Laura and Brooks watched as Spotlight Pride and Casualty of War marched off the tracks. The chestnut and dark colts reared and bucked, looking as though they could go another round. Sultan looked furious enough to knock Pride down where he stood. The hulking two year old was becoming a handful and when he was pissed, very much hard to handle. Justin kept the colt in line as they passed through the gap by Sun King and Optimus. Sun King pawed the ground, flexed his neck muscles and bugled his irritation at Sultan and Pride. Pride danced away nervously, uneasy now that his second foalhood bully was so close. Optimus remained the electric bulwark between the trio, his eyes rolling with excitement and confusion. Laura felt like she was on top of a bulldog. Optimus' muscles coiled beneath her and threatened to punch in rebellion as King was forced into a trot onto the track. He was a hard to handle type and his ego was riding high after his latest impressive victory. He'd been a spring in his workout before that race, but today he felt like a rocket. If anything, Optimus was only getting stronger and with Mastermind and Forbidden To Fly retiring, he would be ready to step into the elite ranks of male sprinters. Sun King strutted onto the track, head high and tail waving like a bloody flag. He was ever the arrogant son of a gun and he knew that his prowess was unmatched. He had has much brawn as Casualty of War, but the intelligence was more quick and clever. King snorted furiously when Brooks turned him to face Ripley at the rail. The woman nodded in approval, set her hands on the rail. "Time to let him get his irritation out." Optimus slid onto the track, legs always seeming to be ahead of his compact frame. His ears pricked down the track, taking in its overwhelming emptiness. The bay son of Shiver Me Timbers looked tough beneath Laura with his muscles tense beneath his healthy hide. Laura patted the colt's neck, careful to keep it gentle enough so that he did not take it as a cue to run. When he didn't budge, Laura turned her attention to Ripley. "Three furlongs, do the quickest running in the stretch. Shouldn't be too tough for them. Just watch them on the turn. I don't want to see them injured. We know they can run fast." The riders nodded and turned their horses down the track. Neither colt had to be told twice to go for the instant moving air hit in the face, they were off. Optimus out-footed Sun King at first, his dark eyes blazing with wild excitement. Laura felt her breath catch in her lungs at the violent burst of speed. Optimus didn't get nearly enough respect for his speed or brilliance. The bay colt had taken advantage of the speed crashing and burning in the first leg of the Dirt Sprinter Crown. It hadn't been that he was just bloody faster than everyone else, had it? Laura had her own theories and they placed Optimus higher than other sprinters. He hadn't been as mature then, but he sure as hell was now. King galloped along beside Optimus, ears pricked in surprise. It was rare that he was ever second on the break, but his large stride easily caught him up to the bay colt. The chestnut horse rolled over the ground, a powerhouse beneath his silent rider. Brooks appreciated the impressiveness of the young animal. He'd grown incredibly over the course of his two year old season. He seemed more physically advanced and confident. There was just something special to this particular creature. He had the gifts of El Sol Del Mar's early speed with both of his parent's ability to carry it farther than most. The pair of horses strode through the backstretch at an impressive clip. Ripley was surprised to find that they moved in tandem for she'd expected Optimus to linger back. There was no speed to challenge King though and loose speed was deadly. Laura must have changed tactics. The bay colt bounded along, clipping off fractions with ease and confidence despite the heavy pressure to his outside. Laura had to admit she was content with Optimus tonight. He was just an awesome horse. He was the type that could brutalize you on the front end or run you down in the stretch. Today, he would keep pace with a horse that few had managed to beat this season. Sun King could have cared less what kind of horse ran to his inside. He knew he could beat them. He had the confidence of a proven winner. It made him dangerous. But Optimus was dangerous at the moment as well. The bay colt bounded through the turn, ears pinning back in absolute focus. Laura shook him up off the turn and into the stretch, grinning from ear to ear as the colt roared to life. She leaned into his neck, hiding from the whipping wind and the cold snow. Snow battered the colt's chest as he covered the distance with lengthening strides. Sun King ranged up to Optimus' outside, neck bowed tight at the restraint. He floated to the middle of the track, legs pumping mightily beneath his powerful frame. Brooks' hands shook from the effort. He cursed and let the horse go. In a flurry of movement, the big horse gunned by Optimus, throwing his rival off. The stout bay colt responded with a furious rally, stretching his legs as far as possible. He would never be able to match the ease of King, but he sure as hell could match him in speed. Laura clung to the wild black mane as the colt whistled up the rail to battle head to head with Sun King. The two year old looked surprised, but did not give up as he found himself in a war. Ripley was grinning as the colts hit the wire together, their hoofbeats keeping time with their snorting. Battle tested and battle proven were those two horses. She was delighted to see some honest quality moving up to the fill the ranks. Damn good quality.
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"The new guy's coming today to ride," Ripley said as she finished tightening Mastermind's girth. "He's going to ride In Front in his workout and if they get along well enough, he'll stay on to take my spot in the riding roster." Laura scoffed, lifted her piercing blue eyes and aimed them at Ripley. "Then he better be one hell of a rider. He's not going to replace you. We're just going to have to deal with our loss and that's that." Brooks lifted a brow at Laura's remarks. She'd been getting awfully pessimistic lately. It was as though she didn't want to acknowledge the fact that Ripley was retiring in order to start a family. Granted, the child hadn't necessarily been planned and had been conceived out of wedlock, but that wasn't what was sticking in Laura's craw. It had more to do with her female idol calling it quits and stepping down from the mantle of chosen rider. It had to do with Mastermind and Cross My Heart retiring and Hourglass and Saint being taken over by Reese. It was going to be a huge change, but one they had known would come eventually. He would miss riding against her on a daily basis. The challenge made him a better rider for few could out best Ripley Marsh on her best days or her best horses. Brooks let out a sigh, ignoring the crackling silence. There was cause for celebration too. Two of their horses had returned from Blue Cross Estates, prompting the new rider to come fill Ripley's spot sooner than planned. Brooks touched the dark hide of his mount. Flashpoint had returned nearly a grade two winner and in fine form. The horse had developed beautifully from two to three and looked more than handsome horse he'd promised to be. Brooks admired the colt's sleek form and thanked Blue Cross for at least keeping him fit until he could return home. Laura was getting acquainted with her mount for the day, often filling in the floater position whenever two horses with the same rider were in the same workout. Today her mount was Optimus Unstoppable. The colt was built like a brawler with a thick chest and thick butt. He looked like the little engine that could and he most definitely behaved like the little engine the could. Optimus was rebounding off of a third place finish, but his record this season stood for itself. He'd been a bloody consistent bugger from start to finish, currently standing with seven wins. Six of those wins had come this season, showing how talented the animal truly was. The Shiver Me Timbers colt whuffled his lips over Laura's fingers, betraying his sweetness and hiding his demonic qualities that would surely come out on the track. Ripley liked the set up for this workout. Three sprinter/miler types would meet up and do battle over three furlongs of dirt. It called to be an excellent workout and it surely would turn out to be one. She had the best horse of all three, had always had the best horse in Mastermind. The chestnut stallion had been a super star from age two to age four, flying leaps and bounds beyond his own age group. He was untouchable by them and only a recent rivalry with Forbidden To Fly, an older horse, had given him grief. The temperature that had knocked him out of the Winter Dawn Treader Cup still filled Ripley with irritation. She'd watched her own Witch Creek raised Red Herring steal the win over GS Supercharged and Indian Darling. She'd cursed that fever knowing that Mastermind would have rolled that competition if he'd been healthy. She set a hand on the stallion's broad cheek, looked into his eager eyes. Mastermind was an incredible horse, one who filled her with joy and excitement. He never failed to impress her with the ease of his victories or toughness in the face of battle. Mastermind had stolen her heart and she would never find another horse quite like him to ride. She patted the horse's silken neck and stepped to his side to mount up. She settled into the little saddle, picked up the reins and turned him in the broad hallway of the barn. "Let's go. Three furlongs stand between us and our next starts." The other two riders mounted up and fled the barn like a band of thieves. Optimus tossed his head ferociously, hooves skittering down the path excitedly. He was a horse who loved his job and did it well. Laura could feel the immense power in his stout body, looked forward to riding him in this workout. Brooks had said to snatch him at the beginning, but something told her he'd do better at full pace. She let the colt move into a jog down the dirt track, careful to avoid slushy puddles. Optimus snorted, fresh as a daisy despite the hard year of racing. Durability was a result of his blue-collar breeding. Flashpoint's body quivered with knowing when he stepped onto the track. Yesterday, the colt had been worked in the indoor track to get settled in. Today, he would have his first workout back, something he badly needed. He'd come off the trailer running and ready to roll. He'd had a tough mile and a half gallop and had barely blown out a candle upon return. Ripley had determined he was ready for a race off of this workout and several gallops. She didn't want him tearing down the barn or injuring himself. Brooks was glad because he could hardly wait to get the horse in a race. The dark bay bolted into an energetic gallop the moment he hit the track, chasing the flying red banner of Mastermind. The older stallion snaked his head when Flashpoint bounded to his side. The older horse pinned his ears in annoyance, but straightened up at Ripley's rebuke. Sometimes Mastermind liked to remind everyone that he wasn't perfect. Ripley kept her hands at the golden boy's withers, eyes straight ahead as they bustled into the backstretch for the gallop up to the workout. Optimus strained at the bit to be released. His eyes rolled white as Flashpoint charged up to assault Mastermind. Laura's hands burned through the gloves, but she only gave a little bit at a time until the colt settled. Optimus still had a bit to learn, but soon he was running on steadily. The lighter bay colt had an engine in his back end and he would be more than happy to use it to take down the other two. Mastermind moved easily beneath Ripley, not bothered at all by Flashpoint's early bid. The dark bay three year old was a tough nut and he didn't back down when Mastermind remained on the lead. Mastermind didn't exactly have a head to run foolishly when threatened. This was a good lesson for Flashpoint who seemed to settle nicely when it was clear that Mastermind wasn't going to take off. Brooks liked what he felt beneath him, appreciated the efficiency of the body. Flashpoint didn't snort or expend useless energy. He looked like a wild man, but he really wasn't. Optimus, however, was a wild man. He was just begging Laura to release him and let him run as the speed shot up. Mastermind and Flashpoint drew to a four length advantage, leveling their bodies to to the ground in full flight. Optimus was tired of fighting and Laura tired of holding him back. She begged her hands to hold him back just a little more. He'd shoot away like a rocket when the turn ended. Ripley and Brooks sat chilly as their horses fought for control. Or well Flashpoint fought for control. Mastermind was easily mowing down the course as though this were nothing but a gallop. Flashpoint kept up awesomely, but it was clear he'd have to improve leaps and bounds to take down Mastermind. Moose acquitted himself well when he didn't give in, especially when Optimus came roaring down the center of the track. Both Ripley and Brooks looked up at the thunderous hooves, glanced sideways, temporarily throwing their mounts off. Laura was lost in Optimus' black mane, his head and neck were cranked up so that she appeared apart of him. The colt flew over the dirt, slinging rocks and sand in his wake, tail streaming out behind him. He looked like a wild horse as he ripped past Mastermind and Flashpoint like they were standing still. The light bay colt flew through the wire three lengths in front and immediately checked himself down to a leisurely gallop. Mastermind and Flashpoint picked it up upon asking, but both horses appeared quite disgruntled at the loss. Mastermind's eyes blazed with irritation and Flashpoint with disgust. The horses galloped beyond Optimus, tails high in excitement and snottiness. Ripley and Brooks praised the horses, but both looked ahead to the next start. It was time to get back in the ring. For everyone, Optimus included. Liquid dark eyes spared back at Brookson Wells from between the bridle. Determination, intelligence, class, brilliance all co-mingled in the gaze and seemed to bore the blond haired man. He wouldn't have applied these traits to this particular animal at one point, but ever since his return from break... things had changed. Optimus Unstoppable, the adept son of Shiver Me Timbers and Train Wreck, had been breaking the stall walls down within three weeks. He'd had enough of vacation and had become more of a hazard to himself than anyone. He'd been stuck back in training and was more en pointe than he had been at any time this year. Brooks was eager to get back in the saddle and gun the stout colt down the stretch at Green Horse Fields. His grade three win was beckoning him. Hopefully, they would notch it. Ripley could feel the excitement in the air as Brooks pulled Optimus out of the barn and joined herself and Laura Decomte. The auburn haired woman sat astride her coy seal-brown colt and felt like an army general. Saintly Touch was developing a commanding attitude, one that was bound to be noticed on the track. He'd grown some over the course of the season and looked more like his sire, Night Stalker, than any Night Stalker prodigy Witch Creek had housed before. Vana's baleful gaze swept over the two colts without much interest. She wasn't as excitable or exhilarating to look at as they were, but she could hold her own on the track. She was almost grade three and was a typical DeComte mount, Laura thought. An underdog rising to the highest ranks, faster than the blue bloods. Of course, the exception was Sun King, but he was virtually Vana's mirror on the colt side of things. The blaze marked filly flicked her tail as the colts marched by, ears flicking as if she wasn't keen on joining them. A nudge had her moving forward, letting out a sigh of discontent. The trio stepped onto the track with Optimus in the lead. The blocky colt was a speed freak in his workout assignments but come race day, Brooks knew exactly when to snatch him up. Optimus could be turned from front runner to closer in a matter of seconds. He was an awfully handy sprinting horse to have around. Brooks allowed the colt to step out into a lope and then a gallop, keeping pace as much as he could with Ripley. Saint skipped over the course, mane and tail flying as he galloped. He was a rock solid horse, tough as nails with a grinder's style. He had this way that just instilled confidence in the onlooker and one could make an argument that he was the third best dirt colt in the country. The two above him, Great Revenge and Sun King, were precocious, but did they have what it takes to last through a grueling three year old season. Ripley knew the son of Devil's Touch had it in him. He was a champion at heart and he would prove it to everyone within the next couple of seasons. Nirvana settled in behind the two colts, ears bobbing above her head. She wasn't a filly for sprinting ahead with the colts. She preferred to stalk, settle and catch the kill when it had already depleted itself of much needed energy. Laura kept her hands at the filly's withers, eyes glued to Optimus. When Brooks told that speed crazy son of a gun to go, he would go. And that would be when it was time to pick it up. Saint could fool you into thinking he was doing :24 when he was actually doing :22. Optimus was coasting down the backstretch, moving powerfully. Brooks was immensely impressed with what he felt under him, glanced under his arm to check for Saint. The seal-brown colt loomed at Optimus' hip, but was just an ominous presence. He was Optimus' shadow while Nirvana stalked five lengths back. Optimus would have to be absolutely tough to nail down a win in the workout today. Ripley was also liking what she felt under her. Saint was literally and figuratively a dark horse. He was not the big standout at first, but he had a presence unlike any other. Ripley lifted her hands up his neck as they moved into the six furlong breeze and the near black colt drew up to Optimus' barrel. Laura took her previous thought about Saint back. She'd saw the signs and let Vana go, smiling when Optimus leaped into action a second later. "Let's make those boys meat." Optimus bolted into the far turn, hooves pushing off the ground with exuberance. He enjoyed the run, thrilled at it. He hadn't thrown Saint off by any means for the near black was at his throat latch and gaining. For all of these horses, light bulbs had come on in the final half of the season. Saint's dished head drew even with Optimus, surprising both Brooks and Ripley at his agility on the turn. Ripley snuck a pat, kept her gaze ahead for all the thrills. Nirvana roared off the far turn in all out pursuit, snorting with every leaping stride. Laura was absolutely stunned breathless by the turn of foot she had just experienced. The bay filly had practically swallowed the existing space between her body and the colts' in a second. Laura sent the stocky horse down the center of the track, eyes gleeful. Saint pulled to the lead when Vana rocketed up to his outside. He'd been caught off guard to say the least, but he'd rebounded beautifully. Optimus was no longer a threat. He was a trier, but this six furlong on top of the gallop was not his exact cup of tea. Brooks was impressed still when the bay colt was only beaten a length by the long distance dirt horses. He may not be stayer of the year, but he sure was game as hell. Saint'd held off the flying chase of Vana, but he continued marching along impressively through the gallop out. He'd had enough of close finishes and didn't see how just barely winning was fun. The blaze faced filly had given him a good scare. She was multiple-graded stakes winner and at this point more precocious. He'd learned never to underestimate a challenger, no matter where they came from in the herd. The loud grinding noise of the tractors filled the air at the stable. The stallions high tailed it around the pastures, ears pinned and mouths agape, warning the mechanical threat away with challenging neighs. It wasn't every day that the tractor made its appearance on the dirt tracks. It was quite obvious with the horses' reactions to it. The track had to be tilled every so often otherwise it became a speedway of sorts. Times got quicker, horses got faster and injuries were more likely to occur. Most of Witch Creek's stock was known to be hardy, something Ripley was thankful for come end of the season. The auburn haired woman watched the tractors pass through the gap, away from the furious Touch Up. The hulking stallion looked furious and looked beyond satisfied when the machines hummed away. He tossed his head as if saying, "that's what I thought" and trotted off, tail in the air. Ripley chuckled at the handsome older horse, but her attention was drawn to the pastures south of the stud fields. The yearlings had been split up of fillies and colt. The separated fillies paced the fence mercilessly led by Enrapture and followed by Sweet Mimosa, Lady Timeah, Swing Dancer, Artemis and Awestruck. It was quite a little band, but even smaller was the solo form of Uno Momento. The handsome colt dashed along the fence, screaming up a storm for his fillies. The geldings Sin, Cold Mountain and Jabberwock watched the bay with interest, but none made a move to comfort him. Ripley smirked. He would settle in with the older horses not too long from now. Just like weaning, only much less traumatizing and noisy. "Hasn't quite taken the hint yet, has he?" Brooks said as he rode up on Optimus Unstoppable. The perky little bay danced on his toes, nostrils flaring in and out as he analyzed the track. He'd noticed a difference. Horses were extremely observational creatures and the slightest changes could set them off. Ripley patted the colt's bullish neck, forcing herself to relax. "Oh no, not yet. But he will. He hasn't got a choice." She turned her gaze briefly back to the group, "Though it would be a hell of a lot easier if Ennie would lead her herd away." "She's not going to do that, Rips. She's too much like The Devil. Got that same high and mighty attitude." Ripley shook her head in denial, though a part of her agreed. She was very much like the rotund retired racehorse and broodmare. "Reese, don't even say that. If you'd been around when she was racing, you'd know she was far worse." The jockeys laughed, stroking their easier mounts. Supernatural danced beneath Reese, brown eyes glittering with intelligence and eagerness. The gray filly was full of herself. She needed a good run to open her lungs and relax. Her next start in the Red Mile Series was coming up and all of the competition was targeting her. Reese eased the filly onto the dirt track, pointedly stiffening her seat. If Optimus was wary of the tilled course, God knew what Siri would think of it. Brooks let the bay step onto the track after the taller, leaner filly. Optimus snorted, arching his neck and whisking his tail over his haunches. He was a show off, a bull dog and a fighter. Allouette Divine had gotten the best of him in the Red Wine Sprint, but that was not about to happen again. He was as on his game as ever and his gallops had only gotten better since the defeat. "Four furlong breeze after a mile gallop. Don't go too fast, pl-" Ripley crossed her arms as the last of her words were cut off by pounding hoofbeats. "Damn it." The little bay freight train set out at full speed down the track, ears pinned into his mane. Supernatural tagged along briefly at his throat latch before settling into her confident long stride a length behind. The gray mare was a swift son of a gun, but she was no sprinter. Her calling was at a mile or farther though recently, she had become quite good at a mile. Reese smiled as Siri cruised along at her easy gait, counting the beats as they hit the fresh track. It was like riding in an Audi. Luxury with a hint of danger. Optimus was like the highest trim of corvettes. He trucked through the backstretch at an impressive pace. Brooks tugged gently on the reins, shaking his head when the colt slackened his speed slightly. He was disagreeable today. Brooks chalked it up to the change in his surroundings. Edginess usually got the better of sprinters, especially hot ones like Optimus. The short colt cut the turn brilliantly into the homestretch and only gave himself a breath as he rolled into the first turn. Brooks could feel the colt losing interest in the work due to the flying effort from before. However, the colt had signed his sentence. Now he had to deal with it. The gray filly tracked the little bay ominously up the backstretch. Reese knew Brooks would have thought "ominously" if he'd seen the way the Dylan Himself filly was moving. Her ears were glued to Optimus' short coupled frame and her eyes were growing increasingly more intense. The pressure on the bit became heavier and heavier now as they passed through the middle of the backstretch. It was time to go in three, two, one... "Shit," Brooks muttered. He'd heard the warning hooves, didn't bother to turn for he knew what he'd find. Optimus pinned his ears as Supernatural swarmed up on his right side. The bay colt floated the gray filly out, breaking her momentum just slightly. Her ears pinned in reaction and suddenly Siri was on top of them, pushing them toward the rail. Optimus fought courageously, pushing her back just before he hit the silver railing. Brooks didn't have time to sigh in relief. The horses were in pitched battle with one another down the lane. Under orders, the riders only sat, letting the horses duke it out as necessary. Reese did not tap into the extra speed she knew Siri had lying in wait. It was there like a diamond needing to be polished. Polishing day would come on race day. The gray filly got the better of the bay colt at the wire. Her neck victory was a measure of his toughness and her current brilliance. Race day was calling them and so was the opportunity for more success. 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. |
WorkoutsPlease realize that I do add in workouts before they are necessarily due. If you are looking for a specific horse because you are judging a race, click on his/her name below and his/her latest workout will appear at the top or your screen. Categories
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