You’re staring at the screen, your training run is going perfectly, and then the schedule hits May. It's the Aoba Sho Uma Musume fans talk about with a mix of dread and necessity. If you’ve played Cygames’ juggernaut Uma Musume Pretty Derby for more than a week, you know the Japanese Derby is the "Holy Grail." But to get there, a lot of girls have to survive the Aoba Sho first.
It’s a Grade 2 race. 2,400 meters. Left-handed. Tokyo Racecourse.
On paper, it’s just a stepping stone. In reality? It’s where many players see their "Classic Triple Crown" dreams go to die because they didn't respect the stamina requirements. Let's be real—the game doesn't always tell you how much of a jump that 2,400m distance actually is when you've been cruising through mile races.
What Actually Happens in the Aoba Sho
The Aoba Sho (TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho) serves as a primary trial race for the Tokyo Yushun—the Japanese Derby. In the world of Uma Musume, this race is a specific milestone for characters like Zenno Rob Roy or Symboli Kris S. It’s one of those moments where the game shifts gears. Suddenly, "Speed" isn't the only stat that matters.
If you haven't pumped enough points into Stamina or grabbed a recovery skill like "Maestro of the Depths," your girl is going to do that dreaded "out of breath" animation at the final stretch. It's painful to watch. You've spent 20 minutes clicking through training events just to see her finish 8th because she gassed out at the 2,000m mark.
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The race reflects its real-life counterpart. In the actual JRA (Japan Racing Association) circuit, the Aoba Sho is famous—or perhaps infamous—for being a Derby trial where the winner rarely actually wins the Derby itself. It’s a bit of a "curse" in horse racing circles. In the game, this translates to a high-difficulty spike that catches casual players off guard.
Why the Aoba Sho Uma Musume Meta is Tricky
Most players focus on Speed and Intelligence. It makes sense. You want them to run fast and use their skills, right? But the Aoba Sho Uma Musume requirement usually hits right when your stats are in that awkward "mid-development" phase.
The Stamina Wall
You need roughly 350 to 450 Stamina to feel safe here, depending on your strategy. If you’re running a "Runner" (Runner/Nige) style, you’re burning through energy like crazy. If you're "Betweeners" (Sashi), you might get boxed in. The Tokyo track has a long straightaway. That uphill climb near the end? It's a killer.
Skill Triggering
Intelligence (Wisdom/Kashikosa) dictates when skills fire. If your girl has a low Int stat during the Aoba Sho, she might hold onto her stamina recovery skills until after the race is basically over. We've all seen it. The "Gold" skill pops 10 meters before the finish line. It’s enough to make you want to put your phone through a wall.
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Honestly, the Aoba Sho is a vibe check. It asks: "Did you actually build a long-distance horse, or did you just get lucky in the early G3 races?"
Realities of the Tokyo 2,400m Track
The Tokyo Racecourse is legendary. In the game, it’s recreated with terrifying accuracy regarding how it drains your Uma Musume. The "Left-Handed" (Hidari-mawari) trait actually matters here. If you have a character like Vodka who thrives on Tokyo’s layout, you have a massive advantage.
But if you’re training someone who prefers right-handed tracks, you’re fighting an uphill battle. Literally. There is a slope on the backstretch and another on the final straight. These aren't just visual flourishes; they are stamina checks.
I’ve seen people complain on Reddit and Twitter that their 500-Speed El Condor Pasa lost to a bunch of NPCs. Usually, it's because they ignored the "Power" stat too. You need Power to navigate those hills and push through the pack. Without it, your speed is useless because you're stuck behind a wall of generic NPC horses.
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How to Win Consistently
You have to plan your training cycles around the May schedule. Don't go into the Aoba Sho Uma Musume event with "Empty" energy or a "Low" mood.
- Prioritize Blue Skills: Even one "Corner Recovery" or "Straight Recovery" can be the difference between a podium finish and a total collapse.
- Watch the Clock: The Aoba Sho happens in Late April/Early May. You should stop focused Speed training at least two turns before to top off your Stamina.
- Check the Weather: Tokyo can get rainy. If the track is "Heavy" (Omo) or "Bad" (Ryotsu), your stamina drain increases. Have a backup plan or a "Ground Optimizer" skill if you’re serious about winning.
Most people fail because they treat every G2 race the same. The Aoba Sho isn't the same. It’s a 2,400m beast that mimics the Derby's conditions perfectly. It’s a dress rehearsal for the biggest race of the season.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Run
Stop ignoring the "Power" and "Stamina" balance. For the Aoba Sho, aim for at least a D+ or C rank in Stamina. If you are using a Support Card like Super Creek (the "Maestro" queen), make sure you've leveled her enough to actually trigger those hints early on.
Check your Uma Musume's distance aptitude. If she’s a "B" in Medium distance, use your inheritance factors to bump that to an "A" before the run starts. That small letter change provides a hidden multiplier to your speed during the race.
Lastly, look at the rivals. In certain scenarios, the NPC stats in the Aoba Sho are buffed to ensure the player feels the pressure of the "Derby Trial." Don't underestimate them. They will outrun you if you're just clicking "Speed" every turn. Balance your build, respect the 2,400m distance, and you'll stop seeing the Aoba Sho as a roadblock and start seeing it as the victory lap it’s meant to be.