But as long as they showed enough strength, the media and fans would get swept up in the hype. The doubts would disappear.
"That's the earliest G1 race an Uma Musume can enter, and it's a major stage we can't ignore."
It might have been something of a race for babies, but winning it would still prove she had real ability.
And even if she matured early, that didn't mean late bloomers would necessarily overtake her.
"...I understand."
If I win, neither my trainer nor I will be questioned?
Bourbon nodded silently. She didn't understand why she, who followed every instruction except where her dream was concerned, felt a faint urge to object. But after hearing Zhou Yuang's explanation, she chose to agree.
"Data entry: Facts matter far more than words. Entry complete. Requesting transition to the next phase."
With Bourbon's agreement, the scene ended.
The next turn took them to just before the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes. Bourbon stood ready.
She waited to enter the race and prove her strength.
[Rice Cake Fatty]: I thought Bourbon would change the race on her own and pick the Hopeful Stakes.
Compared to the 1,600-meter Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, the 2,000-meter Hopeful Stakes would better show the work Zhou Yuang and Bourbon had put into middle-distance racing.
But Zhou Yuang couldn't shake the feeling that this Rice Cake was...
"You Fatty Filly. Are you still hung up on your one win in two races?"
[Rice Cake Fatty]: Huh? Fatty Filly? Wait till I get to your door. Then you'll know you were wrong!
I'll jump right on you and let you feel for yourself whether I'm a Fatty Filly!
*You don't mind me bringing up your one win in two races?... Wait, Little McQueen's the one hung up on that. This is