In one of the turns before the Kikka-sho, Zhou Yuang paid little mind to the sudden development. Without missing a beat, he told Bourbon the plan they had agreed on.
After all, he knew how things had gone in the original timeline. It would have been negligent to become Bourbon's trainer and not warn her.
And as her trainer, he should have thought of a way to handle it long ago.
"Front Runner..."
Bourbon showed no expression at the words. She simply looked at Zhou Yuang.
She trusted him, just as his other Uma Musume did.
If Zhou Yuang gave her a strategy, she would carry it out one hundred percent.
Bourbon recalled those strategies, then glanced at the back ahead of her. A sharp glint flashed through her clear eyes, and the rhythm of her steps seemed to grow even more precise.
Her rhythm had not been disrupted. She might have to make some choices, but she never panicked.
Bourbon remained calm, though there were plenty of anxious spectators in the stands.
"Kyoei Stronghold has taken the lead of the Fifth Pack and is setting the pace without holding back!!!"
As though the crowd was not worked up enough, the commentator kept doing his job and stoking their excitement.
"And Biwa Hayahide hasn't responded at all. She's sticking to her pace..."
"She didn't let it throw her off?"
Mr. Toyama sounded unsurprised on the phone.
As Bourbon's father, the trainer knew more about her composure than most people at the race.
He had even seen her stand perfectly still for an entire day more than once.
When it came to perseverance, he could safely say Bourbon surpassed every Uma Musume he had ever met.
"Have you two settled on your approach for this race?"
He asked Zhou Yuang. The