Of all the people to experience a lull in their riding career, Justin had looked the least likely at the end of Year Thirteen. He'd ridden a mare to a Breeders' Cup victory, watched his usual grade one colt take third in the same race. He'd never felt better at that point. Now both of those horses were gone. One horse remained the same though he hadn't even been rideable at this point last year. That heavy set colt stood with blazing eyes staring right into Justin's dark brown ones. Casualty of War, a son of Man O' War and Flight Of Fancy. He was a vicious son of a gun. The meanest out of the entire Year Twelve crop. He was also very talented. He had not received the opportunity to show off his best form. All three of his victories had been hard fought ones. And all of his races had reflected some form of inexperience. That was all changing. Lately, Sultan had been a demon in his gallops, so on the muscle that he was worked alone. But he had not forgotten his arch nemesis. The colt's ears pricked up when Reese emerged from the stall guiding the fire colored colt. Spotlight Pride, potentially the fastest turf two year old miler in the country, had long put himself on Sultan's black list. The DeathFlash's Pride colt was not the most intimidating creature. Even now he danced sideways, mouthing the bit more out of nerves than eagerness. His wild eyes rolled in Sultan's direction, but he did not reflect any bit of their rivalry. He reflected fear. The colt was as fearful as they came until they hit the track. It was why Sultan hated him so. Fearless was the perfect way to describe Paranormal Hunter. The bay Flash Limits filly strode right up to the three year old barn as though she did not sense the crackling tension. Maggie patted the horse's neck, smiling when Reese and Justin emerged from the barn with their mounts in tow. Pride and Sultan might be hot stuff now, but they'd never faced the likes of Para. Her closing ability was renowned and people were beginning to just shake their heads when she won. She was a machine these days. Maggie wondered if perhaps Paranormal Hunter was the best three year old filly in training, regardless of surface. Ripley emerged from the shadows of the barn in her golf-cart, green eyes blazing with life. She scanned her three horses, nearly patted herself on the back. All of them looked simply fabulous. Sultan was coming into his own. Pride had yet to reach to his limit. And Para... well, she was simply indescribable. "Good to see them all ready to go." Ripley glanced toward the turf track, nodding to herself. "Mile and a quarter gallop, three furlong breeze. Nothing too heavy for them. We've got big plans coming up and they need to be prepared." It seemed liked Ripley became more and more quiet with her words every day. She rarely sat around and discussed tactics anymore. And yet she wasn't withdrawn. She was on a mission, nitpicking every little move they made. Today, she only nodded to them and drove off leaving her riders exchanging glances. Maggie had Para moving before the other two could turn and ask what was up. She was Ripley's best friend and even she didn't know what was going on with the head trainer. She'd played this waiting game before. Ripley would only talk when she was ready. Until then everyone, including herself, could be patient. Paranormal Hunter strode across the ground with purposeful strides, stronger than she'd been going into a workout a month before. She was on top of her game and it was really showing in ever glimmering section of hide, every impressive tangle of muscle. Casualty of War broke into a gallop first, not allowing the older filly to beat him to the punch. His eyes blazed as he passed Paranormal Hunter, recognizing her as a threat to his already shaky confidence. Spotlight Pride was bad for Casualty of War because the colt was so fleet footed at these distances. Sultan couldn't keep up. He relied on his strong cruising speed and it was effective as all get out at longer distances. Hopefully, in his next start, there were few horses faster than him. Pride bolted past Paranormal Hunter and Casualty of War with heart-pounding strides. He was so intense in full run, so determined to outrun his fears. He was a true racehorse in full flight. He was courageous. He was tough and he did not want anyone to beat him out. He raced side by side with Casualty of War over the hills, ears pinned to deflect the intimidation of Sultan. The larger black colt would have thrown his body under Pride's hooves if he knew that would stop the colt from burying him. Because that was an extreme option, Justin simply tugged the colt back and let Pride have his way. The chestnut stormed off to a length lead, settling down in his minimalist way. Maggie watched the action play out before her with bright, curious eyes. Pride was so quick and Sultan was so physical that they butted heads consistently. Para lingered at the back. She knew her job would be to run down both horses. She was becoming scary good at this profession. Her nostrils flared with every rolling stride. She was a great filly and Maggie was honored to be sitting on the filly's back. Pride cruised down the hillside, ears pricked now. He never seemed to have any cares in the world when he was racing on the front end. If you stuck him side by side with another horse, he'd fight to the death until he came out on top. Reese glanced back under her arm and noted that Sultan was keen on staying close. Justin had the reins loose around the colt's neck which told Reese the big black was finally relaxed enough to rate. He was on the improve that was for sure. She could hear the thunderous hoof beats of Para just farther back. That one was at the top of her game. Pride soared down the final hill, launching his body a foot until his hooves hit flat earth. Reese let the colt go, but both of them were shell-shocked for the moment when Sultan was suddenly by their side. The black horse stormed to race at Pride's head, gaze furious and determined. Justin was still aboard the black demon. Pride pinned his ears and rallied furiously to keep up. The pair of them whirled across the turf, locked in war. Maggie released Para the moment she hit the flat, shaking her head when the filly responded with a ferocious run. The bay caught up with the two younger horses in the second furlong, drawing level with them on Pride's side. Together, the trio bulletted toward the finish. All the riders were silent and still. No one wanted to interfere. Para snagged the win by a head with Pride and Sultan finishing dead even. Justin smacked Sultan's neck, pleased with the effort. They were definitely going to be able to beat the red colt soon. Sultan was only bound to get better.
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