Laura could hardly believe that this might be the very last workout she ever rode Dirty Diana in. Their last races together would be coming up quickly and Laura was in a state of shock. She'd taken the grade four mare all the way to the edge of grade one and now they were sitting on the cusp of being a really good pair. Only one win separated Diana from her grade one level. It had been the most elusive and frustrating win of Diana's career. She'd made herself known for her top finishes, being first or second in almost every start this year. The All For Glory mare deserved her win and if she notched it in the Glissade Stakes, December Week Two, perhaps a start in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint awaited her. It was one big if, but Laura had pulled off two miracles last year. Feline Frenzy and Whipped Cream had set the bar high for Laura, but she was more than living up to it on Nirvana and Diana. The red head patted her mount's neck, breaking her stare into space when a clatter of hooves on ice broke her focus. Diana shook her head, nickering in greeting to the similarly dappled filly coming down the path. Taboo, the regally bred daughter of Everyday Hero and Forbidden Wings, looked every inch the princess she was. She glided over the track with her ears pricked and her neck slightly bowed. She cut a beautiful figure in the morning light and her gracefulness was hard to miss. She flicked her ears in greeting to Diana, but held herself poised and at attention. Reese patted the filly's neck, smiling. Tabz had come such a long way since her near disastrous beginning. "Ripley's coming in two. She said to gallop a half mile and work the other half." Reese signaled her two year old into her floating hand gallop, drawing her down to Diana's side. The pink roan mare flashed her teeth, suddenly competitive now that it appeared they'd be doing something racing related. Laura had her hands foal keeping the mare in line. Diana had been awfully rough lately. She wanted to do her work and do it as fast as possible. The powerful mare cut down to the rail, asserting herself on the front end. Taboo was like silk in Reese's hands. She was so soft on the bit and, yet, there was enough energy there to assure Reese that she had a ton of horse. Taboo was not one to be underestimated and she'd proven that on several occasions. She was a fierce runner and definitely tougher than she looked. Her light frame and nature told Reese that she'd never be an Hourglass or Nirvana. Both of them could take on the boys repeatedly and come away with wins. Tabz was more of a filly's filly with her swift agility and devastating kick. Dirty Diana fanned out wide on the turn, carrying Taboo wide. The younger filly pinned her ears, showing her competitive spirit. She could be pushed around, but she sure as hell didn't take to it. She kicked into a higher gear, daring Dirty Diana to keep up if she wanted to pull those tricks. The reins were taunt in Reese's hands by the time they were halfway up the backstretch. Tabz wasn't a pushover, just light. And she sure as heck was taking her stand now. Diana wheeled through the stretch, muscles loosening up until her stride was at its greatest point. Her delicate head pressed into the air furlong, large nostrils flaring and engulfing great gulps of air. Her body looked like that of a greyhound with her deep chest and lithe rear end. Laura twined her fingers in the mare's mane as she rallied on the inside of Taboo and took over the lead again. Taboo battled back on the turn, gaining just enough advantage on Di to catch her by surprise. The slick two year old cut the turn, nearly cutting off Diana if not for Laura's swift reaction time. The larger mare bulled through the hole between Taboo and the rail. Her attack was ferocious and she nearly bowled Taboo over in the process. Taboo let loose a squeal, insulted beyond belief. Reese was impressed when she picked herself up and continued on despite the physicality. It was too late to catch Dirty Diana though. Laura went still after that. Her big mare was galloping along like a champ, ears pricked and tail high. She knew she was the champ and carried herself like one. Laura was laughing as they passed beneath the finish line. Next stop was grade one.
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"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." "It always seems like Ripley picks up a horse at this time of season, doesn't it?" Maggie asked as she watched Brooks go to the wall for her. The wall was a furious mass of bay filly and she was not having any part in the tacking up process. She'd tolerated the grooming and the wrapping, but the saddle and bit were crossing the line. Maggie's blue eyes took in the powerful mass of the daughter of Passionate Class. She was a furious wraith that did not belong to her turf sire. Rather, that fury was passed down through Carmilla, daughter of Night Stalker and Requiem. "Yeah, next time I need to check pedigrees out before I let her bring a demon spawn home again." Brooks gave last heave, slapped the metal hooks in place and fled the scene a moment before Miss Josephine's teeth would have caught him on the shoulder. Maggie smiled, patted Brooks' back. "Atta boy. You did good even though she doesn't think so." The grooms and stall muckers had been watching the entertainment with large eyes. As soon as Brooks turned to them, they scattered. Brooks chuckled. "Seriously. Ripley does go for a certain type." "And that type has carried me to more winner's circles as a trainer than any other line." Brooks and Maggie didn't even bother to wince. Ripley's voice was less cold than it had been earlier. Mostly because she would be riding in this set. The pair turned and smiled at the woman and her black mare. Cross watched them owlishly as if she hadn't decided if she liked them or not. Her affection for Ripley was remarkable and her intelligence was so reflective of how she behaved. The sharp black sprinter snorted at Brooks and Maggie, dismissing them as she always had. They hadn't impressed her so far. "We're going to do a mile gallop and three furlong workout. Test Josey and give Cross and Tabz a lung opener. Lots of big races coming up with the end goal being the Breeders' Cup." Reese sat patiently out in the yard, relaxed as much as she could be aboard a flighty gray thoroughbred. Taboo had settled down a lot over the course of the season. It struck Reese that this must have been what Cross was like as a two year old. Horror stories of Cross' screams still echoed among the grooms and riders. Taboo had been just as "crazy" and now she was miles ahead of where she had once been. The Forbidden Wings daughter stared off in the direction of the grassy hills, lost in thought with her left hind hoof cocked. What a difference nine months made. The other riders mounted up and jogged by to the dirt track. Tabz ears pricked in longing toward the hills, but she obediently turned when asked. The turf track was closed until April. Soon the dirt track would be as well and all workouts and gallops would be moved to the indoor synthetic track. Reese was eager to try the place out and pitch her turfers against Brookson and Ripley's dirt horses. The clash would be interesting to say the least. Miss Josephine moved with such intensity that Maggie already felt she would have to hold on to her helmet. The dashing bay filly twisted her head to and fro, assessing her surroundings with ferocious eyes. She snorted, fog billowing out of her nostrils and emphasizing the dragon-like look. Maggie couldn't wait to pit Miss Josephine against The Devil's Hourglass. That would be a sight. Two coltish fillies battling it out in full-blown glory. The horses moved into their gallops, Cross immediately assuming the lead. It was so fantastic how durable the black mare had been. She'd raced constantly over three seasons and had never lost an inch of speed. Ripley allowed the black mare to dig into the dirt a little quicker than usual. The star marked mare was quite interested in clinging to the rail. After all, it was the fastest and shortest route around the track. Taboo cruised behind Cross, ears pricked and eyes bright. She floated over the dirt track, really handling it with such professionalism. The filly had this pizzazz to her that was so striking. More would be expected of her as a three year old. This year was all about getting to know her quirks. Reese kept an ear out for Maggie's horse, uneasy of that one's reaction to running. But all and all, she was more than pleased with Taboo. Miss Josephine was an absolute handful. Maggie had the filly under a good strong hold and her arms were already starting to shake with the effort. The wild-eyed filly wanted to dominate her two opponents and she moved rankly. The whites of her eyes could be seen from the rail by Brooks. He just shook his head. They'd see if she had this much energy left at the end of the exercise. The Passionate Class filly wasn't liking the surface at all, knees lifting very high in reaction. She snorted like a freight train with every stride and it was so obvious that the fire burned within her. Maggie let out a notch, nearly was rocked backward when she leaped into the bit like a mountain lion. So the bay filly had instant speed. Quite impressive. Maggie took the hold up, bided her time. Cross My Heart rolled through the mile gallop with consummate ease. She used to only be able to handle a mile before she blew up and bolted. Now, she waited patiently, or a little more patiently, for Ripley's cue to gun it. The cobalt mare charged forward emphatically, putting another two lengths between herself and Tabbo in the blink of an eye. She switched leads and roared through the turn. Ripley thanked her brain for reminding her to grab goggles. Her eyes would have been icicles by now. Reese guided Taboo off the rail and released her. She smiled when the gray roan smoothly transitioned into a faster pace, fluid as a swan. The Forbidden Wings filly pinned her ears into her waving black mane and commenced a stunning bid. She was a bloody fast filly when she wanted to be. She had unexpected power and strength beneath that beautiful coat. Reese ducked low on the filly's neck as they straightened up and pursued Cross down the stretch. The black demon was virtually uncatchable so that workout was more for Tabz benefit of the chase than the actual victory. Maggie let out a violent breath as Miss Josephine pounded the ground beneath her. The bay filly had demanded release and now she was roaring after the other horses. Her body glistened with the effort and she looked absolutely fierce from Brooks' point of view behind Taboo. Maggie was impressed with the Passionate Class filly. For her extreme dislike of the dirt surface, she sure was courageous in fighting it. She'd closed the distance between herself and Tabz with emphatic strides and now she was moving to challenge. Ripley pulled Cross up, cocking her head to glance behind her. Used to the trainer's tactics, Cross slowed to an easy going lope, ears facing back to listen. Ripley patted the mare's neck absentmindedly as she watched the action. "Definitely a nice filly," she muttered as she watched Taboo outgame the bay across the wire. The sleek filly looked surprised by her rival's fury, but even in the gallop out she refused to be passed. She was no longer an inexperienced juvenile. Miss Josephine was an outside threat and now Taboo had the resources to defeat her. Ripley nodded appreciatively as Miss Josephine rolled on despite Maggie's will. While she wasn't a dirt horse by any means, it was nice to see a spirited champion. One day, perhaps, Miss Josephine would be the champion Ripley thought she could be. Until then... she would be working her way up to that stunning point. 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." 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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