"She's a relatively easy filly to ride," Laura said as she tightened the girth on Lethal Dose. The strong bay daughter of Lethal Knack snorted, eyes rolling slightly in disgust. She never liked this part and Laura had to admit it reminded her a lot of corseting, something she probably wouldn't have enjoyed either. "But don't let her get distracted Brooks. She'll get sluggish if you lose focus. Being a comfortable ride, she can be slightly deceiving." Brooks watched Laura and Lee with watchful blue eyes. The prickly pair seemed a match made in heaven. Somehow, the girl was able to ride just as well aboard the sweetest filly in the bunch. He placed a hand on that filly's neck, assessing her. Nirvana was in gleaming good health and grade three status sure seemed to agree with her. She'd put them all to shame with her sweeping juvenile performances. Nirvana had been the underdog, but she was doing just as well as the perfectly bred Sun King. Brooks was eager to get on the outstanding two year old filly and compare her to his brilliant mount. "I've dealt with her type before. She'll go good for me, hopefully." Laura rolled her eyes. It was such a boy thing that they thought they could get on any mount and make it perform. Some pairs didn't click for a reason. Laura cast a wary eye at Vana, secretly warning her to behave. This workout would ultimately determine her performance in the South Ocean Stakes so she had to do well. Otherwise, defeat would be awaiting them. Justin walked Casualty of War outside of the barn, shaking his feet as he walked to rid them of the cold. The powerful bay colt beside him seemed to radiate heat. His magnificent body shimmered in the weak winter light and he hardly looked cold at all. The son of Man O' War was in excellent health and prepared to make another run over the dirt surface. The colt was an extremely talented animal and his form could hardly be argued with. He had a waspish temperament, but when he was on that could all be forgiven. Justin stopped the horse, facing the sunlight and just soaked it in. He'd be sweating in a matter of minutes when they got to the dirt track. Casualty of War was a hard animal to ride, but the reward was simply great when they connected. Ripley watched the horses intently, resting her arms over her belly. To anyone else it looked like she was looking for something to grow, but inside, Ripley was praying it would stay as small as possible. She couldn't lose her mounts and wouldn't send Mastermind postward without her. They'd worked too hard, stayed together too long to not go out in the spotlight. Ripley's green eyes were filled with shadows of late, betraying the nonchalance she'd shown the media days before. Mastermind had missed the Winter Dawn Treader Cup and now would be tested harder than ever in his final three starts. She sighed, shook her head when Brooks laid a hand on her shoulder. He was the only one who knew Ripley well enough to call bullshit. "What's it gonna be today, Doc?" Ripley snorted, leaned into him briefly, displaying vulnerability that shocked Laura and Justin slightly. The prickly woman wasn't one for PDA, not that this could really be titled that. Laura turned her gaze to Lee, pondering Ripley's upcoming retirement. She'd been one of the greatest jockeys, piloting El Sol Del Mar, Fiery Touch, Cross My Heart, Mastermind, The Devil's Hourglass and Saintly Touch. Each and everyone had been incredible in their own way. Several had been incredible enough to make a claim for legendary and Hall of Fame. Laura hoped one day she'd have that light, but knew pregnancy would never be in the cards for her. "Mile gallop into a five furlong breeze. Finish on even terms if you can. No runaways. We're trying to test their courage in the face of battle." Brooks nodded and mounted up on Nirvana. He was slightly surprised when he settled into the tiny racing saddle. For a small filly, she sure had a big feel to her. He could feel the power in her frame, eyed the large shoulders with excitement. This was the reason for Nirvana's success. He patted her thick neck in appreciation and nodded at Laura. "She feels good." Laura cocked a brow from her spot aboard Lethal Dose. The rangy filly flicked her ears, eyes blazing with fire as she walked by Nirvana. Lee possessed a commanding air, only increased by her recent accomplishments. One win from grade three was nothing to snort at when you'd raced only once as a two year old. "Good is an understatement." Ripley gave a leg up to Justin and repeated her instructions. "Don't let him get heavy in your hand today. Relax him." Justin nodded, patted his colt as he headed down the path. The bay horse had become a bit of a powerhouse in his gallops and was becoming a credit to Ripley's new style of training. The hotheaded animal simply couldn't tolerate being out of work. On days when he was feeling especially naughty, Ripley had asked Justin to take him out for the second time those days. It seemed to have work and the extra training certainly couldn't hurt the solid animal. The trio of horses stepped onto the track, ears pricking and muscles bunching. Lethal Dose was quick to break off, fleet strides flying over the ground. The unmarked filly had a quick way of going and she simply devoured the ground. Her black mane blew into Laura's face and she just grew stronger into the first turn. Laura kept her hands at the filly's neck, keeping herself steady as much as the horse. Sometimes Lethal Dose could be a handful and that energy could take over Laura. Not today. Brooks had to admit he was impressed with Nirvana. The blaze-marked horse seemed very much at ease when her two workmates shot out to the lead. She got into the bridle, but she sure didn't pull you out of the saddle. Her ears were pricked on the colt and filly ahead, but her stride was even and long. He kept a loose rein, not egging her on to pick it up just yet. The bay filly clipped through the fractions with ease and precision and Brooks didn't mind letting her fall back seven lengths off the top pair. Justin kept a kind touch on Sultan's face, reminding him that he was still aboard and that the horse needed to behave. The large horse could definitely get full of himself, but not in a race. It was quite unusual for the headstrong horse to not be a wild runaway. He could be strong, but if was allowed to set a strong pace the horse seemed to be able to run all day. The heavy colt kept the lighter filly just behind him down the homestretch, moving as easily as he pleased. Justin liked knowing he had a stamina proven mount, appreciated that there could be several moves made in the race. He leaned closer as they cut through the turn, nearly checking Lethal Dose in the process. Laura growled and switched the three year old to the outside, winged her up alongside Sultan. Lethal Dose grew competitive when she was pushed around and now was no exception. She bolted up to run head and head with the juvenile, ears lost in her torrid black mane. Her strides were swift and fast and she defied the idea that colts were innately better than fillies. Her maturity over the year had been impressive and now she was a running machine. Laura still had an easy grip on the reins, felt the filly's mouth as she rolled through the first two furlongs. Casualty of War kept up easily, appreciating the increase in pace. Laura knew that Nirvana would also be appreciating said pace and expected a run from that one very soon. Soon was an understatement. The stout filly was closing in rapidly, making up impressive ground on the turn. Brooks leaned close, a grin spreading across his features and pressed the filly onward. She had a good turn of foot for such a heavy looking filly. And when she ran, she cruised like a luxury vehicle. Nirvana swung out to the outside of Lethal Dose and was at the filly's haunch by the final furlong. Lee's outside ear flicked and Laura knew that it was time for more. She flicked the whip and Lee punched it, leaving the game Casualty of War slightly stunned until he saw the rival on the outside. Justin chirped to the colt, appreciated his response to run with Nirvana, despite being outfooted by Lethal Dose. Nirvana could not make the ground up on the middle distance filly after the tremendous run, but she sure had gotten enough bottom to do some damage in her next couple of starts. Laura patted Lethal Dose's neck as the filly galloped out powerfully into the final turn. She was only getting better. It was easy to forget that this was truly her only year of racing. The talent was there. The question was how long before she made it to the big leagues?
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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. It wasn't often this year that Laura rode a streaking horse. Last year, she'd had a brilliant pair in Whipped Cream and Feline Frenzy. Both mares had gone from underdog to top dog in less than half a season. Since their retirement, Laura's two replacement fillies, Nirvana and Dirty Diana, had been consistently tough and hard to beat, but nothing extra special. Both mares were likely going to to see their best years of racing next year. Her something special came in the form of a hearty bay filly out of Lethal Knack. She was more coltish than any filly Witch Creek had in training currently. More physical and definitely stronger mentally. Lethal Dose had something going for her that was finally showing its true stripes. Her break had done her good and now she was coming into her first Horse Of The Year start since the beginning of Year Fourteen. Adding in a three race win streak and Lethal Dose was becoming the standout she couldn't have been due to immaturity earlier in the season. Justin was hoping for the same kind of turn around for Noc. She was an underdog filly due to her racing, not because of her pedigree. She was definitely stylish enough with Night Stalker and Train Wreck as her parents. It was her confidence that needed to have an adjustment. The lean gray filly watched Lethal Dose with wariness, not with command. She shrank back when Lethal Dose puffed herself up to whinny a challenge. Justin patted the gray's neck, comforting her as best he could. She leaned into the pressure, eyes brightening only marginally. It would take a while, but she'd become the super star Fleet Street and Saintly Touch already were. The fillies both snorted when Ripley exited her office, clipboard in hand. "What ladies? Is that anyway to greet the head honcho?" Lee bobbed her head, eyes rolling as if she found the moment quite funny. Noc bowed her neck, moving her lips together. She knew Ripley brought treats where ever she roamed. She was not disappointed when the red head stepped up to give a peppermint. Lee stomped in irritation until Ripley walked over and placed the delicacy right under nose. Silence lingered for a few moments before Noc whinnied for more. Justin eyed the silver-grey in surprise. She wasn't always this demanding, at least not usually. "She's getting some of her spirit back," Justin laughed, patting the filly's neck. "More and more," Ripley agreed. She tapped a finger to the clipboard, smiled. "Anyway. Their races are going to be interesting. We aren't going to push, Noc. She's been training beautifully now that she's settled in, but we're not going to expect too much too soon. Move at the pace of the horse, don't move her at our pace." Justin hummed as Laura finished tacking Lethal Dose. The bay filly watched the trainer with intense eyes as though she could understand every word. "Let's do a half-mile warm up with a six furlong breeze. Just enough to open up their lungs." Laura laughed. "Lee's lungs were made open." Lee snorted, nearly bolting forward when Laura unclipped the cross-ties. She was clearly ready to roll. Nocturnal Runaway backed away, eyes rolling until Justin came to her. Ripley boosted both riders into their saddles, eyes gleaming when they stepped into the daylight. She loved her fiery and sensitive fillies. Nocturnal Runaway pranced down the dirt path, ears bopping over her head in delight. She genuinely seemed to be happy to be here. Instead of running straight to the track and straight back, Noc took her time, ears flicking to take in all of the sights and sounds. The silver-gray filly leaped onto the track like a tiger, hauling Justin onto his toes. She ran with his neck bowed down and her tail waving above her rear. She made quite the picture for a small filly. Lee knew things were different today. The bay went from trotting to galloping the minute she realized her counterpart was not a wait and see type of horse. She was fired up as she rolled up to Nocturnal Runaway with her ears pinned. Laura actually felt tension in the reins, grinning. It was so nice having a powerful engine beneath you. Lee cruised just off of Nocturnal Runaway as the two year old sped up to lead into the backstretch. Ripley liked what was she was seeing from the pair as they marched into the backstretch. It was already time to start the half-mile and Nocturnal Runaway was giving Lethal Dose a piece of her mind. The daughter of Night Stalker was not going to let the bay filly have it easy. She was really running from the get-go and Justin was just sitting as chilly as ever. The reins were taunt and her strides were only getting stronger. The turf workouts had developed muscle the filly had lacked. Laura had to admit she was secretly impressed by Nocturnal Runaway. Lethal Dose was not one to go head to head with another horse unless she felt like they had the advantage. The powerful bay filly rumbled up to Noc's side on the far turn, ears pinned back into her mane. Her intent was clear. If she couldn't catch Noc right now, she was going to try to intimidate her. Justin felt the pressure come in like a wave on Noc. The silver-gray filly closed in on herself momentarily. It was just enough leeway for the Lethal Knack daughter to take the lead. Justin was cursing, but once Lee cleared, Noc darted to the outside path. He saw Laura look up in surprise when Noc not only came back, but came roaring on Lethal Dose's outside. Ripley let out a wolf whistle at the move, would have clapped her hands if she wasn't holding binoculars. Nocturnal Runaway and Lethal Dose stormed down the track, going all out to defeat the other. Lethal Dose only just got the better of her younger opponent at the wire, but Noc continued to roll through the gallop out. Justin was thrilled with the turn of events. He patted Noc's neck enthusiastically, a wide smile on his face. The silver-gray filly snorted, but it was so clear that she was proud of herself. When Lethal Dose trotted by, Laura flashed him a thumbs up. It was a workout worthy of a victory. Perhaps the tides were turning for more than Lethal Dose. There was a lot of shifting going on around the Witch Creek barns. Horses were moving in and out for their days work. Some were leaving to Green Horse Fields and some were returning from The Wire for brief respites away from the race track. Brooks loved the action of the place. For all of its business, no one was ever raising their voice or confused. Ripley Marsh ran a tight, effective ship, but a compassionate one. If anyone had an issue, the head honcho was brought in immediately. It was her place and her passion. He smiled as she walked into the barn leading a dripping Hourglass. The bay daughter of Sand Storm looked beautiful after her workout, muscles standing out beneath glistening hide. She paraded by, nickering at Lethal Dose and pinning her ears at Optimus. Brooks let the horse star marked colt step back. Hourglass simply didn't tolerate the horses below her on the rung. It was better not to force the issue. He petted the winner of the Tick Tock Sprint, smiled when the colt rubbed his head against his chest. Optimus was a sweet one when he wasn't jumping all over the place. "For your workouts, I just want a good five furlong maintenance move. A half mile gallop is all that's necessary. Until next week, they'll be getting 2 minute lick miles so this effort really is just to open them up." Ripley stopped beside In Front, leaning down to check the cut he sustained in his turf race last out. He'd performed well for not handling the surface and the injury. "He's good to go." She looked up as Lethal Dose followed In Front out, a testy look on her face. "Don't let her go too fast, Laura." Ripley kissed Brooks before following them. He grinned stupidly after her. Happy to have her back. It'd been a long, cold year in Year Thirteen. Now she was his girlfriend and they were doing better than ever. Just as they should have been doing all along. "Like you, small fry. Let's go show these big horses who the real champ is." Optimus bobbed his head, pranced on his toes as he headed out of the barn. The Shiver Me Timbers colt was becoming a favorite of Brooks. He had a happy go lucky attitude and a good brain. He was malleable and brave and he could run the hooves off most other horses in the homestretch. Always a plus. Justin felt back where he belonged aboard the tall, handsome In Front. The huge colt was the type of horse he loved to ride. He was tough, durable and a tank. He stood proudly at the top of the path, soaking in the early morning sun. In Front let out a challenging trumpet, pinned his ears when it was answered by Lethal Dose and his sire, Touch Up. Laura patted Lee's neck, laughing. "He's not talking to you!" The filly stared coldly in In Front's direction, unimpressed. She wasn't a fan of the big horse. He'd been her workout partner for the past month and he was too annoying. Laura could understand the sentiment. She felt the same way about Brooks. She snickered when the man sent her a look and stated, "Well, might as well get going." The bay trio high-stepped down the path on to the track. All of their ears pricked simultaneously. Taboo was flying around the track, gray hide glimmering like a lake. The riders waited until the Everyday Hero filly flitted by before asking their horses to move out at an easy gallop. Lethal Dose assumed the lead, ears pinning back into her mane. She was more high strung than the two males, though definitely not the fastest right out of it. Optimus was the prince of fast in the workout. He ran with his chin tucked to his chest, muscling his way forward as if he were bigger than his 15.3 height. In Front lumbered along at the back, settled and easy-going as ever. He was a tough horse to ride, but once focused, it was more like point and shoot. He cruised along behind the pair, happy to not be running head to head with Lethal Dose. The filly was becoming tougher with every win and In Front was tired of losing to her. It just made her even harder to deal with. Justin let the reins loose as the heavy colt changed leads going into the backstretch. Half mile was officially up. And just like that, Lee leaped into the bit and tore off with Optimus on her tail. The filly became the epitome of racehorse as she soared across the track. Her body was neatly parallel to the track, completely extended. She had a serious look in her gaze that said she meant business. Optimus settled on her outside, pacing her like a predator to prey. He'd seen an increase in confidence as well. He was faster and more mature. He rolled along, tucking neatly to her hip as she trucked through the first three furlongs. Boy this horse could just cruise, Justin thought as In Front marched to his own beat behind the faster horses. He was such a good horse. So comfortable and such a confidence booster. In Front charged forward, eyes gleaming as the leaders launched into the turn. He was revved and it showed in the sweeping movement that took him from five lengths back to two and gaining. The blaze faced colt waited until the stretch before he swung out, listening perfectly to Justin's commands. Brooks sensed trouble when In Front rolled up on his outside and Lee came to Optimus' shoulder. The bay filly could be dirty in intimidation tactics. Just as Laura went to pull Lee off Optimus, the Lethal Knack filly firmly pinched him back. Optimus skipped backward, breaking his momentum enough that the larger horses narrowly missed slamming each other. In Front roared by, now pursued by a furious Lethal Dose. Cursing, Brooks winged Optimus to the center of the track and let the reins soar. With his typical flying stride, the Shiver Me Timbers colt burst forward as though he'd been standing still. In a matter of blurry strides, Optimus was up to In Front's outside and sandwiching him in tight. Lee had the lead again thanks to her quicker turn of foot, but the colts gained rapidly. The world was shaking for all involved as they soared through the line. And on the sidelines, Ripley was clapping like a fool. Now that was a terrific way to start the closing portion of the racing year. 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. July Week Twoman hunt"I swear that this filly is tired of loosing," Laura growled as she tightened the girth to the racing saddle. She could hear the blood pounding in Lee's veins beneath that molten silver-brown hide. Lethal Knack had passed on some vengeful traits to his three year old daughter and it seemed it was only a matter of time before she acted on them. "I mean, seriously. She scared Battle Wings and she's been working out against our top tier horses ever since her return. How the hell are we being shut out every single race?" Brooks thought it was funny that the two completely opposite personality people had settled on the same thought. Laura would never have spoken this way to Brooks' girlfriend, Ripley, who was also the owner, but she could talk to him. He was more like a brother even though he was the assistant trainer at Witch Creek. Ripley had ranted to him last night and told him specifically to make sure that In Front and Lethal Dose got a good strong workout. She faith in both horses to notch that next victory, but she wanted a four furlong lung opener on each horse. A lung opener would be no problem for In Front. The blaze faced son of Touch Up stood head high and eyes full of eagerness and excitement. His body shook with it and his feet kept lifting as though he were marching in place. He'd finished second behind Anodyne in the Queen's Plate, but something told Brooks that the colt wanted more distance. It was likely In Front could snag the victory in the Prince of Wale's Stakes if perfectly trained for it. He'd been perfect in his gallops since the Queen's Plate, but he'd been perfect in every workout this season. He was on the edge of grade and Brooks certainly felt there was no more deserving horse than In Front to step up. He'd tangoed in every dance this year and proved he was a true battle-tested warrior. Lethal Dose was getting there. The bay filly had been stopped last time out with a disappointing fourth place finish, but perhaps she'd disappointed herself more than her handlers. All Laura knew was that the three year old was now breathing fire and today's workout was going to be a fireworks show. Lethal Dose snorted, bobbing her head as if she knew Laura's train of thought. The quartet strode out of the barn, humans mounting up as soon as possible. Lethal Dose let out a commanding neigh, pawing the ground fiercely enough to have In Front assessing her twice. The blaze faced colt snorted, eyes blazing at her in disgust of her newfound energy and strength. He practically pulled the reins through Brooks' hands, storming down the dirt path with fury. Brooks shook his head, cast a half-smile in Ripley's direction. The woman leaned against the railing of the track, green eyes following every move the horses made. She expected good performances and Brooks knew that she would get great performances. Lee bolted into a hand-gallop the minute she slipped by In Front. Her strides were powerful and purposeful, her neck extending so that her head was even with her shoulder. This was new. Usually, Lee was the one standing around for days. Instead, she cruised over the dirt course, kicking up massive clumps in her wake. The Lethal Knack filly was feeling murderous today. Hopefully, In Front would not be taken prisoner. Laura knew Lethal Dose would be a filly to reckon with. She had faith and pride in this whirlwind mount. Perhaps the press and competition did not see it, but someday they would. Brooks let out a low whistle when Lethal Dose cruised into the turn all alone on the lead. She going smoothly, tail flicking above her rear. Obviously, In Front would be closing as he was already five lengths behind. The big, lumbering animal rolled over the course with ears locked on the target. He mouthed the bit, chomping the aluminum with powerful bites. He was practically saying, "let me at her." Brooks kept the reins as loose as possible without letting the Touch Up colt soar. Laura did not bother to restrain Lethal Dose. It was too obvious that the filly would canter off and not get as hard a workout as necessary because In Front would not be pressuring her until the homestretch. She let the reins fly between her fingers, turning this four furlong blitz into a steady mile clip. Ripley would potentially kill her, but even the head trainer, unbeknownst to Laura, was nodding in approval from the rail. It was too late now anyway. Lethal Dose had a hold of the bit and she was on a tear. Brooks swore under his breath, feeling In Front pick up the pace in response to Lethal Dose's quick turn of foot. Change of plans. Luckily, In Front was not a one run closer. He was a grinder or a stalker usually. He did not need pace, but now he had it. The colt bounded over the earth, strides huge and effortless as he pursued the filly he'd underestimated. Lethal Dose spun around the turn, head up and mouth agape, clearly enjoying her run. She'd rolled through the first two furlongs and was just gliding at this point. Her ears had begun to flicker though and Laura knew that could only mean one thing. The unrelenting, powerful charge of In Front. In Front was potentially the second best colt in the country and there was a reason for that. Laura asked Lee to pick it up and she willingly responded. Her strides became fiercer as she whirled into the homestretch, ears bobbing back to lay flat on her neck. Brooks wanted to cackle maniacally as his strong horse wheeled up on Lethal Dose's outside. The colt's eyes were blazing as he drew alongside of her, his massive body dwarfing her smaller, but coltish one. Brooks knew he could tap the gear at anytime, but surprisingly In Front was not going by easily. Brooks' imaginary laugh turned into a grimace as Lethal Dose rallied on the inside to take the lead again, not budging. In Front geared up again, drawing the match to even, but Lethal Dose kept picking up speed. She was battling fiercely and now so was In Front. The two bays roared down to the wire, ears pinned, eyes fierce. No one was waving the white flag of surrender. The pair surged beneath the wire together, nose and nose. Brooks would have sworn Lethal Dose had nabbed In Front. When he glanced up, he knew she had. Laura never wore smug smiles when she lost. Ripley thrilled at the power of the three year olds as they cantered back into the first turn. Critics would say it was a poor workout for In Front if he couldn't even beat a maiden winner, but Ripley thought, perhaps they would be watching the rise of Lethal Dose as a runner in a few months. Workouts that ended in :10 2/5th second final furlongs usually meant that the subjects had plenty of speed and were coming into form. Tucking the watch into her pocket, Ripley prepared to watch her dirt three year olds rise from the ashes. paranoid heartRipley couldn't help but snarl as she raced through tacking up Cross My Heart for the workout. Cross was edgy as all get out thanks to Ripley's rush job. She danced between the cross-ties, throwing her head and flicking her tail in displeasure. She liked when Ripley took her time, became frustrated by all the action. It was times like this when Ripley could appreciate the black mare. Two years ago, Cross would have been screaming and cowering between the ties, fearful of all humans and ropes. Today, her eyes glittered with defiance and she was ready to pour gasoline on the fire if pushed too far. Across the way, Maggie was cranking the girth up on Paranormal Hunter. The bay filly bared her teeth in fury, launching both back hooves off the ground and barely missing Brooks as he dashed from the office to the stall of Lethal Dose. All four horses that were being worked today had an hour before the van picked them up. It had been a misunderstanding, but they couldn't miss the van into The Wire. Four big races in the next couple weeks meant being on time and no mess-ups. Obviously the second one wasn't going to happen, but the first still could. "All right, Rips. I'm all set." Maggie grunted as she hurtled onto the back of Paranormal Hunter. The daughter of Flash Limit's pinned her ears, but spun on command to trot out of the barn. Cross was practically in motion by the time Ripley scrambled onto the slim mare's back. The black horse did not suffer fools, not even a fool she adored. Ripley settled in, setting the mare into a canter after her lumbering stable-mate. Cross My Heart was a devilishly fast horse. She seemed to fly over the ground, breaking the barrier with every swift stride. She was a thrill to watch and amazingly durable. Cross had everything going for her. Looks, speed, pure courage. She never seemed to fail to be in contention at the wire and was classic enough to last from five furlongs to a mile. She was coming off a dominating victory in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf and would look to continue her rivalry with Innocent Passion in the Nearctic Stakes. Ripley relished the idea of taking on that foe, especially with Cross rounding back into her top form cycle. Maggie was getting a different feeling from Paranormal Hunter. The big bay daughter of Flash Limits was not going to wow you with her efforts in her workouts. She was not absolutely brilliant by any means until you set a target in front of her and asked her to give chase. Only in races was Para absolutely brilliant. She had a turn of foot like no other horse on the current Witch Creek roster. It always appeared that she wasn't going to be there at the end and then suddenly she was battling for first. She was a unique horse, possibly the most bad tempered on the current string. Maggie let her hands slide down the powerful three year olds neck as Cross My Heart surged by to assume command over the second hill. Para's ears flipped down momentarily, but her strides never quickened. To Para's benefit and her opponent's downfall, Para never got riled up in the beginning of the race. Ripley knew that the only way to beat Para was to run her into the ground. There was no doubt in Ripley's mind that she couldn't leave that Flash Limits filly floundering. She had the right horse to do so, but both of them had beaten Innocent Passion. Both of them were absolutely lethal and Ripley had trained Para to too many victories to underestimate that foe. She was deadly from six to eleven furlongs. How many horses could do that? The mare and filly traveled one-two over the course, each kicking up clods of turf in their wake. One seemed to just glide through the atmosphere while the other scared away the animal life with her loudness. Yet, both horses were deadly in their own way. Maggie and Ripley were poised in the saddle, hands as still as possible as the three furlong flat neared. It was almost time to see what each horse had to offer. Maggie pressed the button as soon as Para reached the crest of the hill. Her eyes blazed with fury at being awoken, but when she recognized her foe, Para was more than ready for take off. Cross was hard to beat in a three horse workout. She would be even tougher in a two horse workout. The black mare ran with her head and tail high, not even full out yet. It was time to strike. Ripley heard the threatening hoofbeats and did not glance back. Cross's ears pinned in a furious reaction. She was impressed at all by the sounds of those running hooves. It meant only one thing that the freight train was going to once again push her to her limit. Ripley leaned close, allowing the reins to soar through her gloved fingers. It was like riding a jet. Only Cross could throw Ripley back in the saddle after already being at a gallop. Maggie rode Para hard through the first furlong, egging the bay filly to pick it up. She was snorting fiercely, her feet hitting the ground loudly. She was not happy to be under pressure, but she would not argue. She sensed the looming danger of letting Cross My Heart loose on the lead. It took Paranormal Hunter a while to reel Cross in, but she was at the older horse's barrel half-way through the final furlong. Cross's eyes flashed with annoyance, her nostrils flaring to take in maximum air. She pushed on, refusing to allow the Flash Limit's filly to get closer. Ripley and Maggie fell silent, understanding that there was no need to push anymore. The horses would do their job. Ripley hit the stopwatch as the pair passed through the imaginary wire. Her eyes drifted down, nodding in approval. The last three furlongs had been in :36.48 seconds. Flying after a mile and a quarter gallop. Both horses were beyond ready to prove themselves in their separate races. It left Maggie Reynolds wondering what would happen if Cross My Heart and Paranormal Hunter met on the biggest stage. Shrugging, the blond woman let it float to the back of her mind. It would never happen. |
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