Chapter 62. Teio's Curiosity
Like Stoute, several other Trainers were also baffled.
As the second Japanese Uma Musume in history to compete in the Epsom Derby, Tokai Teio received far more attention than the first, Speed Symboli.
At that time, European Trainers didn't even take Speed Symboli seriously. But Tokai Teio was different; after proving her strength in Dubai this year, Tokai Teio, who came to Ascot Racecourse for her second overseas challenge, received extraordinary treatment.
The other ten confirmed Uma Musumes and their Trainers for the Epsom Derby all regarded Tokai Teio as their biggest imagined enemy.
At first, Platini's Trainer, Uwe Ostmann, felt that it was better to study the strong local contenders than Tokai Teio. But after Stoute intentionally leaked the news that "Tokai Teio adapted to Ascot Racecourse in just two days." even Uwe Ostmann, who initially had no plans to study Tokai Teio, quickly began collecting data on Tokai Teio to prepare countermeasures for the race.
—
"Teio has instantly become the focus of attention for other Trainers."
Sitting in a cafe, Shuta An took a sip of his latte and said with a smile to Tokai Teio, who was sitting opposite him.
This hotel didn't have honey drinks, so Tokai Teio chose a glass of sweet milk. She held the cup and lowered her head.
"To be honest, it feels quite natural. I am the strongest Uma Musume in this race, so it's only natural to face the most scrutiny and targeting. That's just how it is."
"It's good that you have that mindset."
Seeing that Teio wasn't nervous, the young man nodded in satisfaction.
"Although everyone is studying Teio, when it comes to the Racecourse, only three or four opponents can truly threaten Teio—Opera House, White Muzzle, Commander in Chief, and User Friendly. It's pretty much just these four. In fact, I think User Friendly's form this year is quite average, and she might not be able to threaten Teio at Ascot."
Tokai Teio tensed her toes and kicked the young man sitting opposite her, a hint of dissatisfaction hidden in her tone.
"Ann, we didn't come out to talk about other Uma Musume, did we?"
"That's true, but what does Teio want to talk about?"
Shuta rested his chin on his hand, tilting his head to look at the Undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume.
"There's only half a month left until the Epsom Derby."
"Ugh…"
Although her lover had dragged her from her room to the cafe, Teio really didn't know what different topics to discuss.
She thought carefully; before they officially became a couple, the topics she and the young man discussed were already quite intimate. Except for particularly over-the-line topics, they could talk about almost anything—but now that they were in a public place, Tokai Teio's modesty wouldn't allow her to discuss anything "H-rated."
—
"So, let's talk about after the Epsom Derby."
Shuta said, breaking the silence after Tokai Teio fell quiet for a while.
"If we can win the Epsom Derby, I told the Japanese reporters that I would let Teio enter the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Teio also agreed. So, what about after the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?"
"To be honest, we probably can't refuse the Japan Cup, but running the Epsom Derby, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and then the Japan Cup—three 2400-meter, high-intensity G1 races—in the second half of the year, I personally hope Teio rests for the Arima Kinen."
"But the fans might not be happy." Tokai Teio blinked. "Everyone really hopes to see me win the Arima Kinen consecutively."
The young man had an idea for this.
"At that time, I'll announce that not participating in the Arima Kinen is to give other Uma Musume of the same era a chance to compete for a G1 victory."
"McQueen is recovering from injury, her race plan for this year has turned into a blank slate, and I'm not going either, nor is Dober. The Arima Kinen might really see a new G1 Uma Musume emerge—no!"
Tokai Teio realized who she had overlooked.
"Rice is also participating in the Arima Kinen, right?!"
"To be honest, once the intensity of a 2500-meter race increases, it's a bit short for Rice."
Shuta An shrugged.
"She should participate, but it's unlikely she'll have a chance to win."
"In Ann's heart, is Rice only meant to run 3000 meters and longer distances?"
Teio was very puzzled.
"She clearly won the Japanese Derby, so how can you think her middle-distance ability isn't sufficient?"
"It's different." Shuta An waved his finger. "Rice's Japanese Derby unfolded in a very special way this year. It's difficult for G1 races of similar distances for older Uma Musume to have an unfolding that suits her tactics. Moreover, in that Derby, her only opponent was Mihono Bourbon herself. In an older Uma Musume G1, Rice would face more than one opponent. For her, ultra-long distance G1s are simpler."
"As a Trainer, my priority is definitely to let the Uma Musume I train achieve more honors." the young man added.
"I understand Ann's thoughts, but why is Ann so confident that Rice's future lies in the ultra-long distance Twinkle Series?"
Tokai Teio stared at her lover, pressing on.
Shuta An pointed to his eyes.
"That's my ability. Or rather, it's the blessing of the three goddesses. I also chose Oguri based on this feeling back then."
"So, did you agree to Kaichou's request to take me on because of that feeling too?"
"Yes." the young man answered without hesitation. "When I met Teio, this feeling resonated in my mind more strongly than ever. It was as if it was impatiently reminding me that you are an existence I cannot miss."
"Of course, I'm the Uma Musume Ann can't miss."
Tokai Teio pouted, acting nonchalant, but her ears were perked up, swaying, betraying her true feelings.
Tokai Teio wasn't the type of Uma Musume who was good at hiding her thoughts. After years of being together, Shuta An could easily discern Tokai Teio's true mood.
—
As they left the cafe, Tokai Teio, walking ahead, suddenly turned around and proposed to the young man.
"For the Arima Kinen, I'll skip it this year. I plan to move into Ann's house during that holiday. I should have my own room, right?"
"Yes yes, you do."
Shuta An readily agreed.