torseau, an experienced British Uma Musume, runs on the outside.

Rounding the second corner, Sea Fukumabird, last year’s American Uma Musume of the Year, remains at the rear. Her confidence in catching up is clear.

Witolum Pedes completes the first 1000m in 58.7 seconds. She has nearly a two-second gap on El Condor Pasa. What a pace—what a Uma Musume.

The Japan Cup already hints at turmoil. The packed stands ripple with awe and applause at this runaway.

The pack stretches along the backstretch. Leading it is still El Condor Pasa, slightly increasing her pace to gain a two-length advantage over third place.

Third place: Stay Gold moves up, closing the distance to El Condor Pasa. Special Week slowly advances as well. How will the frontrunners try to catch Witolum Pedes?

Midway through the backstretch, Sea Fukumabird remains at the rear. Can she catch Witolum Pedes from this position?

Up front, Witolum Pedes rounds the third corner. The gap to the pack is likely around twenty lengths. She pushes forward relentlessly across empty turf, further widening her massive lead.

Then, movement: El Condor Pasa surges forward. From the outside, Stay Gold and Special Week also climb rapidly, aiming to catch Witolum Pedes at the third corner.

By the midpoint between the third and fourth corners, the chase intensifies. Whether the gap is shrinking remains unclear—Witolum Pedes continues with a commanding lead.

The trailing Uma Musume finally begin their sprint. Sea Fukumabird moves up along the outside. Yet, Witolum Pedes maintains a safe lead. She enters the final turn with her massive advantage intact.

Witolum Pedes is on the run. El Condor Pasa pursues desperately, but the gap does not close. She clears the fourth corner and enters the final straight.