"We've got us a hoss race," Laura proclaimed as she opened her mount's stall door. Today was definitely going to be a fun ride with four two year old horses needing workouts for their next starts. The shining stars of Witch Creek's two year old division would be stepping back to allow the late bloomers the spotlight. Laura knew Reese considered Taboo to be a top filly, as she was a sensational mid-distance turf runner, but Laura would categorize her as just below Saint, Sun King, Nirvana and Spotlight Pride. Taboo was the secret dark horse. She had guts, the breeding and the speed to make her mark. Next year, Laura expected Reese to grab the bull by the horns with that one. But for now... Laura would be glad to face off with her aboard her own filly.
Queen's Honesty snorted, her upside down exclamation marked head swiveled to the right to take note of the fullness of the barn. Ripley was running her hands down Vagabond's legs, making sure they were tight and cold. The newly grade four horse had made a sensational debut over the dirt and would find himself very much in his comfort zone on the practice track. Maggie smiled. "Hard to believe he made such a nice appearance last out. Four possible starters for the Derby next year, Ripley?" Ripley grunted, stepped back and took in the immensity of Vagabond. The Winged Heir colt was sensational looking with his great bay body and immense muscles. He was a late-bloomer. Ripley wasn't quite convinced dirt was his best surface, but if that's where he needed to be to gain confidence for next years TTC, she wouldn't argue. "Hopefully not. I can't clone myself just yet." Nocturnal Runaway and Taboo looked like mirror images, though Noc gleamed like molten silver and Tabz had more of a flat sheen. Taboo was lean and mean, the true turfer look, while Nocturnal Runaway possessed the thick bulkiness of the Night Stalker family. Justin and Reese were both particularly fond of their mounts, believed them to be on the up and up. Just last week, Noc had claimed her second career victory over Barely A Sound. Justin had appreciated the filly's immense determination, was impressed by her late race strength. Perhaps, if she kept up this run, Nirvana wouldn't be the only filly in the Triple Tiara starting gate. Laura rubbed Queen's head as she fixed the filly's bridle. The relation of Flawed Princess and Whipped Cream looked every inch as super as though grade one stars had looked a year ago. Her status with Witch Creek would always be pending. She was only on lease from Nature Blue, but Laura was eager to get back in the saddle with this type of animal. Though she was just a maiden, Queen's Honesty struck Laura as special. Queen had an edge to her, a bossy nature that typically transferred over to the track. Now if only they could get a flipping race into her. Today was as close as they would get until more maidens started filling the races. The quartet of horses slipped into the early morning sunshine. The silver Nocturnal Runaway lifted her delicate nose to the air and released a high pitched whinny. Justin winced, but took advantage of the filly's stillness and hopped aboard with Brooks' assistance. Brooks snagged the filly's bridle and led her down the path. She danced excitedly, hooves pounding the dirt in a staccato beat. The Night Stalker daughter was a fiery little thing, especially when amped up for a workout. Vagabond and Taboo jogged side by side down the path, Taboo hidden by the larger colt. She was slim as a wand compared to the broad bodied colt, but God knew she was tougher than most. Reese preferred the sleek filly beneath her, appreciated the quicker than the wind speed she possessed. The Everyday Hero daughter simply was a phenomenal turf filly. Her form was becoming more impressive with every race and Reese expected her to demonstrate it further in the Ms. Striking Motion Stakes. Queen's Honesty snorted, her white rimmed eyes flickering down the track. It was like sitting on a ticking time bomb, Laura thought. Queen's Honesty had more breaking speed than any of the other two year olds she faced today. She was stubborn foe and she would have to be against these horses. The "B" string was becoming tougher and tougher and it would be a good test to what exactly Queen was made of. Laura patted the filly's neck, turned her to face Ripley who leaned against the railing. "Steady gallop for a mile, four furlong workout. Obviously Queen is going to break off first, but don't let her get too foolish on the lead. Keep her at a steady pace, increasing only when she is confronted by Noc and Tabz. It'll be a good run for everyone and that's the goal. We are not out to beat one another, but to have enough horse for the next two months." There were stifled mutterings from the peanut gallery before everyone turned their horse down the lane. Queen's Honesty broke off first, pushing off her hind end with immense power. She was a broad filly and she definitely had one heck of a motor. She skipped easily over the dirt, her large strides covering the ground with relative effortlessness. Laura kept her hands at the filly's neck, blue eyes forward as she kept the filly at a solid pace. Swifter than Noc, Taboo got second with a burst of speed. The Everyday Hero filly was turning into one of the most promising of her generation and her class was indisputable. The quiet colored filly floated over the course, tail and mane flying behind her as she settled two long lengths behind the leader. Noc was at Taboo's hip, ears pinned back into her mane, eyes a little wild with eagerness. Justin kept the grip on the filly tight, brown eyes focused as ever. The Night Stalker daughter was one impressive individual. It wouldn't be too long before she was making a name for herself like the others. He had complete faith in her and thought of her as the typical Witch Creek underdog. The bonus was that she had the pedigree of a champion. Maggie kept her hands quiet as the her colt oriented his limbs beneath his body. Vagabond was a big, rangy sort, the type that liked to throw in one honest, powerful run. The bay son of Winged Heir had his ears pricked on the trio of fillies ahead of him, but he was traveling easily. Maggie was forced to wonder which surface the colt actually preferred. His only start ever on dirt had produced his grade four victory. He was the type of animal that loved to close into the furious paces all too common on the dirt track. He was also the type to relish the furious run in the final furlong of the turf race. Maggie kept her hands light on the reins, letting the big horse do what was necessary to maintain his position. Laura kept an ear out for the horses behind her, but her filly was traveling way too sweetly for a turfer. Queen's Honesty motored over the course, powerful strides engulfing the loamy soil. Boy, she was a nice horse. Perhaps all the time to grow would bode well for her down the line. Laura eased her hands up the filly's neck, signaling for more as they bounded into the first furlong of the workout. Queen responded with another gear, putting more separation between herself and the late runners. Justin did not like the look of Queen's Honesty showing them her tail. She had the stamina to keep right on going, but Lord knew his filly had stamina too. Without any indication, the young jock tossed sanity to the air and chirped to his filly. Noc lunged, catching Taboo off guard, as she took control and pursued the easy-moving leader. It wasn't long before Reese had Taboo running back up Nocturnal Runaway's inside. Noc wasn't the only filly that could handle the dirt. In fact, Everyday Hero fillies tended to thrive on the surface. It was only a gift of Forbidden Wings that Tabz was awesome on the turf. Maggie grunted as the gray fillies charged after Queen's Honesty into the far turn. The bay filly most certainly wasn't coming back to them. Vagabond ears flickered impatiently. He was so obviously waiting for Maggie's cue that she couldn't hold him back any longer. She chirruped to the colt and held on tight as he gunned wide off of the turn. Ripley and Brooks watched the quartet rumble down the stretch, both pairs of eyes widened in awe. The tenacity that so clearly was marked in the Perfection lineage was definitely on display. Queen's Honesty dug down and held off the flying Noc and Tabz. Her ears were pinned and her determination so clearly evident. Brooks let out a whistle when Taboo finally got the better of the filly. Ripley nudged Brooks, nodded to Vagabond who was soaring down the middle of the stretch, unwinding that impressive stride. The heavy bay colt was flying and Ripley was dying for a stopwatch. The colt caught up to the fillies, who most definitely were not stopping, missing by a neck to the wily Taboo. Queen's Honesty and Nocturnal Runaway galloped out with Vagabond, their ears pricked and their nostrils flaring. Taboo pulled up quicker, tired after having to be tested so thoroughly over a track she didn't necessarily favor. "Perhaps next year, they won't just be "B Stringers," Brooks stated as he watched the colt and fillies round the first turn once again. Ripley hummed in agreement. "You know what they say about sleeping giants?" Brooks cocked a brow, "What?" "You don't want to awaken them. I think I may make an exception at our rivals' expense."
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"Some people would say sending a grade five racehorse against that bunch in the Golden Slipper Stakes is crazy," Reese stated as she put the finishing touches on Bella Luna's glowing body. The sleek gray mare was a glorious sight to behold these days. She was in form, on top of her game and slick as a fish on the track. Just when the competition thought they had her she moved just out of their grasp for another resounding win. "That is true, but I'd say that they don't know Vagabond as well as I do." Maggie and Reese both looked up at Ripley as she stepped out of the office. You could barely tell she was pregnant, her tough exercise program was keeping all of the baby fat off so she could ride in two more months at the Breeders' Cup. "Maggie knows him too. He'll pull a surprise on them one of these days. He's come too close not to be in the top echelon, despite being only "grade five"." Maggie glanced over at the subject of conversation. Vagabond was a powerhouse just at a glance. He possessed a massive chest and shoulder, a glorious butt and the cleanest legs. He was a rarely bred Thoroughbred being a son of Winged Heir and Rebellious Girl. He had the look of a champion in his posture and demeanor. The look of eagles beamed out at her when he twisted his head, dark eyes glinting intensely. Bond would be the Turf Triple Crown hopeful come Year Fifteen and Maggie knew without a doubt he was as dangerous as the top turf two year old in the country. "Got to be a tough workout today to prep him for next week. He's got a tough job, but I have faith in him. He's been a rock solid horse and if anyone is likely to improve with age, it's him. "Mile and a quarter gallop, three furlong workout." The riders mounted up and rode out of the barn into the chilly winter. The first snow had touched the rolling hills last night, turning the place into a fairy tale. Reese wanted to squeal with excitement. She was still so unused to winter even after two years of being here. While everyone moaned and groaned well into January, Reese thrilled over it. South America was not a place where snow fell ever. "Soon, we'll have to move to the indoor track," Ripley muttered. The other women barely heard the remark, but exchanged glances. Ripley had ridden her final workout over the rolling hills a couple weeks ago. She was going to be edgy after December with restrictions on riding to the retired broods and geldings. Not to mention Brooks babying her... Bella Luna jogged onto the track full of energy and life. The dappled gray mare was a sweet heart, the sweetest in the entire roster. It just so happened that she could run the pants off of most everyone else. The Sea Struck mare tucked her chin to her chest, fog billowing out of her nostrils and billowing out behind her. She moved like the Queen she was and boy,did she look the part. The dirt track was a little tougher on her than the turf and it would prime her for her next race in the Cox Plate. She didn't like the dirt, but she trained over it well enough. Vagabond would actually move up slightly and Reese was almost positive the gray mare would have her hooves full. Bond looked like a million dollars as he stretched into his powerful gallop. He had the largest stride Maggie had ever seen, greater than even Para's ground-eating strides. He moved effortlessly and with command and sure made her feel like a million dollar rider. Bond cruised alongside Bella Luna as though he were her mirror image. Maggie kept her hands at the colt's withers, blue eyes focused ahead. This colt gave her a ton of confidence, but now was not the time to be cocky. Bella Luna bounded into the backstretch, ears pinned to her neck from the effort it took to fight the cuppy track. She hated it immensely, hated the colt running alongside her because he was moving like it was turf. Reese could feel the frustration building within the gray mare and knew this was what she needed. Easy wins created an unambitious mount. They began to assume every race would be as easy as the last. The pair of horses marched through the remaining half-mile, picking up the pace back into the first turn. Bond's ears dipped back when Maggie nudged him for more pace. He responded with a simple lengthening of his strides, nosing out Bella Luna for the lead. The silver gray mare battled back on the inside, battling the ground, but proving how much of a champion she was. She was a determined son of a gun and she would not lose to this upstarting two year old. The bay colt lead the way through the middle of the backstretch, a king in his castle. Bond was so in the bridle that Maggie was almost tempted to just let him run by Bella Luna. He was so full of himself, so full of energy. Oh, how it was tempting... Ripley liked the way Bond was moving over the dirt course, really liked how cool and calculated he was as a two year old. The colt assumed command on the far turn with relative ease and looked as though he would blow Bella Luna out of the water. Bella had her excuse, but Ripley was liking how hard the mare was trying on a surface not her own. The silver mare finally caught hold on the rail and surged up to battle with Vagabond. Together the two horses charged down the stretch, eyeballing one another as if they had faced each other many other times before this. The riders were quiet as they marched through the wire and back into the first turn. It was an impressive workout by Vagabond as he drew off in the gallop out. Bella Luna pulled up, clearly showing her disgust with the dirt track. Ripley knew one horse who would be more than happy to kill it in her next race. "I can see why Reese left Brazil," Maggie remarked as she mounted her powerful juvenile candidate. The blonde woman had learned to stay far away when any visitors stepped ten feet on the property. Better to let Ripley and the rest deal with the media and the outsiders. Maggie had enough drama on her plate. She smirked at Ripley's noncommittal grunt. The jock would rather eat her tongue than express her dislike for Cane. "I'd rather concentrate on why she came to my barn. Anyone would kill to get their hands on Reese." Defiance and pride laced Ripley's carefully chosen words. Maggie was pleased to work for a loyal boss, beyond happy to call her a best-friend. "It's true though. Never met a jockey that could settle a crazy horse like Reese." "Surprising, since she's as prickly as a cactus," Maggie muttered, drawing a laugh out of Ripley. The green eyed trainer aimed a smile at her friend as she hopped aboard The Devil's Hourglass. "I've heard tales that horses bring out a person's true self. Perhaps that can be said for Reese." Ripley stroked Hourglass' neck, turning her thoughts inward. She felt more human aboard any horse, tough or not. Her human side just became more expressive when she was on a horse she was especially fond of. Hourglass was one of those creatures. The bay filly was a hard-knocking, hard-working, tough son of a gun. The Belmont Turf Classic winner had been performing admirably since that race, taking down wins and seconds and thirds. It was time to step up her game again. Last year's top juvenile performer needed to get back on the podium and back into the conversation. The Just A Game Stakes over Hourglass' preferred turf track was just the place to do it. There was no preferred track for Vagabond. The Winged Heir colt was good, very good in Maggie's opinion. The horse showed up in every single race and put on a show every time. He was just on the edge of grade four and he was sitting on a good race. Maggie twined her fingers into the colt's black mane, enjoying the powerful feeling. Bond was her El Sol Del Mar, her Mastermind. The public just didn't know it yet. They would. The colt would go somewhere soon with more time to grow into his large frame and long stride. The colt arched his neck when he was asked to jog after Hourglass. The stout dark bay waved her tail in the colt's face, eyes blazing irritably. Kind she was not under saddle. She'd tamed down a lot compared to the foolishly fast creature she'd been as a two year old. Ripley was pondering a change in tactics for the strong bay. Taking back was not working much these days. She was so much stronger when allowed to run from the get-go in her workouts. It could be possible that was how she wanted to be raced. They would find out today. Maggie was curious how this workout would shape up. Bond wasn't a horse who enjoyed being scrubbed on the entire length of the workout. He liked to be allowed his big run at the very end. Maggie chewed her lip thoughtfully as the pair of horses moved into contained gallops to the first hill. She'd have to make a decision. Hourglass was becoming a Cross My Heart type and she wouldn't die off after eight furlongs. She'd keep right on going and going. Luckily, Bond was more of a stamina type animal. As expected, Hourglass took off like a rocket as soon as Ripley released her savage head. Maggie released her colt a second later upon noticing his strain to follow. If the colt wanted to keep up let him. It would hurt him if she held him back now. The bay powerhouse followed Hourglass over the crest, eyes alight with excitement. Ripley cocked her whip above her shoulder, signaling to Maggie this was to be a solid mile and a quarter gallop with the workout at the end. Maggie nodded in approval at the decision. Cross was going to be a deeply missed member of the roster, but at least there was something to look forward to in Hourglass. The strong baby daughter of The Devil's Touch was a blazing beast at the moment. She crushed everything in her path, taking down those that dare to run with her if she couldn't win. She had a big dog attitude in a little dog body. Ripley leaned close as the filly marched over the turf course, relentless in her speed. She was giving all of the right signs going into this next stakes race. Ripley tapped the filly on the shoulder, keeping her honest. Bond followed two lengths behind, tongue bobbing with his rhythm. He was really enjoying the chase. He loved to be in the clear did this big horse. He could get a little claustrophobic in tight spaces, but given room to run he really had a lovely cruising speed. He targeted Hourglass through the mile and a quarter, reaching with his stride up the hill and only shortening as much as necessary going down. Ripley didn't pause Hourglass at the top of the flat. She wouldn't get a breather in the race if there was pressure. Hourglass didn't take Bond seriously, but any other competition in an actual race was as dangerous as the next. The filly chugged down the hill, leaping the last foot to the flat. The reins flapped in the wind as the filly dashed across the flat. Ripley was laughing as the horse ran. Hourglass was something else. Maggie scrubbed Bond, grinning when he responded with a quick lead change and a burst of speed. His giant strides ate up the ground, caught the filly as she was moving through her last furlong. The big and small thoroughbreds bolted for the finish, eyes alight like their humans with passion for the race. Hourglass put the colt away with another gear, cementing her win with a length lead beneath the wire. Ripley fist-pumped the air excitedly, slapped hands with Maggie as Bond cruised by. The large colt had handled the test well. Like Hourglass, he was rounding into form at the perfect time as well. July Week Fouruneasy peace"Don't get in her way, Brooks. She's very quick on the go and she pulls hard. She'll collect in your hands, but don't get her too forward..." Brooks sent a side-glance in Laura's direction as she paced around the barn and around Dirty Diana. She was like a mother hen with this mare. And here Diana was, just edgy as can be as her normal rider danced around like a whirling dervish. The mare nickered nervously as Laura stopped mid-pace and eyed her. "Why aren't you saying anything Brooks?" Laura hissed irritably. The blond man looked completely at ease as he adjusted Dirty Diana's bridle. The gray filly leaned into the more relaxing touch, keeping a keen eye on Laura for a hint of trouble. Laura took a deep breath at the look, rolled her shoulders. "Because Laura... you look like a nervous wreck. I'm not going to break her on you. Trust me. Di's been pretty sturdy so far despite being shifted around. She's as solid as a rock thanks to you." Laura eyed him warily. He shrugged. She was either suspicious of him or outraged. She was very much like the woman he was dating. The heart-breakers and hard-luck girls always seemed to join together in some way. "I promise I won't get in her way." That promise seemed to be enough because Laura was turned around and working on Vana before he could blink. He was actually quite eager to pit these two horses against one another. Both were very strong closers, but they had extremely different styles. Nirvana was a stout grinder who kept coming and coming, but needed plenty of encouragement. Dirty Diana, who had demonstrated in her recent start, was an explosive type of filly. She was daintier, but finally reaching the expectations that had been set by Akita Rose Stables. Brooks liked Dirty Diana's type of horse. She reminded him a lot of Ashes to Ashes, but she came from farther out. Nirvana was a source of absolute calm underneath Laura's hand as she guided the bay filly from the barn. The Gold Storm daughter was not a reflection of her rider. She existed in her own pool of collection and wisdom. She was Laura's rock and Laura wanted to do right by the blaze-faced filly. She wanted success for her project, for her first two year old horse ever. They had stalled a little bit in the win category, but Vana was as consistent as can be. Her more daintier opponents were precocious, but in the future they would have to be on look out. Vana was still maturing and her attitude was at a level of professionalism that the others' simply were not. The riders rode quietly down the path. Laura swayed to the easy-going stride of Vana while Brooks posted to Di's fleet-footed jog. Di was not one for slowing down. She was on the track minutes before Vana, circling and doing figure eights beneath her temporary rider. She looked fantastic and Laura knew she'd done right by asking Brooks to take over the reins for this workout. Vana moved into a heavy canter once she hit the dirt track, snorting at first. She was a tank, solid and powerful. She was efficient and confident. She cruised when Diana surged to her side, ears pinned and mouth agape. Diana could be so competitive sometimes. Brooks' hands were quiet at her withers, letting the mare have her head. The gray horse settled into stride, finally pricking her ears as she galloped into the backstretch. Vana settled back, not intimidated, but unwilling to keep pace with the All For Glory mare. Diana was more mature. She simply was too strong to go head and head. Laura grinned as Vana trucked willingly at Di's haunches, neck bowed and ears playing. She was well within her capabilities. The filly's dark eyes scoped out the track, taking in everything with her go-with-the-flow attitude. Boy, this mare was something awesome. Brooks hadn't known until Diana's start how fiercely she was training. He felt it now, coiled like a rattlesnake ready to strike. The mare kicked into another gear, quickening upon asking. He sent a quick glance at Laura. Perhaps she was more rateable than Laura had let on. Laura was keeping secrets. At the quick move, Laura knew her secret had been given away. Laura went to the whip the moment Diana set foot in the turn. Vana reacted with pinned ears and a swift stride. She pummeled the earth beneath her in pursuit of Dirty Diana. The gray roan was cruising effortlessly, tail flying behind her, ears pricked above her slim head. She was enjoying the run. Brooks was still above her. Brooks wondered at the mare's brilliance, could see why Laura was continually bringing up the idea of keeping her in training next year. The mare improved with every stride she took, growing stronger and stronger on the bit. Laura whirled Vana to the outside, thrilling at the fury that coursed through the Gold Storm filly. Once again, Vana was finding herself out paced. This time she would not go down a loser. The blaze-faced filly rumbled up to Diana's outside, not even reacting when the older mare pinned her ears. The horses charged down the course, nearly mirror images as they found the horse more challenging than expected. The pair bolted through the wire. Diana pulled herself up, eyes furious when Vana broke Laura's command and continued to stroll on by. The two year old was not going to go down without a fire, the farther the better. Her opponents were going to have to deal with her at some point... perhaps sooner than expected. steal the lightIt was hard to believe it had been three months since she'd last worked Vagabond. He was her Michael Jordan and he'd been sitting on the sidelines since May while everyone else was running to magnificent victories. That would all change now because Bond would not be catching a break until January of Year Fifteen. Maggie's blue eyes pivoted from the grooming tools to the dark bay colt standing between the cross-ties. His body rippled with muscle and his coat gleamed after a week of baths. He'd been a dirty pasture pet for a month and a half. Once Maggie had started working him again, the pasture pet had vanished and in his place stood an athletic machine. While Sun King and Saintly Touch were stealing hearts on the track, Maggie believed the best two colts had been sitting on the sidelines. Reese was following along with that vein of thought as she guided a cloth over ruby red hide. Spotlight Pride looked nothing short of the streaking miler he was. No one could catch the horse on the turf. He simply out-sprinted the fastest horses and out-lasted the ones with the most stamina. Today would be testing for him because he would not be the only speed horse and Vagabond was classy enough to catch him. Reese patted her sleek colt after pulling on her helmet. She adored Pride and trusted him to carry her through whatever storm awaited them. Spotlight Pride danced uneasily in the cross-ties, sweat filling the empty space between his hind legs. It was hard to believe that this was the battle-tested two year old who would face down dragons and demons. She smiled at Maggie. "He doesn't look like much, does he?" "He looks like the bane of Brooks and Amarillo's existences today," Maggie replied. Reese laughed. It was true. Amarillo Sky was nearly as uncontrollable as Spotlight Pride on the lead. The bay son of Augusto was a head-scratching, do-it-yourself, my-way-or-the-highway kind of horse. Pride was lenient if asked gradually for a slackening of speed. Brooks would have his hands full to say the least. The five year old stud was a time bomb waiting to explode and his recent losses were only going to fuel the fire. And the fire is raging, Brooks thought as he egged the stallion closer to the two year old barn. Amarillo Sky danced furiously beneath him, shoed hooves causing sparks to fly. His eyes blazed with fury and annoyance. His tail whipped back and forth, leaving welts on Brook's jeaned legs. Ripley sat quietly in the golf cart, eyes narrowed on the Augusto horse. Brooks knew what she was about to say and he smirked when her lips parted. "Yup, he needs a hard workout today." "He needs a gut-check," Brooks said through gritted teeth. Ripley hid the smile as the bay stallion reared and bolted three feet. He was a crazy horse. The horse slammed to a stop, ears pinning back at the sounds of other hoof beats. He spun, nearly throwing a tiring Brooks to the ground. "Don't you worry 'bout a thing," Reese crooned, "I've got just the horse to give your wild stud a gut-check." Maggie hung back, didn't bother hiding her laugh when Pride skittered away nervously. No, Maggie thought, Pride wasn't much of a brawny boy now, but he'd be something amazing on the three furlong flat. Ripley waited for the attention of her jockeys to return to her before giving orders. "Because we all know how this is going down, I will keep it short. Reese, try your damndest to get Pride relaxed and just off Ram's haunches. I want Ram to get his exercise, but we won't sacrifice Pride to do it. I expect you to attempt some control, Brooks, but if he fights let him go. We are not out to take away his speed. And if he wants to run uncontested do it. Just hang on. Maggie, keep close and start pushing up the last hill. Not enough to cause him to stampede down the other side, but enough to wake him up. Mile and a quarter gallop. Work 'em the three furlong flat. Under :12 second furlongs people." The riders exchanged looks as the auburn haired woman powered away on the golf cart. Like they would expect anything less out of Ripley Marsh. She knew they'd get the horses running. As one, the team turned toward the track and set the horses down into nice comfortable canters. Amarillo Sky bounded along with his neck bowed, snorting through his nostrils. He was such a monster. Brooks sincerely hoped that Ripley planned on keep the stallion in training for Year Fifteen. He was going to come into his own soon. The Augusto horse was training better and racing better with every start. The longer he ran the better. Pride and Bond settled into stride behind the exuberant stallion, ears flicking and eyes sweeping the green hills. Bond was so confident, so in the bridle even now despite looking around. Maggie had never felt better on a horse. On this horse, Maggie could conquer the world. Hopefully, the racing world would be watching his next couple races. Bond was only getting better. He rolled over the hills with ease, relaxed even when Spotlight Pride broke away to press Amarillo Sky. Maggie kept quiet, knowing the horse needed nothing until the final hill. Reese kept her hands at Pride's withers, breathing slow breaths. The chestnut two year old was settled at the older horse's hip. Not quite taking it to him. Amarillo Sky's left ear was locked on Pride though. The big bay stallion was well aware of his inside competition and he was most definitely not happy with the circumstances. Brooks jerked the right rein when the horse practically turned sideways to flash his teeth at Pride. The younger horse stuttered, nearly stumbling before bolting off. "Shit!" Reese muttered wildly under her breath. The Deathflash's Pride colt hurtled over the turf, now going head to head with a pumped up Ram. She could practically hear the snickering coming from the Augusto stud. He'd wanted to intimidate Pride into running and he had. Now both horses would pay the price when Bond rolled right on by. Maggie watched with wide eyes as Ram and Pride barreled over the hills ahead of Bond. The big bay two year old moved easily, quickening to stay in contact. She was impressed that he moved so effortlessly even at the faster pace. They would have to work harder to catch the speed balls. Ripley's plan had just about gone up in smoke. Brooks did not gather in the reins. Ram's best weapon was his fantastic cruising speed. Brooks would not take it away from the well-bred colt. If he did it would be as though he'd released the hounds of hell. Ram rolled impressively up the final hill, gathering steam despite nearing the grueling portion of the workout. It was a compliment to Pride that the chestnut was sticking with the more mature animal. Reese knew she was on a fantastic animal. No other horse would still have this much energy at the end of such a brilliantly fast gallop. She felt as though she were sitting on a keg of gun powder. Pride was on the muscle and he didn't bother to slow up much on the way down to the three furlong flat. Nimble where Ram and Bond were not, the miler colt skipped down the hill and onto the flat nearly a length and a half ahead of Amarillo Sky. Brooks allowed the reins to fly and sicced Amarillo Sky on the youngster. There hadn't been much of an option. The bay horse flew over the course, ears pinning back into mane. He was battling head and head with Pride long before the first furlong was finished. Maggie was feeling the same way as Brooks at this point. Bond needed to run to come out on top of this one. She'd been pushing him since the beginning of the last hill. He was absolutely revved and it showed in his bold strides. He was a large horse with a great big stride and he covered ground impressively. Maggie glanced up just in time to realize, Bond was about to run over Ram. With a flick of the reins, the bay colt skipped over the older horse's hooves and rolled alongside him. "Holy shit!" Ripley shouted from her side-line spot. The Winged Heir colt bounded right on by Amarillo Sky and Spotlight Pride to steal the victory by a half-length. She saw the shock in Reese and Brooks' bodies when the bay two year old continued on like it was nothing. Maggie smacked Bond's neck, thrilling at the adrenaline and power. "Wow big horse." Reese stroked Pride's neck, gasping for air. Her colt had done everything but win. Brooks sent a sideways grin her way. "I do believe that's the first time either of these horses have been headed in a workout." Reese smirked, "Means they'll be ready to roar next time out." "That's the plan." optimum secrecySilence was not an easy thing to come across at Witch Creek Stable unless you were up at the crack of down or roaming around in the middle of the night. Reese wondered many thing about Ripley's head these days, the most poignant thought had to do with training Taboo. The sleek gray filly was the most easily unnerved horse on the roster. She was never without sweat, never without a nervous tic of eyes or hooves. And for some reason on this very day, Ripley Marsh wanted the most nervous filly out of the barn in the middle of the afternoon when trailers were coming and going. Taboo's dark eyes traveled back and forth warily over the action going on in the transport circle. Saintly Touch, Sun King and Dirty Diana were returning from the tracks, all crowned winners in awe-inspiring performances. Taboo let out a wild whinny, shifting rapidly underneath Reese. Reese took a calming breath, forced the feeling down the leather reins and into her wily mount. Taboo was never going to be quiet and she was never going to be absolutely relaxed. She was the stereotypical hot-blooded thoroughbred. Reese just had to get used to it. The woman turned the dappling filly in a circle, nodding to Brookson Wells as he rode out of the shadows aboard Optimus Unstoppable. Small though he was, Optimus looked the picture of absolute health. His small white glinted beneath his well-braided fore-lock and his body gleamed like oiled wood. The Shiver Me Timbers colt would be heading to the Tick Tock Sprint, the first leg of the Triple Sprinter Crown, and he was carrying the hopes of Witch Creek with him. He was no Mastermind, but his season so far had been impressive, especially considering he'd only been a winner of one race coming into Year Fourteen. Brooks looked like a proud papa atop his thick freight train. He was developing Optimus into something Kirsten Jade with Akita Rose Stables would have been proud to race herself. Optimus touched noses with Taboo, not rattled at all. He was an uppity horse himself, but at home, he was different. Brooks liked the confidence that rippled through Optimus, poured out of his body. The horse was coming into the first leg really well and had not missed a single beat in training. The blond man patted the colt's neck, nodded to Reese. "She tell you what we're doing today?" "Nope," Reese said. "Or why she wanted the most frantic horse out in the middle of the day." Brooks rolled his eyes after he passed the woman. Sometimes Reese was a bit bullish, but she had to agree that nearly 99.99% of the time Ripley was correct. He'd come to accept this fact a long time ago. "Anyway. She wants a mile gallop and a four furlong breeze. Nothing too fast as both of these guys are hard-wired to explode at any moment." Optimus pranced animatedly onto the track, dark eyes brightening at the sight of the galloping yearlings, Uno Momento and Lady Timeah. He pulled fiercely on the bit, found resistance and relented. Brooks rewarded the colt by releasing him at the moment, grinning when the colt moved into a strong gallop. It would have been stronger if he'd released when Optimus had pulled. Reward to the bad behavior. Taboo danced sideways as the bay colt bounded away. The whites of her eyes flashed anxiously, but her muscles were revving up for a fight. Reese let out a breath and placed her life in the filly's hooves. Like a flash, Taboo was flying and catching up to Optimus. Her strides were as smooth as lemon meringue and just as graceful. She had this ethereal feeling and a sense of calmed seemed to take over the Everyday Hero filly. It was a very redeeming quality. Reese couldn't imagine what Taboo would be like to ride if she was a headcase in full flight. Brooks gritted his teeth as he fought to rein in Optimus. The bay colt could move when he wanted to, displaying a moment of immaturity. He'd been converted into a closer the last two starts, but only because Brooks sat heavy in the saddle and forced the colt to break a step slow. When a horse rushed up on him, the game was over. Brooks snapped the bit in Optimus' mouth, sighed when he finally regained control and Taboo took over the lead. Her thin tailed waved in the wind tauntingly at Optimus as she cruised down the backstretch two lengths in front. The bay colt snorted with every leaping stride, intent on letting Brooks know how much he disagreed with the tactics. Brooks could have cared less. He was simply happy the colt was rating well. Optimus' ears pricked up after two furlongs of steady running. No longer did he press furiously into Brooks' hands. Now he was in the bridle, but just enough to let Brooks know he had more horse. Reese knew she had plenty of horse. Taboo was on cruise control heading into the far turn. Her black-tipped ears bobbed over her head and Reese could hear every soft hoofbeat. Tabz knew she was about to be released, her body had tightened reflexively into the turn. She switched leads on command, nearly in sync with her rider. Reese let out a quiet breath before letting the reins soar through her fingers. Time was up. Four furlongs were left. Taboo whirled over the course, kicking up dust and dirt in her wake with powerful strides. She was nearly level to the ground by the time she hit mid-stretch and now a stunning five lengths ahead of Optimus Unstoppable. Reese peeked under her arm, saw Brooks push Optimus forward mildly. Her brows quirked in surprise for she had not yet asked Taboo for her best. "What the hell," Brooks murmured as Optimus thundered through the dusty wake. Taboo had practically been a mirage, there when far away and gone when they were right on top of her. She was floating over the course while Optimus barreled along on loud hooves. The little engine that could rolled over the course, ears pinned back in wild mane, mouth agape. He could not catch her and he would not at this rate. The sturdy bay cut into her lead, but was a length behind at the wire. Brooks had stopped urging the colt on, but now asked him to go on by a cantering Taboo. The horse picked up an intense gallop, bulletting by the two year old and taking his wrath out on the soil. He was not used to the front-runners going on with it. And he was not going to allow it to happen again. Reese watched as Optimus roared into the backstretch again, hell-bent on exorcising Taboo from his presence. She patted the filly, was stunned again when she found no sweat. Tucking down, Reese could hear no heavy breathing. Taboo trotted gracefully back to the gap, tossing her head excitedly. After all that exercise, the filly wouldn't have blown out a candle. |
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