"We've got us a hoss race," Laura proclaimed as she opened her mount's stall door. Today was definitely going to be a fun ride with four two year old horses needing workouts for their next starts. The shining stars of Witch Creek's two year old division would be stepping back to allow the late bloomers the spotlight. Laura knew Reese considered Taboo to be a top filly, as she was a sensational mid-distance turf runner, but Laura would categorize her as just below Saint, Sun King, Nirvana and Spotlight Pride. Taboo was the secret dark horse. She had guts, the breeding and the speed to make her mark. Next year, Laura expected Reese to grab the bull by the horns with that one. But for now... Laura would be glad to face off with her aboard her own filly.
Queen's Honesty snorted, her upside down exclamation marked head swiveled to the right to take note of the fullness of the barn. Ripley was running her hands down Vagabond's legs, making sure they were tight and cold. The newly grade four horse had made a sensational debut over the dirt and would find himself very much in his comfort zone on the practice track. Maggie smiled. "Hard to believe he made such a nice appearance last out. Four possible starters for the Derby next year, Ripley?" Ripley grunted, stepped back and took in the immensity of Vagabond. The Winged Heir colt was sensational looking with his great bay body and immense muscles. He was a late-bloomer. Ripley wasn't quite convinced dirt was his best surface, but if that's where he needed to be to gain confidence for next years TTC, she wouldn't argue. "Hopefully not. I can't clone myself just yet." Nocturnal Runaway and Taboo looked like mirror images, though Noc gleamed like molten silver and Tabz had more of a flat sheen. Taboo was lean and mean, the true turfer look, while Nocturnal Runaway possessed the thick bulkiness of the Night Stalker family. Justin and Reese were both particularly fond of their mounts, believed them to be on the up and up. Just last week, Noc had claimed her second career victory over Barely A Sound. Justin had appreciated the filly's immense determination, was impressed by her late race strength. Perhaps, if she kept up this run, Nirvana wouldn't be the only filly in the Triple Tiara starting gate. Laura rubbed Queen's head as she fixed the filly's bridle. The relation of Flawed Princess and Whipped Cream looked every inch as super as though grade one stars had looked a year ago. Her status with Witch Creek would always be pending. She was only on lease from Nature Blue, but Laura was eager to get back in the saddle with this type of animal. Though she was just a maiden, Queen's Honesty struck Laura as special. Queen had an edge to her, a bossy nature that typically transferred over to the track. Now if only they could get a flipping race into her. Today was as close as they would get until more maidens started filling the races. The quartet of horses slipped into the early morning sunshine. The silver Nocturnal Runaway lifted her delicate nose to the air and released a high pitched whinny. Justin winced, but took advantage of the filly's stillness and hopped aboard with Brooks' assistance. Brooks snagged the filly's bridle and led her down the path. She danced excitedly, hooves pounding the dirt in a staccato beat. The Night Stalker daughter was a fiery little thing, especially when amped up for a workout. Vagabond and Taboo jogged side by side down the path, Taboo hidden by the larger colt. She was slim as a wand compared to the broad bodied colt, but God knew she was tougher than most. Reese preferred the sleek filly beneath her, appreciated the quicker than the wind speed she possessed. The Everyday Hero daughter simply was a phenomenal turf filly. Her form was becoming more impressive with every race and Reese expected her to demonstrate it further in the Ms. Striking Motion Stakes. Queen's Honesty snorted, her white rimmed eyes flickering down the track. It was like sitting on a ticking time bomb, Laura thought. Queen's Honesty had more breaking speed than any of the other two year olds she faced today. She was stubborn foe and she would have to be against these horses. The "B" string was becoming tougher and tougher and it would be a good test to what exactly Queen was made of. Laura patted the filly's neck, turned her to face Ripley who leaned against the railing. "Steady gallop for a mile, four furlong workout. Obviously Queen is going to break off first, but don't let her get too foolish on the lead. Keep her at a steady pace, increasing only when she is confronted by Noc and Tabz. It'll be a good run for everyone and that's the goal. We are not out to beat one another, but to have enough horse for the next two months." There were stifled mutterings from the peanut gallery before everyone turned their horse down the lane. Queen's Honesty broke off first, pushing off her hind end with immense power. She was a broad filly and she definitely had one heck of a motor. She skipped easily over the dirt, her large strides covering the ground with relative effortlessness. Laura kept her hands at the filly's neck, blue eyes forward as she kept the filly at a solid pace. Swifter than Noc, Taboo got second with a burst of speed. The Everyday Hero filly was turning into one of the most promising of her generation and her class was indisputable. The quiet colored filly floated over the course, tail and mane flying behind her as she settled two long lengths behind the leader. Noc was at Taboo's hip, ears pinned back into her mane, eyes a little wild with eagerness. Justin kept the grip on the filly tight, brown eyes focused as ever. The Night Stalker daughter was one impressive individual. It wouldn't be too long before she was making a name for herself like the others. He had complete faith in her and thought of her as the typical Witch Creek underdog. The bonus was that she had the pedigree of a champion. Maggie kept her hands quiet as the her colt oriented his limbs beneath his body. Vagabond was a big, rangy sort, the type that liked to throw in one honest, powerful run. The bay son of Winged Heir had his ears pricked on the trio of fillies ahead of him, but he was traveling easily. Maggie was forced to wonder which surface the colt actually preferred. His only start ever on dirt had produced his grade four victory. He was the type of animal that loved to close into the furious paces all too common on the dirt track. He was also the type to relish the furious run in the final furlong of the turf race. Maggie kept her hands light on the reins, letting the big horse do what was necessary to maintain his position. Laura kept an ear out for the horses behind her, but her filly was traveling way too sweetly for a turfer. Queen's Honesty motored over the course, powerful strides engulfing the loamy soil. Boy, she was a nice horse. Perhaps all the time to grow would bode well for her down the line. Laura eased her hands up the filly's neck, signaling for more as they bounded into the first furlong of the workout. Queen responded with another gear, putting more separation between herself and the late runners. Justin did not like the look of Queen's Honesty showing them her tail. She had the stamina to keep right on going, but Lord knew his filly had stamina too. Without any indication, the young jock tossed sanity to the air and chirped to his filly. Noc lunged, catching Taboo off guard, as she took control and pursued the easy-moving leader. It wasn't long before Reese had Taboo running back up Nocturnal Runaway's inside. Noc wasn't the only filly that could handle the dirt. In fact, Everyday Hero fillies tended to thrive on the surface. It was only a gift of Forbidden Wings that Tabz was awesome on the turf. Maggie grunted as the gray fillies charged after Queen's Honesty into the far turn. The bay filly most certainly wasn't coming back to them. Vagabond ears flickered impatiently. He was so obviously waiting for Maggie's cue that she couldn't hold him back any longer. She chirruped to the colt and held on tight as he gunned wide off of the turn. Ripley and Brooks watched the quartet rumble down the stretch, both pairs of eyes widened in awe. The tenacity that so clearly was marked in the Perfection lineage was definitely on display. Queen's Honesty dug down and held off the flying Noc and Tabz. Her ears were pinned and her determination so clearly evident. Brooks let out a whistle when Taboo finally got the better of the filly. Ripley nudged Brooks, nodded to Vagabond who was soaring down the middle of the stretch, unwinding that impressive stride. The heavy bay colt was flying and Ripley was dying for a stopwatch. The colt caught up to the fillies, who most definitely were not stopping, missing by a neck to the wily Taboo. Queen's Honesty and Nocturnal Runaway galloped out with Vagabond, their ears pricked and their nostrils flaring. Taboo pulled up quicker, tired after having to be tested so thoroughly over a track she didn't necessarily favor. "Perhaps next year, they won't just be "B Stringers," Brooks stated as he watched the colt and fillies round the first turn once again. Ripley hummed in agreement. "You know what they say about sleeping giants?" Brooks cocked a brow, "What?" "You don't want to awaken them. I think I may make an exception at our rivals' expense."
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The only steadily raced two year old in the entire set would be Spotlight Pride. The leggy chestnut colt stalked around beneath Reese Balling Jones with a confused glint in his gaze. He wasn't used to wandering around, waiting for his competition. Ripley kept a strict workout schedule that most everyone adhered to if they wanted to keep their job. Reese's dark eyes flashed to the two year old barn, eyes full of irritation. Her horse was not one who took an interruption in routine well. Laura flew around Queen's Honesty, hands working to tighten leather and gear as quickly as possible. A half hour she'd been in bed, certain her workout wouldn't come til later. Ripley apparently had changed riders on Honey without telling anyone. Maggie had originally been set to ride the excellent bay filly, but something hadn't clicked between the two in gallops. Laura was the appointed rider after having ridden Whipped Cream, a relation of Honey. Laura could only think of one thing that had determined the switch. Honey was stubborn and ferocious. Such traits were family traits, but Laura could harness them and make them a benefit. Justin mounted Nocturnal Runaway in the barn, appreciating the silver filly's perfect body type. She was an agile thing, sleek as a fish and handy as hell. He adored the filly and knew eventually, she'd get back to winning races. She had the family to make a mark on racing. Though there had been no wins since Noc joined WCS, the filly's out of the money finishes had stopped. Now she was making ground and had only just missed to Proteus Prince, an upcoming dirt horse himself. The riders hustled their mounts through the barn doors, nodding briefly to an agitated Reese. Spotlight Pride huffed at the sight of the competition, tail twitching uneasily. He wasn't one for crowds, but these two were a welcome sight. Casualty of War was an enemy so these two could hardly be worse than that muscular dark bay. Being the senior member of the team, Reese relayed workout information to the riders. Ripley would be waiting in the three furlong gap, waiting for her plans to be well executed. Pride danced beneath Reese, eyes rolling white with excitement. He was on the muscle and absolutely dying to roll. Reese let him leap into a trot, restraining him to only a trot. "Mile and an eighth gallop up to the three furlong flat. Gotta prepare them for their races." Queen's stocky body bounced over the ground in barely controlled excitement. She was getting some work finally. A real work. "Boy, you are definitely like Rea. I'll give you that." The powerful two year old was very much like grade one winning Whipped Cream. She had hidden strength, ferocious movement that betrayed the power to onlookers. She was no Honey. She was a Queen. Laura let the reins skip through her hands as the bay took up alongside Pride. Her white-rimmed gaze matched the spookier colt's gaze with ferocious determination. Neither ducked away from the challenge. Reese believed that was an improvement on her athletic creature. He used to be spookier than crazy. Now he was as confident as the next two year old... at least to some extent. Justin had his hands full of vibrant horse. Nocturnal Runaway bolted into a canter, controlled down to teacup steps. The Night Stalker daughter was full of fight after her latest loss. It spurred her on to greater gallops, fiercer times, tougher battles. Noc snorted profusely with every stride, eyes blazing with fury. She looked a lot like Saintly Touch, with a compact body and powerful legs. Justin leaned close as the filly tackled her first hill with interest. Justin gave her a little pat at the top of the hill, steadied her and then prepared for the rest of the workout. Spotlight Pride buried Queen's Honesty off of the first hill, legs skimming over the course with ease. He was a fireball over this particular course, relished the need for speed and the lack of it. Pride leaped over the grass, focused to a "T," tongue bouncing with his lengthy strides. Reese felt more confident than ever on this colt. He'd earned his time off and was coming into the Tri-State Futurity than any other race. It made her confident for down the road. The Breeders' Cup was two months away and he was improving, if there could be improvement, at the right time. The bay daughter of Truth Be Told vigorously tracked Spotlight Pride, ears pinned back into her neck. She had a great cruising speed, something she'd shown in every start. She had a way about her that made you think star. Though she hadn't broken her maiden yet, Queen's Honesty was on the verge of making it big. Laura tucked her hands into the whipping black mane, feeling more confident as the bay settled into her powerful stride. She was a length and a half behind Spotlight Pride, gaining ground on the hills. Not as daring on the downward slopes, Queen's Honesty made up for it in the short valleys. It was like sitting in the captain's seat aboard Nocturnal Runaway. She glided over the course under control and full of energy. Her ears flicked over her head as though she was just out for a jog. She was a confidence instilling creature. Beautiful and talented. He let his hands skim down her sleek neck, smiling as she kicked up the final hill of the gallop. It was almost time to let that passion burn. And there was passion, a big bucket that wanted to wash away the competitors. Justin let the filly skip down the hillside after her opponents, letting her have her head. She charged off the hillside, pushing off menacingly and in a couple strides was up to Queen's Honesty. Laura's eyes grew grimmer, but Queen cleared them within a matter of seconds. The bay launched forward, spurned by the competition. She flew over the course, tail streaming behind her. The two fillies swarmed up on either side of Spotlight Pride, nearly stunning the runaway leader. The three horses soared over the course, head to head to head. It was a fierce battle for the line and no one was going down without a fight. Nocturnal Runaway and Spotlight Pride gradually turned away Queen's Honesty, more experienced over the rolling hills. Laura was impressed by Queen. She didn't fade hard. She still fought gamely even in face of defeat. Laura chalked it up to inexperience over the course. Pride gutted out a win, eyes furious that Noc had put him through an acid test. Who was she to suddenly be competitive with him? Few had managed to take him down and now this gray filly thought she could. Justin was happy with the effort for Noc had only lost by a head to the best turf miler two year old in the country. They were making strides and it was nearly time to make a claim for a win of their own. It wasn't often that Reese was the last one to come to work. She'd had a late night and mostly because her arrogant, selfish brother decided to stop in without much notice. Her dark eyes flashed at the figure that trailed behind in her wake. Her brother was a downright PITA to say the least. He was as handsome as he was intelligent, brutally honest as his hands were rough. He was a working man and he'd come to see how his sister had made the big bucks just riding horses all day long. She loathed him for bringing himself to the States, for stirring up the reasons why she'd left Brazil so long ago. "Stay back there. I have work to do." The man shrugged, dark eyes flashing with defiance, but he casually leaned against the stall as his sister disappeared into the one opposite him. His dark eyes moved from one end of the barn to the other. Normal. That's what this barn looked like. It was just normal. Triple Crown winners? Legends? Out of this place. There were far finer places in Brazil to race out of. This was nothing but an American barn set in hills that far outclassed the place in terms of looks. Justin peered out of Noc's stall to take in the morose figure that leaned against it. So this was Reese's brother. He looked hard to say the least. Justin stroked a hand down Noc's satiny neck, apologizing for his future actions. Without regret, the kid flung the stall sideways, nearly knocking the man off his feet as the door collided with him. Angry eyes met Justin's dark brown ones. But he wisely stepped away before Noc took him down. Justin hated how the man's gaze swept over Noc's sleek body, but he took pride in the awe he saw come in them. Typical European. Frown upon the American way until you noticed the talent. Night Stalker had thrown a looker in Noc. She was lean, gorgeous and the color of molten silver. She gleamed and looked every inch the beauty she was bred to be. Justin did not wait for Ripley's instructions before mounting his coin-colored filly. Noc was not the best creature, per say, right now, but he wouldn't dare mention it to Reese's brother, Cross and Ripley did not have to be told twice that there was something going on in the barn. As soon as the pair stepped into the two year old barn, they were hit with waves of tension and irritability. Not surprising. Reese had warned her last night, that the infamous Cane was in town. Cross danced beneath Ripley, her black eyes gleaming with more fear and fury than they had since her two year old season. Ripley frowned as the smallish mare plummeted beneath her, threatening to lift in a rear. With careful craft, Ripley spun the black around and sent her away from the barn. "Sorry Tabby cat," Reese murmured as she led the smart gray filly out of the stall. The filly's topaz colored eyes settled on Cane two seconds after his scent had filled her nostrils. Her soft velvet body tensed immensely, nostrils flaring. She dashed around him, shoed hooves beating erratically on the cement floor. "Fine start to the morning,' Reese grumbled, wasting no time climbing into the saddle. Tabz bowed her neck, touching her chin to her chest and shying when Cane emerged from the barn. Cane could be glad looks couldn't kill because the looks Ripley and Reese shot him would have been as effective as bullets. Ripley reined Cross in between Taboo and Noc, not bothering to settle Cross. The black mare was furious to say the least. "Let's go seven furlongs today. Time to up the ante and get them ready for the next race." Ripley led the way down the hill, switching it up a bit with a workout over the dirt track. Cross' ears pricked immediately, stranger momentarily forgotten. The black mare loved a good bit of speed and it'd been a long, long time since she'd had a run on the flat dirt. Mare could get down and dirty just as well as the next dirt specialist. Without surprise, Cross bolted away, kicking up dust and dirt into the chests of Tabz and Noc. Noc had handled the excitement pretty well until that point. The silver filly bolted then full speed ahead after Cross. Reese allowed Tabz to linger back before sending her after the more precocious types. It wasn't that Tabz didn't like to run. She just wasn't so keenly tuned to bolt at the shot of a gun. The satiny gray filly settled in behind her contemporaries with commanding strides, ears pricked. Tabz was getting better and better with every race. It was only a matter of time until she got her big break. The gray filly tracked Noc into the first turn with catlike attention. The silver filly had never worked with Tabz and the gray was more than interested in keeping tabs, no pun intended, on her. But they would both have to come running because Cross My Heart was not stopping. Ripley had felt the fury in the black mare the moment she'd hit the track. She used to outrun her fear because that was something she was in control of. She'd settled down enough to run for the joy of it, but now things were sliding back into place. Cross surged over the track, mouth agape around the bit, legs blurred beneath her. There was no doubt in Ripley's mind that the mare would last the seven furlongs at this blazing pace. She'd done it before. Ripley wrapped her hands in the wild black mane, took deep breaths and prepared to hang on for the ride. Nocturnal Runaway and Taboo settled side by side through the backstretch at a strong run. It was not enough to keep with Cross' runaway train. She ran as though her life was at stake and she was a dominating 12 lengths ahead of the two year olds. It was as though they hadn't even been in the same workout set. The silver filly beneath Justin was coiled like a snake. She was so interested in picking apart Taboo. Her brown eyes were wide and her inside ear was glued to Tabz. The gray filly cruised alongside them as though they weren't even there. Reese thought the filly was moving like silk. She strolled over the course as though she owned it. She wasn't even a dirt horse like Noc. Justin knew what was coming on the far turn and he reminded himself to bide his time. It was a long stretch drive. While Nocturnal Runaway did most of her work in late stretch, Taboo knew how to separate herself from the pack. She put on the rockets and exploded on the final turn, peppering Noc with dirt. The silver filly did not back down though. She shook off the debris, switched leads and flew after her rival in pursuit. Ripley let out a long steady breath as Cross cruised the wire, definitely more settled, but not tired. The black horse skipped into the far turn, blowing smartly through her nostrils. 'Crazy creature, Cross." Ripley breathed. "Bloody crazy creature." The woman pulled the mare up in time to catch the impressive duel down the stretch. Reese hadn't expected Noc to be able to catch up so quickly, but the silver filly had. She was grinding Taboo down with ferocious strides. Her eyes were blazing and she was giving Tabz a dose of her own medicine. Reese remained silent as Taboo battled against Noc's onslaught. She hadn't banked on being run down. But she was fighting courageously, toughing it out as the wire drew ever closer. Noc pinned her ears, gave one last burst and edged Taboo out for victory. But she didn't stop after that. Justin was left clinging to the beautiful filly's neck as she blasted away back into the first turn. Reese watched the filly go from the back of her elegant horse. Tabz snorted, 'Good Riddance," turned tail and started heading back to the barn. Reese laughed, patted the filly's neck "You're something little lady." Justin was thinking Noc was something special as she knocked it out of the ball park with her eighth furlong in :11 seconds. "That's it baby. You're exactly what I've been waiting for." 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. Fall was the best time of the year in Justin's opinion. The air was cooler which meant less flies and the horses were so much more in their element. It meant that rides could occur after morning and before evening without both horse and ride suffering from heat exhaustion. He was thinking like a horseman instead of a normal human being. Normal human beings thought of Halloween and pumpkins and scarecrows. Not of hay to feed the horses and apples for treats. He smiled as ran the soft brush over the near silver coat of the newest addition to Witch Creek Stable. He could feel the tension in this one's body as clear as her telling him she was uneasy. She wasn't like Saintly Touch or Midnight Thriller. She didn't bottle her moods up and then explode. Instead she was moody and hard to to deal with because of her human like nature. She'd been with the barn for three days now. She'd learned the routine well enough, but she wouldn't settle. She paced her stall and wouldn't eat outside when turned loose. She just stood in the pasture as though she was expecting to be captured and handed off to the next barn. That wasn't going to happen if Ripley had any say in the matter. The silver filly would not be stepping foot off the property except to be raced and bred to outside stallions. That was it. Done. Justin loved Ripley for her willingness to take in family of resident horses. Not that it made a difference in the horses' minds, but it helped to see that more than one offspring was well off and settled. Nocturnal Runaway packed a powerful punch on both sides. She was related to Saint and Midtee on her sire, Night Stalker, side and related to Bella Luna and Optimus Unstoppable on her dam's side. Noc was definitely more like Optimus and Bella Luna than Saint and Midtee. "You are the prettiest horse I have seen, Noc." Justin crooned as he set the saddle on her short back. The filly cocked an ear, sucking in a breath in anticipation. "Definitely the prettiest and nicest I've been allowed to ride." She snorted, bowing her neck and twitching her tail. She was a charmer, but it was clear she didn't suffer fools. Just like the rest of them. "I'm not sure what Ripley's having me do with you today. She never said." Justin tacked the filly up quickly and efficiently, not realizing that the filly was dozing off between the cross ties until Ripley entered the barn and she jerked awake. "Caught napping," Justin laughed, patting the filly. "Not a bad thing though," Ripley murmured, as she reached out to pet the filly's forehead. "First time I've seen her relax since she's been here. A break is what she needed. Three days was good, but I want to see her move here. In order to get a good gauge, I need you to take her out on that turf track and run whatever edgy energy she has off." Justin looked up in surprise, brown eyes gleaming. "Run her from beginning to end?" "Until she wants to stop. I won't watch because I've heard she's safe unless she has another horse with her. But just be careful and have fun. Walk her back, give her breath and turn her into the paddock after with the geldings. She won't settle down by herself, but no one can resist Jabberwock and Cold Mountain." He grinned as he pulled his helmet on his head. He hadn't been allowed to ride like this yet. He loved when new horses came in. Witch Creek covered most of the bases before setting horses down to stiff training again. Noc would probably get a month before she made her return. Until then, Justin would do his best to get her back into top condition. Noc followed sedately behind him until he left the barn. As soon as she breached the fresh air, Noc slammed to a halt and began to sweat nervously. Justin crooned to her, concerned by such antics. Ripley must have known all along that something wasn't perfectly right with this Night Stalker daughter. And just like that, Ripley was there, soothing the filly with confident, trustworthy hands. Noc relaxed, but she now was prancing like it was her day job. "Just hop on, Justin," Ripley murmured. For this one occasion, Justin was happy to have a shorter horse. He swung aboard easily, gawking from his point in the saddle. For such a small filly, Noc had some muscles and she felt like a ton of horse. He placed his feet in the stirrups, prepared himself for the rush of energy. Ripley led the filly to the grass, released and nodded. For a moment, Nocturnal Runaway swayed in indecisiveness. When Justin clapped his heels to her rounded side and the filly's decision was made. She tore off down the lesser slope, tail streaming out behind her like a cape made of crystals. Justin wrapped his hands in her mane, practically laughing like a loon. The filly was not so quick to enjoy this run. She did what was expected of her which was to run straight until the wire. There was no wire on the turf course and it stretched for 20 Acres. Witch Creek only used a mile and 3/4s of it. When Noc launched up the first hill, Justin felt her stunned surprise. She dug in whole-heartedly, eyes now taking on a fiercely excited light. She was a quick little bugger. She just soared over the track like she was made out of it. He was wildly impressed as she slowed just slightly going down the hills, agile as can be. Noc settled down after the third hill, puffing in and out. It was always a shock to the new horses systems when they ran over the course. It look a lot out of them going over the hills and still have enough energy to go through the brutal three furlong flat. Once they mastered the course, however, there were only benefits. Justin let the reins slacken as she cantered through the final valley. Her ears were pricked at full attention at the steep hill before her. He could sense her trepidation and he implored her to go on, calling to her before he touched her. The chatter helped and she zipped up the hillside, pinning her ears in absolute try, The silver filly nearly stopped on a dime at the crest of the hill. Her brown eyes grew wild and her tail flicked nervously over her rump. The wind picked up at the perfect time, lifting her mane and tail. She was glorious in her excitement. He nudged her forward and she moved down the hill, eyes bright for the first time since she'd arrived. He let her settle down into a hand gallop through the final three furlongs. She'd done everything asked of her and gotten the depression out of her system. Nocturnal Runaway was going to rise like the sun soon enough. And Justin could not wait for that dawn to come. |
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