Laura could hardly believe that this might be the very last workout she ever rode Dirty Diana in. Their last races together would be coming up quickly and Laura was in a state of shock. She'd taken the grade four mare all the way to the edge of grade one and now they were sitting on the cusp of being a really good pair. Only one win separated Diana from her grade one level. It had been the most elusive and frustrating win of Diana's career. She'd made herself known for her top finishes, being first or second in almost every start this year. The All For Glory mare deserved her win and if she notched it in the Glissade Stakes, December Week Two, perhaps a start in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint awaited her. It was one big if, but Laura had pulled off two miracles last year. Feline Frenzy and Whipped Cream had set the bar high for Laura, but she was more than living up to it on Nirvana and Diana. The red head patted her mount's neck, breaking her stare into space when a clatter of hooves on ice broke her focus. Diana shook her head, nickering in greeting to the similarly dappled filly coming down the path. Taboo, the regally bred daughter of Everyday Hero and Forbidden Wings, looked every inch the princess she was. She glided over the track with her ears pricked and her neck slightly bowed. She cut a beautiful figure in the morning light and her gracefulness was hard to miss. She flicked her ears in greeting to Diana, but held herself poised and at attention. Reese patted the filly's neck, smiling. Tabz had come such a long way since her near disastrous beginning. "Ripley's coming in two. She said to gallop a half mile and work the other half." Reese signaled her two year old into her floating hand gallop, drawing her down to Diana's side. The pink roan mare flashed her teeth, suddenly competitive now that it appeared they'd be doing something racing related. Laura had her hands foal keeping the mare in line. Diana had been awfully rough lately. She wanted to do her work and do it as fast as possible. The powerful mare cut down to the rail, asserting herself on the front end. Taboo was like silk in Reese's hands. She was so soft on the bit and, yet, there was enough energy there to assure Reese that she had a ton of horse. Taboo was not one to be underestimated and she'd proven that on several occasions. She was a fierce runner and definitely tougher than she looked. Her light frame and nature told Reese that she'd never be an Hourglass or Nirvana. Both of them could take on the boys repeatedly and come away with wins. Tabz was more of a filly's filly with her swift agility and devastating kick. Dirty Diana fanned out wide on the turn, carrying Taboo wide. The younger filly pinned her ears, showing her competitive spirit. She could be pushed around, but she sure as hell didn't take to it. She kicked into a higher gear, daring Dirty Diana to keep up if she wanted to pull those tricks. The reins were taunt in Reese's hands by the time they were halfway up the backstretch. Tabz wasn't a pushover, just light. And she sure as heck was taking her stand now. Diana wheeled through the stretch, muscles loosening up until her stride was at its greatest point. Her delicate head pressed into the air furlong, large nostrils flaring and engulfing great gulps of air. Her body looked like that of a greyhound with her deep chest and lithe rear end. Laura twined her fingers in the mare's mane as she rallied on the inside of Taboo and took over the lead again. Taboo battled back on the turn, gaining just enough advantage on Di to catch her by surprise. The slick two year old cut the turn, nearly cutting off Diana if not for Laura's swift reaction time. The larger mare bulled through the hole between Taboo and the rail. Her attack was ferocious and she nearly bowled Taboo over in the process. Taboo let loose a squeal, insulted beyond belief. Reese was impressed when she picked herself up and continued on despite the physicality. It was too late to catch Dirty Diana though. Laura went still after that. Her big mare was galloping along like a champ, ears pricked and tail high. She knew she was the champ and carried herself like one. Laura was laughing as they passed beneath the finish line. Next stop was grade one.
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Laura saw her life flash before her eyes when Dirty Diana rose on her hind legs, pawing the air. The pink roan mare looked powerful and domineering at the end of the line. Her eyes rolled when Laura backed up, dragging the mare with her. The All For Glory daughter danced ungainly on her hind legs to the unhappiness of Ripley and Reese who watched the spectacle. When the mare finally came to earth, the two others in the group relaxed visibly. Cross snorted, eyes flashing at the foolishness of the other four year old. It was perfectly clear that Dirty Diana had come out of her last race foolishly frustrated. Enough seconds, she wanted a win. Ripley rode up to Dirty Diana, grasped the reins and shook her head. "Quit it, Di." Laura clambered aboard with the swift help of Justin. "I don't know, Ripley. She might be ready for a whole other season." The crew had been hemming and hawing for a long time on the destiny of Dirty Diana. They'd hoped she'd notch her grade one win long before now, hoped she'd take to the turf and discovered she preferred it like her half-sibling Ode To Glory. Now that her niche had been discovered, she was looking for that win. Laura took the reins up, shaking her head. "Sorry, Ripley. Sometimes I just forget how to handle that." Ripley tapped the girl's hand, smirked. "Sometimes I forget too and then you remember." Ripley nudged Cross along to a jog down the path. The black mare was really alert, ears pricked and muscles bunched. She was watching the pasture with an intent gaze. Ripley followed the look, spotted Sweeto Cheeto and Positively Precious playing along the fence line. With a flick of the reins, Cross' attention was returned to the track and suddenly she was a hell of a lot more focused. Her biological clock could be ticking, but her heart would forever be with the track. Bella Luna pranced onto the dirt, eyes darkening with dislike. She loathed the dirt. She was forced to work harder on the dirt in order to get that win. Reese was finding that the dirt was only furthering her form. She'd been virtually unbeatable since the turf track had closed for the winter. The near white mare tossed her black mane in defiance, but obliged Reese by moving into a strong hand-gallop. Dirty Diana rollicked along the inner rail, bucking and squealing like a little foal. Reese had a private laugh, enjoying the fact that Laura was getting all she could handle today. Cross lined out like a greyhound down the backstretch, ears pinned back into her mane. She had bloody fast speed, scary speed when she was feeling her oats. Today, she was cruising like the professional race mare she'd become. Ripley appreciated the transformation from frightened young two year old to ballsy older mare. She'd made a gamble taking this one in and now it was paying off. Now Cross was a champion for the ages and Ripley had experienced the success of a lifetime. Cross' savage head cocked outward when Bella Luna galloped up to her outside. Her eyes flashed, threatened physical action, but a soft nudge from Ripley kept the black in line. "Boy, you're full of yourself today, Diana," Laura muttered as the mare skipped around the first turn two lengths behind Cross and Bella. She was a heavy mare when she was on the bridle and today, she was pulling Laura out of the saddle. She rumbled over the course, stride lengthening in the backstretch. Her ears pricked and Laura sighed in relief. Suddenly, Diana picked up and relaxed. Laura flexed her fingers in thanks. It was to be a five furlong workout ending at the wire. Cross was going to light them up with Bella Luna not quite liking the surface change. The light gray mare would definitely be relieved to set foot on GHF's turf course. Dirty Diana would basically have to reel the black one in and Laura was more than ready to do so. Ripley released Cross and ducked, hair blowing back when the mare moved into a sprint. She had a quick turn of foot and would blaze race or workout start to finish. Her legs flew over the dirt, kicking up clumps in her wake. She was known for her turf racing, but her speed was just as lethal on the dirt. If she'd been able to have one more year, Ripley probably would have stuck her on the dirt to silence her doubters. Luckily for them, Cross was done for her career after the Breeders' Cup. Bella Luna tracked in second, her fluid striding slightly interrupted, but improving as she went along. She had a confidence about her that seemed to say she would run as well as she could on this foreign surface. Reese was proud of the gray's courage, loved her all the more for it. The gray leveled out in the third furlong, settling into her grand stride. Familiar with the dirt surface, Dirty Diana loomed an ominous presence as the mares headed into the far turn. Laura liked the power of the pink roan, recognized it as filthy speed when turned loose. The All For Glory mare was impressive as she skipped through the turn, slick as a fish. Laura let her go right before the homestretch, grinning from ear to ear when she exploded and swarmed Bella Luna. A second later, the roan buried the future Hall Of Famer, and was off in pursuit of the second. Reese grunted when Bella Luna toiled in the pink roan's wake. She hustled the mare forward, satisfied when she responded with a grinding effort. She wasn't the claimer that Di had made her out to be. Come next race in the Melbourne Cup, Bella Luna would eat her rivals up and spit them out. Determination lined both of their faces as they gave futile chase to the dual surfaced horses. Cross' ears had pinned when Diana rushed to her outside and put her to a drive. Ripley was impressed by Dirty Diana, even more impressed when she managed to get head in front of Cross. Tough as nails, the black mare battled back with a fierce lunge, edging out the other mare. The pair continued past the wire, ears pinned as though they were keen on battling for ultimate supremacy. Chided by their riders, the pair turned back and caught up with Bella Luna who was covered in dirt. "Betcha she can't wait to get back to the turf." "Oh yeah. You can say that again." The clear morning air was a welcoming touch for Justin Santiago. His apartment was in need of a drastic going over. He hadn't been able to clean it in such a long time because of the hectic schedule at Witch Creek. They had downsized and then upsized and continued to upsize. Ripley was notorious for horse trading and dealing. Some horses came back and some didn't. Only one had in the recent dealings. Popcorn Blitz. The chestnut stud was raucous as ever. Even now, Justin could hear the blaze faced stallion picking a fight with In Front. At least someone was giving In Front a little exercise. The big bay was on resting duty and being a horse duty. Until Ripley was satisfied he was "horse enough," the Touch Up colt was out of training. Justin expected him back by the end of December. In Front would grow tired of being just a horse. True runners always did. The kid stepped into the barn and felt a rush of warmth on his skin. Winter was here and so were the heaters in the barn. Twin nickers demanded Justin's attention from the section of cross-ties. Neither of the horses were his. Lethal Dose and Dirty Diana eyed him as though he were a piece of meat. The pink roan mare snorted, pawed the ground furiously, much to the chagrin of Brookson Wells. Justin's eyes widened as he remembered that Brooks would be subbing for Laura aboard Diana. Laura was sticking to Lethal Dose like a burr until she at least hit the higher levels. Laura was running a brush down Lee's satiny head. She raised her brows at him as he jogged past. "A little late, aren't you? Good thing I got your demon mount ready for you." Justin slackened his pace considerably, sighing gratefully when he spotted Sultan tacked up. His smile of gratitude dimmed when Ripley turned the colt around. "Well, hello, Justin." Her voice was chilly, but her eyes were warm as they swept over him. She was a woman of many talents. "Fancy seeing you here for your horse's workout set." "Yeah... fancy that." He blushed when the woman slapped the leather reins into his gloved hand. "Thanks, Ripley." She shrugged as she left. She suffered no fools, especially during her pregnancy. Brooks flashed Justin a small smile. He knew how those bracing words felt at 5:30 A.M. Not good. At all. Brooks patted Ripley's back as she bowed to check out Diana's wraps. "How's she look?" he asked, brushing off the previous chill. Ripley stood slowly and yawned. "Pretty good. She's fit enough to come back to work. Definitely needs this outing. She's been overeager in her workouts. I can't wait to get her on the turf track. She really exploded in her last start before the layoff. Should have tried the grass sooner." Laura snickered as Ripley moved to Lee. "Well at least we know Lee will never prefer the grass." Ripley chuckled, adjusted a strap on the wrap. "Always a bonus. She's a pretty good dirt horse anyway. No need to change." "I need a six furlong breeze from them. Open their lungs, but do not let them fly. No need to overdo it." The riders nodded and mounted up within the barn, grimacing as the winter breeze slapped them through the open doors. Sultan let out a whistle, lifting his head into the cool air as though it were paradise. Justin twined his hands into the dark colt's mane, happy he had a furnace beneath him for the morning's workout. The colt pranced enthusiastically after his counterparts. This was the happiest Sultan had ever been in his entire career with Witch Creek. He'd already been settled in and he still was downright miserable, but something had changed so that he was less miserable to be around. The powerful animal strutted out onto the dirt track, tossing his head and kicking up his hooves. "Easy, boy. Easy." Lethal Dose bolted into a gallop the minute Laura released the reins. The bay daughter of Lethal Knack was as powerful as they came with a short-fuse personality to match. She settled into stride quickly heading toward the first turn, ears pricking. Laura tucked her fingers into the whipping mane, letting the piercing wind have its way with her. Winter was never a fun season. Never would be a fun season. Brooks let Dirty Diana move into her gallant stride before he took up on the reins at all. She was a powerful mare, had grown more so as the season had progressed. Her times were improving with every race and she was just at the precipice of grade one action. Things would get a hell of a lot tougher from here, but her performances were finally living up to all of the early billing. The large mare flitted over the course, tracking the strong colt and the rangy filly. She had maturity and experience on these two. A queen among peasants. Sultan pulled the reins through Justin's hands, defying as much control as he could. The kid kept a stern grip and jerked the bit out of teeth more than once. Dirt was definitely Sultan's preferred surface. He got better traction over the dirt than the turf. Yet, he was still good enough to win on the turf. The recently crowned grade four two year old would be making a surface switch after a very profitable early season. Such a move was unprecedented, but when you were working over the prime stuff, you switched for full benefit. The colt coasted through the backstretch, ears sliding back into his mane and eyes becoming brighter as he realized they would get to open up in the stretch. Justin kept a keen ear out for Lee and Diana. Both horses were awfully clever and tough. Neither gave an inch when it came to racing. And Lee was especially sharp right now. Laura guided her bay three year old to the outside of Sultan for prime space. Lee was really swallowing the dirt like nothing today. She had a solid stride and a heart as big as the country. She was courageous in defeat and today she would be out for the victory as she had lost her last time out. Sitting on the edge of grade three, the bay was moving up with impressive precision. Today was the beginning of her final months as a three year old. Diana was stalking the younger two with a predatory expression on her face. She'd enjoyed the time off, but she hadn't forgotten her calling. The All For Glory mare ate up the ground into the far turn and prepared to run her opponents into the ground. Sultan's ears locked back against his neck when Lethal Dose moved up to challenge. The bay filly was an intimidating opponent to most, but she'd find no easy mark in Casualty of War. Laura pumped a little with her hands, found the gear she'd been looking for and settled down for the ride. The pair of horses battled strongly down the stretch, locked in impressive battle. Brooks chirped to Diana halfway down the lane, grinned when she skipped over Casualty of War's heels and gunned up the inside lane. Casualty of War had made a beginner's mistake by coming off the rail to engage Lethal Dose. The big gray mare was more than willing to take advantage of the slip. He'd timed the winning move correctly and the opponent. Sultan looked furious when the gray shot under the wire first, but not nearly as furious as Lee who had seen Dirty Diana only too late. It was almost time for game time. The riders could hardly wait. "People are losing faith in us, Bella girl," Reese crooned as she rubbed the pure white face of her filly. Things had changed dramatically in the couple of years Reese had raced her filly. The Sea Struck filly had grown from consistent two year old to absolute brilliance at the age of three and now to an adult with a solid campaign. Reese wanted to do better for her filly. Bella Luna was a champion. She was Reese's champion and her heart. This would be Bella's last year of racing and they had to make it a good one. Hall Of Fame was potentially waiting for them if they just accomplished more. It always required more. More toughness, more heart, more bravery, more confidence, more speed, more stamina. That was what the Twilight Stakes was for. It was a true test of all of those traits and more. Bella Luna had others. She had tactical speed. She had back class. She had the ability to cruise for as long as necessary and still have punch at the end. Eleven furlongs awaited for the beautiful creature and her rider. At the end, the mare could join legends and have her name proudly featured alongside the likes of greatness past. "Then show 'em that they must never give up on you," Laura said as she passed with Dirty Diana. "Show them your grit and your heart. Show them that it was a mistake to let their faith fall by the wayside." Reese's brown eyes glinted at Laura's words. Sometimes the prickly red-head could tap into her rare soft side. The horses brought it out of her that was for sure. Dirty Diana pranced at the end of her shank, dark eyes glowing with knowing. She wasn't an outright brilliant mare by any means. She didn't have the prestige of Bella Luna's bloodlines or the overwhelming three year old campaign. She had something else. She had true grit and power. Dirty Diana had yet to finish out of the top two and she was three victories away from grade one. The roan mare had a shot at the big time, just like Whipped Cream and Feline had in Year Thirteen. Laura wanted to give her that chance. Lord knows, they both deserved it as badly as Luna deserved a win in the second biggest race of her career. Second only to her Turf Triple Crown clinching win in the Belmont Turf Classic. Ripley nodded to the riders as they walked out of the barn. Her green eyes were glowing with pleasure at the sight of the two horses. Bella Luna and Dirty Diana were spectacularly muscled and lean. Both of them were showing all of the good health that they had carried throughout the season. "Di's got her first shot over the turf. We'll see how she does against an old hat like Bella Luna." "Old she may be, but I like to think she's a classic," Reese teased. Ripley smiled, patted the mare's dappled butt. "She's nothing less than classic, Reese." Ripley could feel a wave of emotion pouring through her. This would be her last season of riding for a year or so. She wasn't just saying goodbye to the likes of Mastermind and Cross My Heart. She was saying goodbye to an astonishing training spree over the last three years. She was going to make a return, but she could sympathize with Reese. Reese was going to be losing her champion too upon the year's closure. Laura's face set into a stony look as she turned Dirty Diana to the track. It would be Diana's job to set Bella Luna up for a race of the ages. She'd been galloping over the turf better than she galloped over the dirt. The hills made her focus more, but Laura swore the pink roan mare was more fluid over the grass. Perhaps, Bella Luna would be facing a tougher workmate than any of them thought. Laura nudged the strong mare into a hand-gallop, pleased at the grace that surged out of the oddly colored mare. Bella Luna flowed into a gallop, black tail and mane framing her elegant face. The pearly mare looked absolutely ethereal against the emerald grass. She was gorgeous and she just moved so elegantly. Reese tucked her fingers at the mare's wither's, smiling as the horse took them past Dirty Diana up the hill. She trucked up the hillside, snorting through her nostrils in absolute excitement. The rider leaned close to the mare's neck as she took them up and over the hills. Dirty Diana tucked in neatly behind Bella Luna as though she'd been running the turf her whole life. The mare had a confidence now that she hadn't had in the beginning of the year. Now she was an absolute fox. Now she knew she'd catch the front running horses and beat them. The mare skipped down the hillside with consummate professionalism, switching leads to give the other one a break. Bella Luna was moving so strongly that Diana fell back a couple lengths despite her own powerful strides. Reese was sitting as chilly as can be at the crest of the final hillside. She let a finger touch the silky neck of her mount, a smile touching her lips. "Game on," she called to Laura before sending Bella down the hill at a canter. Diana followed like a hound to a rabbit, ears pinned as if she took Reese's words seriously. Laura was impressed by the mare's intensity, choked a laugh when she leaped as Bella had from the hillside. The reins soared with a soft whistle through Reese's fingers as Bella went from contained to flying. The Sea Struck filly roared away, kicking up clots of turf that hit Di in the chest without mercy. Reese heard Laura swear as her pink mare ducked out, skipped over Luna's heels and went head to head with the pure white mare. Bella kicked on marvelously with the sudden competition, matching her enemy's strides. Di was gritty down to the bone, but on the grass she was something extra special. The mares stormed through the wire at a fast clip and galloped out nearly as impressively. Ripley clicked the watch as the horses disappeared from view. "Game on," Ripley murmured. "Absolutely game on." 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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