It wasn't often this year that Laura rode a streaking horse. Last year, she'd had a brilliant pair in Whipped Cream and Feline Frenzy. Both mares had gone from underdog to top dog in less than half a season. Since their retirement, Laura's two replacement fillies, Nirvana and Dirty Diana, had been consistently tough and hard to beat, but nothing extra special. Both mares were likely going to to see their best years of racing next year. Her something special came in the form of a hearty bay filly out of Lethal Knack. She was more coltish than any filly Witch Creek had in training currently. More physical and definitely stronger mentally. Lethal Dose had something going for her that was finally showing its true stripes. Her break had done her good and now she was coming into her first Horse Of The Year start since the beginning of Year Fourteen. Adding in a three race win streak and Lethal Dose was becoming the standout she couldn't have been due to immaturity earlier in the season. Justin was hoping for the same kind of turn around for Noc. She was an underdog filly due to her racing, not because of her pedigree. She was definitely stylish enough with Night Stalker and Train Wreck as her parents. It was her confidence that needed to have an adjustment. The lean gray filly watched Lethal Dose with wariness, not with command. She shrank back when Lethal Dose puffed herself up to whinny a challenge. Justin patted the gray's neck, comforting her as best he could. She leaned into the pressure, eyes brightening only marginally. It would take a while, but she'd become the super star Fleet Street and Saintly Touch already were. The fillies both snorted when Ripley exited her office, clipboard in hand. "What ladies? Is that anyway to greet the head honcho?" Lee bobbed her head, eyes rolling as if she found the moment quite funny. Noc bowed her neck, moving her lips together. She knew Ripley brought treats where ever she roamed. She was not disappointed when the red head stepped up to give a peppermint. Lee stomped in irritation until Ripley walked over and placed the delicacy right under nose. Silence lingered for a few moments before Noc whinnied for more. Justin eyed the silver-grey in surprise. She wasn't always this demanding, at least not usually. "She's getting some of her spirit back," Justin laughed, patting the filly's neck. "More and more," Ripley agreed. She tapped a finger to the clipboard, smiled. "Anyway. Their races are going to be interesting. We aren't going to push, Noc. She's been training beautifully now that she's settled in, but we're not going to expect too much too soon. Move at the pace of the horse, don't move her at our pace." Justin hummed as Laura finished tacking Lethal Dose. The bay filly watched the trainer with intense eyes as though she could understand every word. "Let's do a half-mile warm up with a six furlong breeze. Just enough to open up their lungs." Laura laughed. "Lee's lungs were made open." Lee snorted, nearly bolting forward when Laura unclipped the cross-ties. She was clearly ready to roll. Nocturnal Runaway backed away, eyes rolling until Justin came to her. Ripley boosted both riders into their saddles, eyes gleaming when they stepped into the daylight. She loved her fiery and sensitive fillies. Nocturnal Runaway pranced down the dirt path, ears bopping over her head in delight. She genuinely seemed to be happy to be here. Instead of running straight to the track and straight back, Noc took her time, ears flicking to take in all of the sights and sounds. The silver-gray filly leaped onto the track like a tiger, hauling Justin onto his toes. She ran with his neck bowed down and her tail waving above her rear. She made quite the picture for a small filly. Lee knew things were different today. The bay went from trotting to galloping the minute she realized her counterpart was not a wait and see type of horse. She was fired up as she rolled up to Nocturnal Runaway with her ears pinned. Laura actually felt tension in the reins, grinning. It was so nice having a powerful engine beneath you. Lee cruised just off of Nocturnal Runaway as the two year old sped up to lead into the backstretch. Ripley liked what was she was seeing from the pair as they marched into the backstretch. It was already time to start the half-mile and Nocturnal Runaway was giving Lethal Dose a piece of her mind. The daughter of Night Stalker was not going to let the bay filly have it easy. She was really running from the get-go and Justin was just sitting as chilly as ever. The reins were taunt and her strides were only getting stronger. The turf workouts had developed muscle the filly had lacked. Laura had to admit she was secretly impressed by Nocturnal Runaway. Lethal Dose was not one to go head to head with another horse unless she felt like they had the advantage. The powerful bay filly rumbled up to Noc's side on the far turn, ears pinned back into her mane. Her intent was clear. If she couldn't catch Noc right now, she was going to try to intimidate her. Justin felt the pressure come in like a wave on Noc. The silver-gray filly closed in on herself momentarily. It was just enough leeway for the Lethal Knack daughter to take the lead. Justin was cursing, but once Lee cleared, Noc darted to the outside path. He saw Laura look up in surprise when Noc not only came back, but came roaring on Lethal Dose's outside. Ripley let out a wolf whistle at the move, would have clapped her hands if she wasn't holding binoculars. Nocturnal Runaway and Lethal Dose stormed down the track, going all out to defeat the other. Lethal Dose only just got the better of her younger opponent at the wire, but Noc continued to roll through the gallop out. Justin was thrilled with the turn of events. He patted Noc's neck enthusiastically, a wide smile on his face. The silver-gray filly snorted, but it was so clear that she was proud of herself. When Lethal Dose trotted by, Laura flashed him a thumbs up. It was a workout worthy of a victory. Perhaps the tides were turning for more than Lethal Dose.
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