There were many things occupying Ripley's mind as she was crouched over her papers in the office. The baby, her imminent retirement, Mastermind and Cross' imminent retirements, and the success her barn was having as a whole. There seemed to be every year when two horses could seemingly carry the barn to success. Last year, it had been Frozen Motion and Bella Luna. This year, it was Mastermind and Bella Luna. Times always seemed to get rough in September and October for Witch Creek. It wasn't because of the lack of training or determination to get those wins. It was everyone else catching up and pushing WCS' horses to raise the bar even higher. A knock sounded on her door, drawing Ripley's cloudy gaze up. She met the eyes of her assistant trainer Brookson Wells, smiled. "Hello, Stranger." He grinned, "Stranger, yourself, not me. We've been looking for you since you worked Saint this morning. I figured you were in here doing thinking or diabolically planning the demise of everyone at the Breeders' Cup." She laughed, as she only could with Brooks. "Well... I'm sorry to disappoint you about the diabolical planning. I was really just thinking that we need to step it up. The barn seems to be in a little bit of a funk and I want us to get out of it." Brooks laid a hand over Ripley's, "We'll get out of it, don't worry. We've got a damn solid barn right now." She nodded. "And we've got some super stars in our older horse ranks." Brooks pulled the woman to her feet, eyes sweeping down to look at her stomach. You could hardly tell she was pregnant, but that pregnancy changed both of their lives immensely. Suddenly, his energetic girlfriend was tired and more interested in relaxing than working. He could hardly blame her. Morning sickness was relentless for Ripley and he felt terribly for being the cause. "Yes, we do. Maybe Amarillo Sky will further our dominance along?" "I hope so," she murmured as she stepped into the barn hallway. Her office was in the older horse barn. It's description had changed with the aging of her first real classy crop. Mastermind, Bella Luna, Cross My Heart. Three of the four biggest names to step through her doors were housed here. It'd gone from a yearling barn to a two year old barn to a three year old barn and now the senior barn. Ripley was going to have a hard time letting go of these three, especially knowing the rewards they would bring upon the conclusions of their utterly impressive careers. Reese clucked her tongue against her teeth as she tightened Bella Luna's girth. The near white mare always shook like a dog every damn time she was tacked up. It was as though she knew how to push Reese's buttons and also knew that Reese could never get mad at her. The black maned and tailed mare was simply one of the greatest turf horses to set hoof on a racetrack. No thoroughbred had ever won the Turf Triple Crown. No thoroughbred had swept the Full Moon Derby, The Twilight Stakes and the Dream Cup. Next up was the Continental Cup and Bella Luna simply looked unbeatable. The slow start to the season was long forgotten. The great gray mare was on her game and Reese couldn't wait to say, "Game On." The bay stallion watched Bella Luna with peaked interest. He pawed the rubber mat with fury, his eagerness to be on his way showing in every muscular twitch. The Augusto son was piping hot right now, on and off the track. He'd lost to Loud And Clear while in her preferred distance of eight furlongs. It'd been a bit of a reach, but he hadn't shamed himself. His performances were really excellent right now. Amarillo Sky was turning into a big horse and Brooks was excited to be along for the journey. "Alright, let's do mile gallop with a three furlong breeze. Don't get on them too heavily as both of them have been racing consistently. Just maintenance today people." Ripley patted Bella's shoulder as she left the barn and climbed into her golf cart. A second later Bella Luna and Amarillo Sky followed. The big bay stallion towered over the mare in physique, but she had this different kind of aura. She simply glowed and looked every inch the commanding creature she was. Reese allowed the mare to step into a jog, relishing in the sweet way she moved. Bella was a different kind of classy. Amarillo Sky moved into his canter with a ferocious bound. It was as though he could sense this was a different ball game. He'd been facing horses less skilled in battle, certainly less fast or brilliant. Bella Luna was the cream of the turf roster and he was going to have to step up his game. Brooks allowed the animal to stretch into a long gallop stride, impressed with the horse. Rillo had always been the kind of horse to roll right along as though he'd never get tired. Brooks twined his fingers into the horse's mane when he launched over the hills. He was moving so easily and perfectly. Bella Luna tossed her head as Rillo bounded by without much effort. The dappled gray mare only settled back down when the dark horse cleared her. Reese crooned to the filly, calm despite the rush of excitement. Bella Luna was a confidence boosting horse. She ran as though everything came natural and was so simple. The gray mare tracked Rillo through the first mile of the gallop with easy grace. He never put more than three lengths between them. Reese could tell Luna would have a bit of a fight to get by him. The bay was obviously moving nicely at this stage. Boy, was he, Brooks thought as the horse cruised down the final hill into the three furlong stretch. The horse's ears were pricked like towers over his cranium until Brooks asked him for more. Like a shot, the large horse took off and stormed across the grass, kicking up clumps in his wake. The bay horse was devastating in full blown run, but could he outfoot a champ such as Bella? Reese was thinking not. The second Bella was turned loose the graceful gray roared after her darker colored counterpart. Amarillo Sky was practically mincemeat. The Sea Struck mare rolled right up alongside him as though closing into such fractions were cake. Reese sent a blazing smile at Brooks before nudging the mare on. With devastating ease, the dappled gray put the Augusto son away. Brooks slapped his jeaned leg in frustration, sure Amarillo Sky would toss in the towel. But he didn't. He picked up the pace with fury in his eyes and rage in his blood. He rushed after the mare through the second furlong, still in hot pursuit halfway through the third one. Bella would not be caught easily. Brooks couldn't help but think this would set Amarillo Sky up for a perfect winter season. Bella Luna shot through the wire a length ahead, ease betrayed by her pricked ears. Reese rubbed the mare's neck, smiling. They were going to go out with a bang. Brooks was thinking, Amarillo Sky was just starting off with one. The bay stallion threw his head in protest at being pulled up after running by Bella in the gallop out. Time was ticking and Amarillo was only getting faster as he aged.
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"This is going to be an all hands on deck kind of workout," Brooks grunted as he tightened the girth. The plain bay stallion shivered beneath his palms, out of irritation. His mass was incredible in size and the power was so obvious. Amarillo Sky was a magnificent creature and one win off from grade one status. He was ranking up quietly while the current titans of the track battled head to head. He had yet to step foot in the Horse Of The Year ring, but next year he would do so. The unmarked son of Augusto was coming into his own with every passing day. Justin was thinking similar thoughts as he adjusted the head stall on his newest mount. He'd watched In Front from afar as he fought the likes of Limited Edition and Anodyne, but had never beaten them. Other obligations had allowed him to finally take the ride on the stunning blaze-marked bay. In a monthly dirt race against older grade two horses, In Front rocketed to victory and taken his seventh career win. The win had allowed Justin to keep the mount and he was not going to fail the big horse in their next start. The Red Legend Derby was coming up tough with the likes of Limited Edition and Reflected In Water entered, but Justin had faith. Those two horses were strong, but Limited Edition had faced a less mature In Front in the Derby and Belmont. This time In Front was a different kind of animal. The kind of animal that took down Horse Of The Year victories without turning a hair. His gallops had been sensational of late. He went in strong, came out strong and didn't seem as though he could blow out a match. The son of Touch Up looked every bit the powerhouse creature he was meant to be. Today would be a true test of will and Justin was anticipating a great match race. Ripley watched the two horses as they strode through the barn doors. In Front towered over Amarillo Sky, but Amarillo carried himself like a brawler. In Front strutted while Amarillo Sky stalked. In Front snorted through his nostrils, blowing steam into the cool morning air as Justin settled himself into the saddle. The horse felt fresher than usual. The drop in temperature could do wonders for a beefier horse like this one. Sleek as a fish, Amarillo Sky darted past In Front to get to the dirt track first. He pranced with his neck bowed and his eyes gleaming with excitement. He was a furious kind of horse. Every step was precise and intended. He never put a foot out of line unless challenged by another. In Front let out a whistle in fury as Rillo bolted into a head strong gallop. Brooks glanced under his arm upon hearing thunderous hoofbeats. Make no mistake, In Front was the hulk in this matchup. His shoulders moved powerfully beneath his gleaming, dappled hide as he roared up to Rillo's side. Justin kept himself upright in the saddle. Barely, but he was managing. In Front ran with his head low, while Rillo ran with arrogance and kept his head high. The older horse galloped lightly on his toes while his partner thundered away. Brooks kept his hands light as the pair cruised into the backstretch, Rillo a half-length in front. He wasn't wild like usual. Perhaps he sensed a dangerous energy within the blaze-marked colt. Usually, Rillo was running his partners out of their shoes, but not today. He lingered like a predator, waiting to strike when his companion grew tired and he could stab him in the back. Brooks patted the horse's neck, impressed by the horse's rating. If only they could duplicate such effort on the track, they would have a dangerous horse. Justin was impressed by the toughness of his mount. In Front kept up gamely with Amarillo Sky, despite the other horse's higher cruising speed. In Front was on the bit and pressing the older horse down the stretch. His hoofbeats were loud, but he was moving quite effortlessly. Justin leaned closer to the big colt's neck, satisfied when he switch leads and actually commanded Amarillo Sky's full attention into the backstretch. Ripley was mighty impressed with In Front's turn of foot to assault Rillo. She'd watched the stallion throw his head in surprise, but it didn't last for long. She snapped her watch at the start of the four furlong workout, though she didn't have to look to know it would be fast. Brooks let the reins soar between his finger tips, knew Rillo needed every bit of freedom he could get to beat In Front. In Front was not the type to blaze you into the ground. Rather, he was the type to keep coming at you until all of your resources were gone and his were just being tapped. Rillo was stamina laden and Brooks thanked the Lord for that. The way In Front was running suggested he had plenty of gas in the tank. Rillo pulled to a length lead on the turn, his more agile frame cutting the corner pointedly. Justin took full advantage of Rillo's move by cutting the corner as well with In Front. The brawny colt straightened up, immediately was assailed by one smack of the whip to his haunches. Justin was nearly stunned when the colt rocketed by Amarillo Sky just seconds later. "Holy shit!!" he shouted as the horse barreled down the stretch with his ears pinned. Brooks niggled Rillo for more, but felt a sense of doom as In Front continued down the stretch all alone, pouring on the speed. Rillo's eyes were filled with fire and fury as he crossed the wire three lengths behind his workmate. His muscles were taut with every ounce of hatred he could muster. This time it was Rillo who screamed for In Front as the muscled colt headed off of the track first. Friendly fire had turned into all out revenge for Amarillo Sky. July Week Fouruneasy peace"Don't get in her way, Brooks. She's very quick on the go and she pulls hard. She'll collect in your hands, but don't get her too forward..." Brooks sent a side-glance in Laura's direction as she paced around the barn and around Dirty Diana. She was like a mother hen with this mare. And here Diana was, just edgy as can be as her normal rider danced around like a whirling dervish. The mare nickered nervously as Laura stopped mid-pace and eyed her. "Why aren't you saying anything Brooks?" Laura hissed irritably. The blond man looked completely at ease as he adjusted Dirty Diana's bridle. The gray filly leaned into the more relaxing touch, keeping a keen eye on Laura for a hint of trouble. Laura took a deep breath at the look, rolled her shoulders. "Because Laura... you look like a nervous wreck. I'm not going to break her on you. Trust me. Di's been pretty sturdy so far despite being shifted around. She's as solid as a rock thanks to you." Laura eyed him warily. He shrugged. She was either suspicious of him or outraged. She was very much like the woman he was dating. The heart-breakers and hard-luck girls always seemed to join together in some way. "I promise I won't get in her way." That promise seemed to be enough because Laura was turned around and working on Vana before he could blink. He was actually quite eager to pit these two horses against one another. Both were very strong closers, but they had extremely different styles. Nirvana was a stout grinder who kept coming and coming, but needed plenty of encouragement. Dirty Diana, who had demonstrated in her recent start, was an explosive type of filly. She was daintier, but finally reaching the expectations that had been set by Akita Rose Stables. Brooks liked Dirty Diana's type of horse. She reminded him a lot of Ashes to Ashes, but she came from farther out. Nirvana was a source of absolute calm underneath Laura's hand as she guided the bay filly from the barn. The Gold Storm daughter was not a reflection of her rider. She existed in her own pool of collection and wisdom. She was Laura's rock and Laura wanted to do right by the blaze-faced filly. She wanted success for her project, for her first two year old horse ever. They had stalled a little bit in the win category, but Vana was as consistent as can be. Her more daintier opponents were precocious, but in the future they would have to be on look out. Vana was still maturing and her attitude was at a level of professionalism that the others' simply were not. The riders rode quietly down the path. Laura swayed to the easy-going stride of Vana while Brooks posted to Di's fleet-footed jog. Di was not one for slowing down. She was on the track minutes before Vana, circling and doing figure eights beneath her temporary rider. She looked fantastic and Laura knew she'd done right by asking Brooks to take over the reins for this workout. Vana moved into a heavy canter once she hit the dirt track, snorting at first. She was a tank, solid and powerful. She was efficient and confident. She cruised when Diana surged to her side, ears pinned and mouth agape. Diana could be so competitive sometimes. Brooks' hands were quiet at her withers, letting the mare have her head. The gray horse settled into stride, finally pricking her ears as she galloped into the backstretch. Vana settled back, not intimidated, but unwilling to keep pace with the All For Glory mare. Diana was more mature. She simply was too strong to go head and head. Laura grinned as Vana trucked willingly at Di's haunches, neck bowed and ears playing. She was well within her capabilities. The filly's dark eyes scoped out the track, taking in everything with her go-with-the-flow attitude. Boy, this mare was something awesome. Brooks hadn't known until Diana's start how fiercely she was training. He felt it now, coiled like a rattlesnake ready to strike. The mare kicked into another gear, quickening upon asking. He sent a quick glance at Laura. Perhaps she was more rateable than Laura had let on. Laura was keeping secrets. At the quick move, Laura knew her secret had been given away. Laura went to the whip the moment Diana set foot in the turn. Vana reacted with pinned ears and a swift stride. She pummeled the earth beneath her in pursuit of Dirty Diana. The gray roan was cruising effortlessly, tail flying behind her, ears pricked above her slim head. She was enjoying the run. Brooks was still above her. Brooks wondered at the mare's brilliance, could see why Laura was continually bringing up the idea of keeping her in training next year. The mare improved with every stride she took, growing stronger and stronger on the bit. Laura whirled Vana to the outside, thrilling at the fury that coursed through the Gold Storm filly. Once again, Vana was finding herself out paced. This time she would not go down a loser. The blaze-faced filly rumbled up to Diana's outside, not even reacting when the older mare pinned her ears. The horses charged down the course, nearly mirror images as they found the horse more challenging than expected. The pair bolted through the wire. Diana pulled herself up, eyes furious when Vana broke Laura's command and continued to stroll on by. The two year old was not going to go down without a fire, the farther the better. Her opponents were going to have to deal with her at some point... perhaps sooner than expected. steal the lightIt was hard to believe it had been three months since she'd last worked Vagabond. He was her Michael Jordan and he'd been sitting on the sidelines since May while everyone else was running to magnificent victories. That would all change now because Bond would not be catching a break until January of Year Fifteen. Maggie's blue eyes pivoted from the grooming tools to the dark bay colt standing between the cross-ties. His body rippled with muscle and his coat gleamed after a week of baths. He'd been a dirty pasture pet for a month and a half. Once Maggie had started working him again, the pasture pet had vanished and in his place stood an athletic machine. While Sun King and Saintly Touch were stealing hearts on the track, Maggie believed the best two colts had been sitting on the sidelines. Reese was following along with that vein of thought as she guided a cloth over ruby red hide. Spotlight Pride looked nothing short of the streaking miler he was. No one could catch the horse on the turf. He simply out-sprinted the fastest horses and out-lasted the ones with the most stamina. Today would be testing for him because he would not be the only speed horse and Vagabond was classy enough to catch him. Reese patted her sleek colt after pulling on her helmet. She adored Pride and trusted him to carry her through whatever storm awaited them. Spotlight Pride danced uneasily in the cross-ties, sweat filling the empty space between his hind legs. It was hard to believe that this was the battle-tested two year old who would face down dragons and demons. She smiled at Maggie. "He doesn't look like much, does he?" "He looks like the bane of Brooks and Amarillo's existences today," Maggie replied. Reese laughed. It was true. Amarillo Sky was nearly as uncontrollable as Spotlight Pride on the lead. The bay son of Augusto was a head-scratching, do-it-yourself, my-way-or-the-highway kind of horse. Pride was lenient if asked gradually for a slackening of speed. Brooks would have his hands full to say the least. The five year old stud was a time bomb waiting to explode and his recent losses were only going to fuel the fire. And the fire is raging, Brooks thought as he egged the stallion closer to the two year old barn. Amarillo Sky danced furiously beneath him, shoed hooves causing sparks to fly. His eyes blazed with fury and annoyance. His tail whipped back and forth, leaving welts on Brook's jeaned legs. Ripley sat quietly in the golf cart, eyes narrowed on the Augusto horse. Brooks knew what she was about to say and he smirked when her lips parted. "Yup, he needs a hard workout today." "He needs a gut-check," Brooks said through gritted teeth. Ripley hid the smile as the bay stallion reared and bolted three feet. He was a crazy horse. The horse slammed to a stop, ears pinning back at the sounds of other hoof beats. He spun, nearly throwing a tiring Brooks to the ground. "Don't you worry 'bout a thing," Reese crooned, "I've got just the horse to give your wild stud a gut-check." Maggie hung back, didn't bother hiding her laugh when Pride skittered away nervously. No, Maggie thought, Pride wasn't much of a brawny boy now, but he'd be something amazing on the three furlong flat. Ripley waited for the attention of her jockeys to return to her before giving orders. "Because we all know how this is going down, I will keep it short. Reese, try your damndest to get Pride relaxed and just off Ram's haunches. I want Ram to get his exercise, but we won't sacrifice Pride to do it. I expect you to attempt some control, Brooks, but if he fights let him go. We are not out to take away his speed. And if he wants to run uncontested do it. Just hang on. Maggie, keep close and start pushing up the last hill. Not enough to cause him to stampede down the other side, but enough to wake him up. Mile and a quarter gallop. Work 'em the three furlong flat. Under :12 second furlongs people." The riders exchanged looks as the auburn haired woman powered away on the golf cart. Like they would expect anything less out of Ripley Marsh. She knew they'd get the horses running. As one, the team turned toward the track and set the horses down into nice comfortable canters. Amarillo Sky bounded along with his neck bowed, snorting through his nostrils. He was such a monster. Brooks sincerely hoped that Ripley planned on keep the stallion in training for Year Fifteen. He was going to come into his own soon. The Augusto horse was training better and racing better with every start. The longer he ran the better. Pride and Bond settled into stride behind the exuberant stallion, ears flicking and eyes sweeping the green hills. Bond was so confident, so in the bridle even now despite looking around. Maggie had never felt better on a horse. On this horse, Maggie could conquer the world. Hopefully, the racing world would be watching his next couple races. Bond was only getting better. He rolled over the hills with ease, relaxed even when Spotlight Pride broke away to press Amarillo Sky. Maggie kept quiet, knowing the horse needed nothing until the final hill. Reese kept her hands at Pride's withers, breathing slow breaths. The chestnut two year old was settled at the older horse's hip. Not quite taking it to him. Amarillo Sky's left ear was locked on Pride though. The big bay stallion was well aware of his inside competition and he was most definitely not happy with the circumstances. Brooks jerked the right rein when the horse practically turned sideways to flash his teeth at Pride. The younger horse stuttered, nearly stumbling before bolting off. "Shit!" Reese muttered wildly under her breath. The Deathflash's Pride colt hurtled over the turf, now going head to head with a pumped up Ram. She could practically hear the snickering coming from the Augusto stud. He'd wanted to intimidate Pride into running and he had. Now both horses would pay the price when Bond rolled right on by. Maggie watched with wide eyes as Ram and Pride barreled over the hills ahead of Bond. The big bay two year old moved easily, quickening to stay in contact. She was impressed that he moved so effortlessly even at the faster pace. They would have to work harder to catch the speed balls. Ripley's plan had just about gone up in smoke. Brooks did not gather in the reins. Ram's best weapon was his fantastic cruising speed. Brooks would not take it away from the well-bred colt. If he did it would be as though he'd released the hounds of hell. Ram rolled impressively up the final hill, gathering steam despite nearing the grueling portion of the workout. It was a compliment to Pride that the chestnut was sticking with the more mature animal. Reese knew she was on a fantastic animal. No other horse would still have this much energy at the end of such a brilliantly fast gallop. She felt as though she were sitting on a keg of gun powder. Pride was on the muscle and he didn't bother to slow up much on the way down to the three furlong flat. Nimble where Ram and Bond were not, the miler colt skipped down the hill and onto the flat nearly a length and a half ahead of Amarillo Sky. Brooks allowed the reins to fly and sicced Amarillo Sky on the youngster. There hadn't been much of an option. The bay horse flew over the course, ears pinning back into mane. He was battling head and head with Pride long before the first furlong was finished. Maggie was feeling the same way as Brooks at this point. Bond needed to run to come out on top of this one. She'd been pushing him since the beginning of the last hill. He was absolutely revved and it showed in his bold strides. He was a large horse with a great big stride and he covered ground impressively. Maggie glanced up just in time to realize, Bond was about to run over Ram. With a flick of the reins, the bay colt skipped over the older horse's hooves and rolled alongside him. "Holy shit!" Ripley shouted from her side-line spot. The Winged Heir colt bounded right on by Amarillo Sky and Spotlight Pride to steal the victory by a half-length. She saw the shock in Reese and Brooks' bodies when the bay two year old continued on like it was nothing. Maggie smacked Bond's neck, thrilling at the adrenaline and power. "Wow big horse." Reese stroked Pride's neck, gasping for air. Her colt had done everything but win. Brooks sent a sideways grin her way. "I do believe that's the first time either of these horses have been headed in a workout." Reese smirked, "Means they'll be ready to roar next time out." "That's the plan." optimum secrecySilence was not an easy thing to come across at Witch Creek Stable unless you were up at the crack of down or roaming around in the middle of the night. Reese wondered many thing about Ripley's head these days, the most poignant thought had to do with training Taboo. The sleek gray filly was the most easily unnerved horse on the roster. She was never without sweat, never without a nervous tic of eyes or hooves. And for some reason on this very day, Ripley Marsh wanted the most nervous filly out of the barn in the middle of the afternoon when trailers were coming and going. Taboo's dark eyes traveled back and forth warily over the action going on in the transport circle. Saintly Touch, Sun King and Dirty Diana were returning from the tracks, all crowned winners in awe-inspiring performances. Taboo let out a wild whinny, shifting rapidly underneath Reese. Reese took a calming breath, forced the feeling down the leather reins and into her wily mount. Taboo was never going to be quiet and she was never going to be absolutely relaxed. She was the stereotypical hot-blooded thoroughbred. Reese just had to get used to it. The woman turned the dappling filly in a circle, nodding to Brookson Wells as he rode out of the shadows aboard Optimus Unstoppable. Small though he was, Optimus looked the picture of absolute health. His small white glinted beneath his well-braided fore-lock and his body gleamed like oiled wood. The Shiver Me Timbers colt would be heading to the Tick Tock Sprint, the first leg of the Triple Sprinter Crown, and he was carrying the hopes of Witch Creek with him. He was no Mastermind, but his season so far had been impressive, especially considering he'd only been a winner of one race coming into Year Fourteen. Brooks looked like a proud papa atop his thick freight train. He was developing Optimus into something Kirsten Jade with Akita Rose Stables would have been proud to race herself. Optimus touched noses with Taboo, not rattled at all. He was an uppity horse himself, but at home, he was different. Brooks liked the confidence that rippled through Optimus, poured out of his body. The horse was coming into the first leg really well and had not missed a single beat in training. The blond man patted the colt's neck, nodded to Reese. "She tell you what we're doing today?" "Nope," Reese said. "Or why she wanted the most frantic horse out in the middle of the day." Brooks rolled his eyes after he passed the woman. Sometimes Reese was a bit bullish, but she had to agree that nearly 99.99% of the time Ripley was correct. He'd come to accept this fact a long time ago. "Anyway. She wants a mile gallop and a four furlong breeze. Nothing too fast as both of these guys are hard-wired to explode at any moment." Optimus pranced animatedly onto the track, dark eyes brightening at the sight of the galloping yearlings, Uno Momento and Lady Timeah. He pulled fiercely on the bit, found resistance and relented. Brooks rewarded the colt by releasing him at the moment, grinning when the colt moved into a strong gallop. It would have been stronger if he'd released when Optimus had pulled. Reward to the bad behavior. Taboo danced sideways as the bay colt bounded away. The whites of her eyes flashed anxiously, but her muscles were revving up for a fight. Reese let out a breath and placed her life in the filly's hooves. Like a flash, Taboo was flying and catching up to Optimus. Her strides were as smooth as lemon meringue and just as graceful. She had this ethereal feeling and a sense of calmed seemed to take over the Everyday Hero filly. It was a very redeeming quality. Reese couldn't imagine what Taboo would be like to ride if she was a headcase in full flight. Brooks gritted his teeth as he fought to rein in Optimus. The bay colt could move when he wanted to, displaying a moment of immaturity. He'd been converted into a closer the last two starts, but only because Brooks sat heavy in the saddle and forced the colt to break a step slow. When a horse rushed up on him, the game was over. Brooks snapped the bit in Optimus' mouth, sighed when he finally regained control and Taboo took over the lead. Her thin tailed waved in the wind tauntingly at Optimus as she cruised down the backstretch two lengths in front. The bay colt snorted with every leaping stride, intent on letting Brooks know how much he disagreed with the tactics. Brooks could have cared less. He was simply happy the colt was rating well. Optimus' ears pricked up after two furlongs of steady running. No longer did he press furiously into Brooks' hands. Now he was in the bridle, but just enough to let Brooks know he had more horse. Reese knew she had plenty of horse. Taboo was on cruise control heading into the far turn. Her black-tipped ears bobbed over her head and Reese could hear every soft hoofbeat. Tabz knew she was about to be released, her body had tightened reflexively into the turn. She switched leads on command, nearly in sync with her rider. Reese let out a quiet breath before letting the reins soar through her fingers. Time was up. Four furlongs were left. Taboo whirled over the course, kicking up dust and dirt in her wake with powerful strides. She was nearly level to the ground by the time she hit mid-stretch and now a stunning five lengths ahead of Optimus Unstoppable. Reese peeked under her arm, saw Brooks push Optimus forward mildly. Her brows quirked in surprise for she had not yet asked Taboo for her best. "What the hell," Brooks murmured as Optimus thundered through the dusty wake. Taboo had practically been a mirage, there when far away and gone when they were right on top of her. She was floating over the course while Optimus barreled along on loud hooves. The little engine that could rolled over the course, ears pinned back in wild mane, mouth agape. He could not catch her and he would not at this rate. The sturdy bay cut into her lead, but was a length behind at the wire. Brooks had stopped urging the colt on, but now asked him to go on by a cantering Taboo. The horse picked up an intense gallop, bulletting by the two year old and taking his wrath out on the soil. He was not used to the front-runners going on with it. And he was not going to allow it to happen again. Reese watched as Optimus roared into the backstretch again, hell-bent on exorcising Taboo from his presence. She patted the filly, was stunned again when she found no sweat. Tucking down, Reese could hear no heavy breathing. Taboo trotted gracefully back to the gap, tossing her head excitedly. After all that exercise, the filly wouldn't have blown out a candle. |
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