dazzle me baby
Photo courtesy of Event of the Year Photos
Witch Creek was still riding on the high that had come from the Kentucky Open victory by Frozen Motion. There had been nothing like watching the Witch Creek silks storming into the lead and passed Passionate Flyer. The dappled gray colt had been a beast when he'd all but swarmed the Star Thoroughbreds runner. Victory had tasted clear in the Witch Creek staffs' mouths, had felt it burning in their veins when Freeze roared two lengths in the lead. But there'd been cries from the crowd when the spotted the race time favorite, Infinite Warcry gunning from his last position for the Witch Creek colt. Freeze wasn't slowing down and Infinite Warcry was actually finding it tough to get by. Screams and calls of encouragement to Brooks had been cranked from the mouths of the Witch Creek family as the wire drew nearer with every bounding stride. The Spitz and Jessie James colts had battled one another like crazy, fighting so hard to get to the front or in Frozen Motion's case, to stay there.
The shadow of the wire flew by and a photo finish was called. When the photo had been revealed, shouts and dances of joy were brought forth. Frozen Motion's number was on top. The gray had won! He'd proven his iron ferocity through competition repeatedly over the beginning of the year. He hadn't romped, but he usually only did in the smaller races. He'd proven he was the champion. He got to carry the blanket of flowers over his sweating, powerful shoulders into the winner's circle. Brooks had all but soared to the heavens in his joy for his mount, his horse. He'd ridden and groomed, shed blood, sweat and tears over the beautiful animal. Freeze was the most rewarding animal to work with. He was just brilliantly smart. He'd been calculating the entire race, watching for his enemy on paper and from one workout. He'd seen the black Stride of Perfection Stable's colt in the paddock, had remembered him. The race had played out exactly like the workout. Freeze had battled daringly and given the world a race worthy of the highest attentions. Ripley had received congratulations from plenty of people. Some had even dug up her phone number with their stalker-like tendencies. Ripley hadn't responded. None of the people texting her were her family. Her family was Witch Creek, the people and the horses.
Brooks held his girlfriend as they looked at Frozen Motion through the open stall door. The big gray had been tired at the end of the day, but proving his overall toughness and experience, had quickly rebounded the next. Freeze was his champion. The whole year had been leading up Freeze to take the bull by the horns and give a gigantic effort in the Kentucky Open. The gray eyed Brooks the way he did when he always sensed an upcoming workout. There was an excitable tension within his mount, powerful. As if he knew a race was on its way. They had one week until the Preakness Champion Stakes and their next face off with Infinite Warcry and a new challenger in Stalker's Fury. Ripley had grown extremely impressed with the colt's mettle. Freeze was ready to roll. Everyone could feel it. Witch Creek had a major star in the making in their barn. He was the iron horse. He'd been running consistently since the beginning of the Year Twelve season, never finishing out of the top three. He was a top runner though he had many doubters.
Ripley and Brooks intended to put those doubts to rest. Freeze had beaten Infinite Warcry on the square. He'd been strong and true and he hadn't even given it his all. Passionate Flyer would be sitting out of the Preakness Champion Stakes it appeared. It would be Frozen Motion, Infinite Warcry and Star Thoroughbred's runner Stalker's Fury. Why people continually doubted Freeze's achievements and ability was a major question on Ripley and Brook's mind. He didn't win by much, except in the lower races where he typically got away with murder and romped. But when a clear front-runner with tactical advantage is only facing a closer, that closer would have put out more to keep up. Brooks wasn't doubting Infinite Warcry in the next race in the Turf Triple Crown. Law of racing said Freeze would win, but the law of racing had never seen Infinite Warcry make up incredible ground and still manage to win going away. This time things would be different. Stalker's Fury was a confirmed front runner. Freeze now had a target and he always ran better with a target. He could blow the race open coming into the homestretch. The idea that the stalker would come back to the closer, clearly wasn't available here. Freeze kept going and going and going. The more distance the gray got, the better off he was. It was a match race in the books. Freeze had taken round one. Infini would be out for blood. Freeze needed a challenge. He'd been powerful in his gallops since the Kentucky Open. Dangerous when he didn't get to run more. He was always looking out for his new rival now. He enjoyed the challenge. He would be getting one today.
Ripley and Brooks glanced down the barn aisle to look at the eighteen year old boy sitting on the floor. He was staring into an occupied stall with quietly curious eyes. The adults glanced at one another briefly before going to the tack room. Frozen Motion would be challenged today, by nearly the exact genes of his new arch rival. Infinite Warcry had a twin and she was running under Witch Creek tack. Well possibly. She'd been a bit of a problem since her arrival. Justin ignored the click of the tack room door as it shut, but his new love interest certainly didn't.
Her dark bay head turned instantly at the sound of the click, ears straight up, eyes blazing in fury and excitement. Yes, Justin Santiago was sitting in front of the full-sister to Infinite Warcry, his twin actually. She looked a lot like her more famous brother, but her aura was completely different. The stripe faced filly with three white socks had a fire inside her the size of the Grand Canyon and an anger burning within her veins the size of the Amazon River. She was not like her laid back brother. She was a complete nut. Justin appreciated the filly. He had a respect for her. Maybe less respect than Ripley and Brooks did. The filly was absolutely dazzling, but she was no dame. She didn't have a hankering for people or horses. Hated them. She tolerated Justin for some unknown reason. Not a lot had been done with her since her arrival. Everyone was hoping she'd settle in from her dangerous ways that she had emphasized on the day of her arrival.
Not much had changed, but Justin's growing love for the filly who could barely tolerate him. The 15.3 hand filly was a mighty sort of horse. She'd run in some tough races last year as a two year old, had finished well, but had only won a single race in her fourteen race career so far. She was like Midtee. She needed the right rider and the right circumstances in order to get the job done. But Justin was positive she didn't always need the right circumstances. She needed a person who understood her. He'd been watching the dark bay filly since her arrival, curious but cautious. She wasn't fearful, just annoyed all of the time. She loved to go out for runs, but loved making a fuss. She liked the attention even though she pushed it away. She was nice at feeding time and nickered at him when he entered the barn. It had taken four days before the twin had allowed him to touch her. She immediately had leaned into the touch. She had a hard-to-get attitude and Justin more than appreciated a horse that made you work. Dame I'll figure you out. I can't jockey you until October, but I'll figure you out. So Ripley can ride. The filly pricked her ears, tossed her head and then turned her rear end to face him. Again with the mixed signals.
Still trying to woo the bad girl, are you Justin? Justin turned and glanced up with a smile at Maggie Reynolds. The blonde was laughing at him. She'll be wooed eventually Maggot. You wait and see. Maggie held up her hands. I'm sure she will. You've got a tough nut on your hands. Maybe you can crack her in the workout today against Freeze? Justin nodded enthusiastically. He couldn't wait. He looked at The Dame. She looked over her perfectly muscled shoulder with a dare in her gaze. Definitely couldn't wait.
...
Brooks and Justin had ridden out to the turf track with a bit of an audience. Ripley, Maggie and Connor followed behind a few giant horse lengths, but they had spoken loud enough about their worries and excitements to have both riders on edge. Justin was quiet atop Dazzling Dame. The 15.3 hand filly was an extraordinary horse to be riding for him. He wanted to make the most of it. His veins were singing with adrenaline and nerves. He had to prove to Ripley that he could handle this dynamic of a horse, especially a horse with such viable future bloodlines. The dark bay was tense beneath him like a lioness, ears pricked and centered solely on Frozen Motion. She had raced enough to know what to expect. She knew this was going to be a workout, knew he was going to be a formidable foe. Justin was practically glowing on the inside. Dame was working against a Kentucky Open champion and he was riding her. Not only that, but she was the twin to the second place finisher and arch rival to Freeze, in Infinite Warcry. If it hadn't been frowned upon for boys to faint, Justin thought he would have then.
Brooks hid a grin when he saw the four year younger boy square his shoulders beneath his black t-shirt. He was a dog-fighter Justin. He was a tough one and an excellent person to have around. In just the last couple of months, Santiago had turned into quite the rider. He'd gotten so good with The Devil that he was able to ride her bareback in just a halter around the farm. He would become a fine member of the Witch Creek staff one day. Maybe starting sooner than he'd expected. Brooks patted Freeze's dappled neck. He was so gloriously proud of his mount. Freeze was a powerhouse beneath him today. He trotted his neck bowed, head tucked to his chest, whisking his tail over his rump. The conditioning since the beginning of Year Twelve would do him so well through the duration of the Turf Triple Crown. He was at his peak and ready to roll. There was no doubt in Brook's mind that the gray had not even produced his best effort to date. The Kentucky Open had simply been the beginning, which was quite scary to think about.
Dame shrieked her fury as she picked up a floating trot. Justin tensed with fear, but a reassuring nod from Brooks had him relaxing a little. Dame always shrieked. He should know that by now. He knew the filly just from watching her, her antics, her attitudes. She wasn't going to hurt him. She had a powerful edge to her, one that he wasn't accustomed to. She tossed her head, black mane flying wildly around her face. She sent a daring look at Frozen Motion. The dappled gray responded by tensing up and shuffling sideways, more out of play than intimidation. However, Justin gained confidence from the move. He patted his filly's neck. She surprisingly let out a nicker and flicked her ears back to him. Brooks stared. Maybe there was a connection between the pair of them after all.
Alright. She has only run once this season so she may not be quite up to Freeze's level of conditioning just yet. We're galloping a mile and a half with a three furlong blitz. It'll prepare them both for the long road and races ahead. Brooks waited for Justin to bow his helmeted head in agreement before releasing Frozen Motion at the bottom of the hill. The gray instantly moved into his long galloping stride, Brooks stood to complement the bounciness. Freeze was a fantastic horse, but he just had an awful canter-gallop stride. Thank God, there would be a bit of a pace setter in this race. Freeze would be able to stretch his legs and still have plenty in the tank for Infini's incredible last stand. Brooks gathered the reins in his hand and glanced at Justin.
A huge smile parted Justin's caramel face. She was fantastic! He was glowing on the outside and the inside. Dazzling Dame strolled beneath him, ears flat to her head, easily keeping up with Freeze's longer gamboling stride. She was small in stature, but incredible on his hands. She didn't fuss or grip the bit between her teeth. She seemingly cruised effortlessly beneath him, minimal effort, as if she were floating on a cloud. It was such a contrast to her usually die-hard, try-hard attitude. She was a contradiction, her whole very being. She was so demonstrative in her challenges, but so delicately crafted when you really took a look at her. Justin stood gently in the stirrups, careful to lean over her neck, not putting too much pressure in one place or the other. Dame let out a sigh, lifted her knees higher and picked up a little faster gait. She had one ear pinned on Frozen Motion, but she wasn't holding herself stiff. Her ear was a warning that she would be ready for his takeoff.
Brooks had to admit he hadn't been thrilled when Ripley had proposed Justin ride Dame in her first workout. However, he would now be the first to admit, Ripley knew her humans and animals very well. The boy was actually providing some competition today. He wasn't even doing anything, which Brooks supposed was the key to Dame. Both he and Ripley had ridden her in gallops, always asking and nagging her for more. He was thoroughly impressed and humbled by this eighteen year old boy. Brooks eased himself closer to Frozen Motion's neck, running a hand along the darker mane. Watch out for them boy. They're Infinite Warcry today. Freeze flicked his ears back in acknowledgement and suddenly picked up a faster gallop, mane blasting forward into Brooks' tanned face. He understood, strangely enough. But he did.
Dame burst forward like a firecracker, making up lost ground to run nose and nose with Freeze. She tucked her striped face down, clearly challenging with bravado. Freeze responded by tucking his own and galloping quicker. Dame's eyes flashed threateningly and she quickly made up the ground again. Justin released his nervous breath as they dashed up and over the hills. She was taking care of him. They were conditioning each other. Justin whispered nervous praise, but this time Dame was lost. Lost in her challenge and focused on running. He might as well have been speaking to a wall. Frozen Motion grew more aggressive as they proceeded through the mile and a half gallop. He was relaxed, but he was terribly on edge at the same time. Brooks could feel the gray feeling him out, searching for the time to break into a frantic run. The colt was keyed up and ready to roll. He wanted to reach the winner's circle again. Brooks wanted to get him there.
They cruised up the hill, breaking at the crest over the top of three furlong straight-a-way. Brooks and Justin gathered their mounts for the steep hill and exchanged glances. Three furlongs man. Then pull her up! You're doing great and so is she! And it was more than the truth. The dark bay filly was muscled up and ready to roll. She tucked her head and flicked her ears, snorting through flared nostrils, one rimmed with white hair. Her eyes were lit up with fire and a bold dare. She was competitive as Hell. Brooks could feel it and Frozen Motion was rearing to go, feeling it as well. Ripley and Maggie held their collective breaths when the pair reached the base of the hill and the straight. They met each other's piercing gazes and turned back.
The silence that flickered between the riders and horses was incredible. In that space of time you could here everything: the birds, the blood pounding in the fired up equine, the clicking of an unseen stopwatch. An invisible flag fell and suddenly the world was raging and noisy with the sound of pounding hooves. Dazzling Dame and Frozen Motion broke as one, horse flesh straining over tuned up muscles and powerful bones. They swept forward together, bumping into each other, egging one another on. Dame and Freeze was so invested in this blitzing run, they barely acknowledged the riders pulling them away from one another. They were locked in an utter dog fight, filly and colt. Dame pushed off her lean, long legs, a dark bullet streaking to get ahead of Freeze. Freeze was barely finding any strain in keeping up. He was so on his toes and he was rolling up alongside of her again, nostrils flared. He threw down the gauntlet at the second furlong. Dame prepared for it, but due to her lack of conditioning was no match for the astonishing burst of speed that propelled Freeze up the straightaway.
Justin stared in shock as Frozen Motion surged over the turf, sending clots of grass into Dame. The filly squealed, tossed her head and tail, and then responded with a blistering run. Justin clung to the filly's black mane as she roared after her new workmate. Brooks glanced under his shoulder to see the threat. Freeze had none. He'd buried Dazzling Dame by five lengths. Brooks didn't let off of the gas until they reached the base of the next hill. Only then did he let Freeze slow, or pull him down. Freeze didn't want to slow. He wasn't remotely tired. Brooks shook his head when Dame bolted by them, temporarily stunned. She'd been five lengths behind them and had practically run them down at the edge of the hill. What kind of talent had she tapped into to make up that kind of ground with that kind of rocketing run? He watched as Justin and the dark bay careened over the cap of the hill.
Justin knew he should have stopped the Jessie James filly like Brooks had said, at the end of the straight-away. But man, she'd been flying. His adrenaline and endorphins had filled him up to fantastic heights. He was cruising on the same juice she was running on. Neither wanted to stop them. They hadn't been good enough to run down Freeze in the supposed furlong frame, but another furlong and they would have been dog-fighting for the win. Justin let out a huff as they slid to the base of the next hill. It was than that Dame came to an easy gallop. The filly was full of herself, really on her toes, breathing heavy, but not tired. She was tireless, like Frozen Motion. Experience would get her on top of her game. Justin turned the bay filly back and met the group of humans on the other side of the hill. They looked up at his arrival, noting his filly's condition. They shook their heads noting the fact that she looked absolutely perfect, just sweaty from lack of running.
Brooks stroked Frozen Motion's neck. The dappled gray pricked his ears at the filly. He was aware of the similarities between this one and his arch-rival, the horse he was out to beat in the Preakness Champion Stakes. He would wait, wait, just like he had with her until the homestretch, when he would match his closing kick with the big black dragon from Stride of Perfection Stables. He'd been crowned champion in the last race, he'd gotten his jitters out in this workout and he was excited for his next race. He wanted the win so bad, to be the colt in the center of attention, to be the one that dazzled the audience. Freeze bowed his neck when Ripley and Brooks praised his conditioning. Dame merely flicked her tail, not as impressed. But what did you expect from your arch-rival's twin?
Brooks looked to the heavens and prayed for God's help come race day. They would need it.
The shadow of the wire flew by and a photo finish was called. When the photo had been revealed, shouts and dances of joy were brought forth. Frozen Motion's number was on top. The gray had won! He'd proven his iron ferocity through competition repeatedly over the beginning of the year. He hadn't romped, but he usually only did in the smaller races. He'd proven he was the champion. He got to carry the blanket of flowers over his sweating, powerful shoulders into the winner's circle. Brooks had all but soared to the heavens in his joy for his mount, his horse. He'd ridden and groomed, shed blood, sweat and tears over the beautiful animal. Freeze was the most rewarding animal to work with. He was just brilliantly smart. He'd been calculating the entire race, watching for his enemy on paper and from one workout. He'd seen the black Stride of Perfection Stable's colt in the paddock, had remembered him. The race had played out exactly like the workout. Freeze had battled daringly and given the world a race worthy of the highest attentions. Ripley had received congratulations from plenty of people. Some had even dug up her phone number with their stalker-like tendencies. Ripley hadn't responded. None of the people texting her were her family. Her family was Witch Creek, the people and the horses.
Brooks held his girlfriend as they looked at Frozen Motion through the open stall door. The big gray had been tired at the end of the day, but proving his overall toughness and experience, had quickly rebounded the next. Freeze was his champion. The whole year had been leading up Freeze to take the bull by the horns and give a gigantic effort in the Kentucky Open. The gray eyed Brooks the way he did when he always sensed an upcoming workout. There was an excitable tension within his mount, powerful. As if he knew a race was on its way. They had one week until the Preakness Champion Stakes and their next face off with Infinite Warcry and a new challenger in Stalker's Fury. Ripley had grown extremely impressed with the colt's mettle. Freeze was ready to roll. Everyone could feel it. Witch Creek had a major star in the making in their barn. He was the iron horse. He'd been running consistently since the beginning of the Year Twelve season, never finishing out of the top three. He was a top runner though he had many doubters.
Ripley and Brooks intended to put those doubts to rest. Freeze had beaten Infinite Warcry on the square. He'd been strong and true and he hadn't even given it his all. Passionate Flyer would be sitting out of the Preakness Champion Stakes it appeared. It would be Frozen Motion, Infinite Warcry and Star Thoroughbred's runner Stalker's Fury. Why people continually doubted Freeze's achievements and ability was a major question on Ripley and Brook's mind. He didn't win by much, except in the lower races where he typically got away with murder and romped. But when a clear front-runner with tactical advantage is only facing a closer, that closer would have put out more to keep up. Brooks wasn't doubting Infinite Warcry in the next race in the Turf Triple Crown. Law of racing said Freeze would win, but the law of racing had never seen Infinite Warcry make up incredible ground and still manage to win going away. This time things would be different. Stalker's Fury was a confirmed front runner. Freeze now had a target and he always ran better with a target. He could blow the race open coming into the homestretch. The idea that the stalker would come back to the closer, clearly wasn't available here. Freeze kept going and going and going. The more distance the gray got, the better off he was. It was a match race in the books. Freeze had taken round one. Infini would be out for blood. Freeze needed a challenge. He'd been powerful in his gallops since the Kentucky Open. Dangerous when he didn't get to run more. He was always looking out for his new rival now. He enjoyed the challenge. He would be getting one today.
Ripley and Brooks glanced down the barn aisle to look at the eighteen year old boy sitting on the floor. He was staring into an occupied stall with quietly curious eyes. The adults glanced at one another briefly before going to the tack room. Frozen Motion would be challenged today, by nearly the exact genes of his new arch rival. Infinite Warcry had a twin and she was running under Witch Creek tack. Well possibly. She'd been a bit of a problem since her arrival. Justin ignored the click of the tack room door as it shut, but his new love interest certainly didn't.
Her dark bay head turned instantly at the sound of the click, ears straight up, eyes blazing in fury and excitement. Yes, Justin Santiago was sitting in front of the full-sister to Infinite Warcry, his twin actually. She looked a lot like her more famous brother, but her aura was completely different. The stripe faced filly with three white socks had a fire inside her the size of the Grand Canyon and an anger burning within her veins the size of the Amazon River. She was not like her laid back brother. She was a complete nut. Justin appreciated the filly. He had a respect for her. Maybe less respect than Ripley and Brooks did. The filly was absolutely dazzling, but she was no dame. She didn't have a hankering for people or horses. Hated them. She tolerated Justin for some unknown reason. Not a lot had been done with her since her arrival. Everyone was hoping she'd settle in from her dangerous ways that she had emphasized on the day of her arrival.
Not much had changed, but Justin's growing love for the filly who could barely tolerate him. The 15.3 hand filly was a mighty sort of horse. She'd run in some tough races last year as a two year old, had finished well, but had only won a single race in her fourteen race career so far. She was like Midtee. She needed the right rider and the right circumstances in order to get the job done. But Justin was positive she didn't always need the right circumstances. She needed a person who understood her. He'd been watching the dark bay filly since her arrival, curious but cautious. She wasn't fearful, just annoyed all of the time. She loved to go out for runs, but loved making a fuss. She liked the attention even though she pushed it away. She was nice at feeding time and nickered at him when he entered the barn. It had taken four days before the twin had allowed him to touch her. She immediately had leaned into the touch. She had a hard-to-get attitude and Justin more than appreciated a horse that made you work. Dame I'll figure you out. I can't jockey you until October, but I'll figure you out. So Ripley can ride. The filly pricked her ears, tossed her head and then turned her rear end to face him. Again with the mixed signals.
Still trying to woo the bad girl, are you Justin? Justin turned and glanced up with a smile at Maggie Reynolds. The blonde was laughing at him. She'll be wooed eventually Maggot. You wait and see. Maggie held up her hands. I'm sure she will. You've got a tough nut on your hands. Maybe you can crack her in the workout today against Freeze? Justin nodded enthusiastically. He couldn't wait. He looked at The Dame. She looked over her perfectly muscled shoulder with a dare in her gaze. Definitely couldn't wait.
...
Brooks and Justin had ridden out to the turf track with a bit of an audience. Ripley, Maggie and Connor followed behind a few giant horse lengths, but they had spoken loud enough about their worries and excitements to have both riders on edge. Justin was quiet atop Dazzling Dame. The 15.3 hand filly was an extraordinary horse to be riding for him. He wanted to make the most of it. His veins were singing with adrenaline and nerves. He had to prove to Ripley that he could handle this dynamic of a horse, especially a horse with such viable future bloodlines. The dark bay was tense beneath him like a lioness, ears pricked and centered solely on Frozen Motion. She had raced enough to know what to expect. She knew this was going to be a workout, knew he was going to be a formidable foe. Justin was practically glowing on the inside. Dame was working against a Kentucky Open champion and he was riding her. Not only that, but she was the twin to the second place finisher and arch rival to Freeze, in Infinite Warcry. If it hadn't been frowned upon for boys to faint, Justin thought he would have then.
Brooks hid a grin when he saw the four year younger boy square his shoulders beneath his black t-shirt. He was a dog-fighter Justin. He was a tough one and an excellent person to have around. In just the last couple of months, Santiago had turned into quite the rider. He'd gotten so good with The Devil that he was able to ride her bareback in just a halter around the farm. He would become a fine member of the Witch Creek staff one day. Maybe starting sooner than he'd expected. Brooks patted Freeze's dappled neck. He was so gloriously proud of his mount. Freeze was a powerhouse beneath him today. He trotted his neck bowed, head tucked to his chest, whisking his tail over his rump. The conditioning since the beginning of Year Twelve would do him so well through the duration of the Turf Triple Crown. He was at his peak and ready to roll. There was no doubt in Brook's mind that the gray had not even produced his best effort to date. The Kentucky Open had simply been the beginning, which was quite scary to think about.
Dame shrieked her fury as she picked up a floating trot. Justin tensed with fear, but a reassuring nod from Brooks had him relaxing a little. Dame always shrieked. He should know that by now. He knew the filly just from watching her, her antics, her attitudes. She wasn't going to hurt him. She had a powerful edge to her, one that he wasn't accustomed to. She tossed her head, black mane flying wildly around her face. She sent a daring look at Frozen Motion. The dappled gray responded by tensing up and shuffling sideways, more out of play than intimidation. However, Justin gained confidence from the move. He patted his filly's neck. She surprisingly let out a nicker and flicked her ears back to him. Brooks stared. Maybe there was a connection between the pair of them after all.
Alright. She has only run once this season so she may not be quite up to Freeze's level of conditioning just yet. We're galloping a mile and a half with a three furlong blitz. It'll prepare them both for the long road and races ahead. Brooks waited for Justin to bow his helmeted head in agreement before releasing Frozen Motion at the bottom of the hill. The gray instantly moved into his long galloping stride, Brooks stood to complement the bounciness. Freeze was a fantastic horse, but he just had an awful canter-gallop stride. Thank God, there would be a bit of a pace setter in this race. Freeze would be able to stretch his legs and still have plenty in the tank for Infini's incredible last stand. Brooks gathered the reins in his hand and glanced at Justin.
A huge smile parted Justin's caramel face. She was fantastic! He was glowing on the outside and the inside. Dazzling Dame strolled beneath him, ears flat to her head, easily keeping up with Freeze's longer gamboling stride. She was small in stature, but incredible on his hands. She didn't fuss or grip the bit between her teeth. She seemingly cruised effortlessly beneath him, minimal effort, as if she were floating on a cloud. It was such a contrast to her usually die-hard, try-hard attitude. She was a contradiction, her whole very being. She was so demonstrative in her challenges, but so delicately crafted when you really took a look at her. Justin stood gently in the stirrups, careful to lean over her neck, not putting too much pressure in one place or the other. Dame let out a sigh, lifted her knees higher and picked up a little faster gait. She had one ear pinned on Frozen Motion, but she wasn't holding herself stiff. Her ear was a warning that she would be ready for his takeoff.
Brooks had to admit he hadn't been thrilled when Ripley had proposed Justin ride Dame in her first workout. However, he would now be the first to admit, Ripley knew her humans and animals very well. The boy was actually providing some competition today. He wasn't even doing anything, which Brooks supposed was the key to Dame. Both he and Ripley had ridden her in gallops, always asking and nagging her for more. He was thoroughly impressed and humbled by this eighteen year old boy. Brooks eased himself closer to Frozen Motion's neck, running a hand along the darker mane. Watch out for them boy. They're Infinite Warcry today. Freeze flicked his ears back in acknowledgement and suddenly picked up a faster gallop, mane blasting forward into Brooks' tanned face. He understood, strangely enough. But he did.
Dame burst forward like a firecracker, making up lost ground to run nose and nose with Freeze. She tucked her striped face down, clearly challenging with bravado. Freeze responded by tucking his own and galloping quicker. Dame's eyes flashed threateningly and she quickly made up the ground again. Justin released his nervous breath as they dashed up and over the hills. She was taking care of him. They were conditioning each other. Justin whispered nervous praise, but this time Dame was lost. Lost in her challenge and focused on running. He might as well have been speaking to a wall. Frozen Motion grew more aggressive as they proceeded through the mile and a half gallop. He was relaxed, but he was terribly on edge at the same time. Brooks could feel the gray feeling him out, searching for the time to break into a frantic run. The colt was keyed up and ready to roll. He wanted to reach the winner's circle again. Brooks wanted to get him there.
They cruised up the hill, breaking at the crest over the top of three furlong straight-a-way. Brooks and Justin gathered their mounts for the steep hill and exchanged glances. Three furlongs man. Then pull her up! You're doing great and so is she! And it was more than the truth. The dark bay filly was muscled up and ready to roll. She tucked her head and flicked her ears, snorting through flared nostrils, one rimmed with white hair. Her eyes were lit up with fire and a bold dare. She was competitive as Hell. Brooks could feel it and Frozen Motion was rearing to go, feeling it as well. Ripley and Maggie held their collective breaths when the pair reached the base of the hill and the straight. They met each other's piercing gazes and turned back.
The silence that flickered between the riders and horses was incredible. In that space of time you could here everything: the birds, the blood pounding in the fired up equine, the clicking of an unseen stopwatch. An invisible flag fell and suddenly the world was raging and noisy with the sound of pounding hooves. Dazzling Dame and Frozen Motion broke as one, horse flesh straining over tuned up muscles and powerful bones. They swept forward together, bumping into each other, egging one another on. Dame and Freeze was so invested in this blitzing run, they barely acknowledged the riders pulling them away from one another. They were locked in an utter dog fight, filly and colt. Dame pushed off her lean, long legs, a dark bullet streaking to get ahead of Freeze. Freeze was barely finding any strain in keeping up. He was so on his toes and he was rolling up alongside of her again, nostrils flared. He threw down the gauntlet at the second furlong. Dame prepared for it, but due to her lack of conditioning was no match for the astonishing burst of speed that propelled Freeze up the straightaway.
Justin stared in shock as Frozen Motion surged over the turf, sending clots of grass into Dame. The filly squealed, tossed her head and tail, and then responded with a blistering run. Justin clung to the filly's black mane as she roared after her new workmate. Brooks glanced under his shoulder to see the threat. Freeze had none. He'd buried Dazzling Dame by five lengths. Brooks didn't let off of the gas until they reached the base of the next hill. Only then did he let Freeze slow, or pull him down. Freeze didn't want to slow. He wasn't remotely tired. Brooks shook his head when Dame bolted by them, temporarily stunned. She'd been five lengths behind them and had practically run them down at the edge of the hill. What kind of talent had she tapped into to make up that kind of ground with that kind of rocketing run? He watched as Justin and the dark bay careened over the cap of the hill.
Justin knew he should have stopped the Jessie James filly like Brooks had said, at the end of the straight-away. But man, she'd been flying. His adrenaline and endorphins had filled him up to fantastic heights. He was cruising on the same juice she was running on. Neither wanted to stop them. They hadn't been good enough to run down Freeze in the supposed furlong frame, but another furlong and they would have been dog-fighting for the win. Justin let out a huff as they slid to the base of the next hill. It was than that Dame came to an easy gallop. The filly was full of herself, really on her toes, breathing heavy, but not tired. She was tireless, like Frozen Motion. Experience would get her on top of her game. Justin turned the bay filly back and met the group of humans on the other side of the hill. They looked up at his arrival, noting his filly's condition. They shook their heads noting the fact that she looked absolutely perfect, just sweaty from lack of running.
Brooks stroked Frozen Motion's neck. The dappled gray pricked his ears at the filly. He was aware of the similarities between this one and his arch-rival, the horse he was out to beat in the Preakness Champion Stakes. He would wait, wait, just like he had with her until the homestretch, when he would match his closing kick with the big black dragon from Stride of Perfection Stables. He'd been crowned champion in the last race, he'd gotten his jitters out in this workout and he was excited for his next race. He wanted the win so bad, to be the colt in the center of attention, to be the one that dazzled the audience. Freeze bowed his neck when Ripley and Brooks praised his conditioning. Dame merely flicked her tail, not as impressed. But what did you expect from your arch-rival's twin?
Brooks looked to the heavens and prayed for God's help come race day. They would need it.