Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 43 Ochiai’s Leading and Release Strategy

He took the lead at high speed in the early stages, slowed down in the middle bend, and then accelerated again in the final straight.

The moment this idea came to mind, Ochiai tightened his grip on the reins.

The key to victory lies in two points.

Will his tactics be discovered by opponents coming from behind?

Also, whether the teamwork is tacit enough to allow them to act in time when the rhythm needs to be changed.

"Please, Pegasus."

He said silently in his heart.

Mudaiba is a racehorse with a strong fighting spirit. After reaching the first place, he will do his best to maintain it even if it is a bit reluctant.

A racehorse with such strong roots definitely has a chance to compete with the horses behind it in the final straight line.

The prerequisite is that he can control the rhythm in the first half of the game.

"Don't catch up now."

While steering the horse through the corners, he carefully observed the movements of his opponents with his peripheral vision.

In the back, the battle for the second place between Liuli Doll and Sandong Riyue has ended, and both sides maintain their current ranking and enter the curve.

Behind the three horses in the leading group is the chasing group that is far behind.

No matter who it was, no one had any intention of moving forward.

Momentarily relieved.

"In that case, you might as well slow down a bit."

Although he had this thought, Ochiai did not make any further movements until he entered the second turn.

If you have a dispute with the horse, it will undoubtedly affect the original rhythm.

Since there is no big problem, it doesn't matter if it is a little faster.

At present, the distance between Baima and the herd of horses behind is gradually widening.

"That should be fine, right?"

Kitano asked hesitantly.

It seems a little different from the scene imagined when discussing tactics before the game.

The gray-white silhouette clearly ran to the front of the team.

"This position is very unfavorable for Pegasus!"

Ogawa Sheng looked at the field anxiously.

For Mubai Ma, the ideal running method is to maintain the lead in the shorter races and catch up from behind in the slightly longer races.

Without exceeding the horse's physical capabilities, this style of running can make the most of its fighting spirit.

But the opposite is true.

Whether it is training or competition, if he realizes that he cannot complete it even if he tries hard, Mudanma will decisively choose to give up.

In a 1500-meter race, exerting force too early is likely to cause it to lose its fighting spirit.

In this way, even a major defeat is not impossible.

"It's a slightly ominous development."

He frowned and spoke.

"Eh! Is it really that bad?"

Kitano's face changed into an expression that was synchronized with Ogawa Masaru's.

Although I am somewhat relieved that I can more or less see the direction of the game.

But the scene before him was not what he wanted.

"Yes, although it is temporarily maintained."

Ogawa Masaru's explanation had just begun when he was interrupted by a sneer.

"idiot--"

Ogawa Kana called her younger brother this.

Although Kitano vaguely felt that he was also affected.

"Even if you don't aspire to be a rider, reading your pace is something you need to master, just like breathing, right?"

The girl continued mercilessly.

"Although it looks like an ordinary collar, it's actually not the case at all."

Ogawa Kana pointed in the direction of the track.

Mudai Baima, who had opened up a clear gap, was heading towards the straight line after the second bend.

"At the bend, Ochiai slowed down. Of course, I'm not sure if he did it intentionally." "And then?"

Kitano and Ogawa Masaru turned their heads at the same time, revealing such a look.

"Idiot, just wait until we get into the straight line, and you'll know when you see it."

The girl sighed helplessly.

“It’s a very good development.”

At this moment, Ogawa Jō, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly spoke.

From the very beginning, the old man acted calm and composed.

According to his experience, the direction of the game is already very clear after the initial opening.

Even if there are some concerns about the range, we should be able to achieve a good result.

"Ah, isn't that so?"

Noticing that everyone was looking at him, he showed a somewhat confused expression.

In mud-track competitions, isn't the outcome always decided at the start?

"Dad, this isn't Kentucky anymore."

Ogawa Kana held her forehead as if she had a headache.

On the other side, Ochiai came to the straight line and urged Medahira Ma under him.

Continue at a slightly faster pace until the next bend.

In addition to continuing to widen the gap, there is also the consideration of maintaining "Kick Back" to interfere with the horses behind.

When a horse gallops, the debris raised by its hind hooves can obscure the vision of the horse behind or disrupt its breathing rhythm.

It may even cause some difficult-tempered opponents to become anxious.

The impact of “Kick Back” was particularly evident in the dirt track races.

However, for some less intelligent or stubborn racehorses, it is very difficult to understand such complex changes in instructions.

However, if the opponent is Medahira, it shouldn't be a problem.

Thinking of this, the reed-haired horse under him indeed changed its rhythm.

"Well done!"

He brought Mubaima to a position 2 or 3 horse widths wider than the inside fence.

This route not only retains room for strain when entering a corner, but also reduces the impact of thick sand on the inside.

Although the mileage has exceeded half, Mu Baima still seems to have some energy left.

As long as you take a short breather at the next corner, you should be able to hold up on the straight.

After making this judgment, he turned his head slightly to observe the movements of the horses behind him.

The Liuli humanoid and Sandong Riyue seemed to be maintaining a steady distance behind.

Neither the Iwahashi rider nor the Yoshimoto rider had any intention of starting to whip up and catch up from this position.

"In that case, please watch carefully—"

I pursed my lips unconsciously.

The third bend is gradually approaching in front of my sight.

it's time.

Ochiai pulled the reins.

At this moment, my heartbeat almost stopped.

What if Megumi Hakuma goes too far?
What if it stops immediately?
All sorts of possibilities come to mind.

However, he pulled the reins without hesitation.

None of the situations I worried about happened.

Medo Hirano adjusted his rhythm smoothly.

"Next, it's a straight-line showdown."

Listening to the faint sound of whips coming from his ears, Ochiai took a deep breath.

"In the lead, Medaima, the sixth in command, is starting to move forward towards the final straight line. The Liuli Dolls behind him are about three horse lengths behind. Demon King Opera is also catching up on the outermost side. There are still two hundred meters to go. Can Medaima successfully escape?"

The live broadcast speed unconsciously increased, and the stands began to become restless.

The winner will soon be decided.

　Thanks to Tiandou Kanluan for the 100 starting coins reward

　　Thank you for your support

　　Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★
　　
　
(End of this chapter)