"Please note this rarity, King. We actually will have the track to ourselves. Such a thing never happens." Brooks was feeling very spirited on the cool winter morning. He couldn't hold the happiness back. He was going to be a daddy, a little sooner than he'd expected, but it was the right woman and the right time for them both. He patted King's neck, blue eyes sparkling when footsteps announced the arrival of said woman. He turned, a smile on his face, to acknowledge her even when the smile was not given back. Ripley Marsh was no morning person during her pregnancy. The slim woman was just beginning to show a small bump, a bump that she carefully managed so that it would not end her career until December. He knew she was banking on that bump staying small to make weight allowances for the Breeders' Cup. His eyes dimmed a little, but his spirit did not. Ripley was making all sorts of career sacrifices for him and their little one. She'd come to settle with it recently and was looking forward to meeting the little one. "Please note that this is indeed a rarity. Don't fill your egos up too much as I'm not taking responsibility for them popping." Brooks laughed and Sun King snorted in a timely fashion. A smirk touched Ripley's face and her eyes brightened up. She kissed Brooks' on the cheek before moving to King to go over his wraps and equipment. Sun King looked every inch the part of the magnificent two year old he was. He was a grade three horse, the first of this crop, and he had the talent for ten horses. It appeared he was following in big brother Mastermind's footsteps, though he was pretty solid at the ten furlong distance, something not even attempted by Mastermind. That stamina came from both of his parents, though the brilliant speed and tenacity came from his dam. Native Flame's chestnut son looked like his mirror image in frame and musculature. Sun King had the prowess and the looks to get attention on the track. He'd been a standout from the get-go and now he was heading into late season as one of the top dirt two year olds in the country. "Three races left and then we're heading for the Derby trail come Year Fifteen," Ripley stated as she tightened the girth. King flashed his teeth, but he didn't attempt to touch the trainer. He knew better. Manners were important at Witch Creek Stable. It caused thrills in both Ripley and Brooks to hear those words. Brooks would be riding his third Kentucky Derby horse, this one with the best prospects. Ripley would get her shot to see an El Sol Del Mar baby take to the track for the Kentucky Derby. Sunny had already produced one Derby winner in Eternal Phantom, but this time Ripley would be the trainer. This time it was more exciting. "We'll be competing against Saintly Touch and Casualty of War for that honor," Brooks stated after he'd mounted. Ripley led them from the barn, eyes forward. "Yes, it is quite the situation. I'll tell you to be aware of both of them. Reese has already got Saint eating from the palm of her hand and Sultan markedly improved in his first race over the dirt. Our competition will be more diverse than it has ever been next year." King danced beneath Brooks, muscles contracting and releasing beneath his ruby hide. He was a looker if there ever was one, a powerful beast who was only going to get more-so at the age of three. His mouth played over the bit, betraying his eagerness to get to work. He was a driven character this horse and that ambition would carry him far. "I want a solid five furlong workout from him. Nothing too fast Brooks, just enough to sharpen him up for his return." Brooks nodded and turned the colt loose into a jog and then a canter just before the first turn. The colt moved fluidly beneath him, legs eating up the loamy earth, and looked every inch the powerhouse his sire once was. Ripley leaned on the rail, eyes glued to the colt as he stepped up the pace into the backstretch. Sun King was strong on the bit, keeping the reins taunt. He was a lot like his dam. Absolutely the most focused of her offspring and intense. His athleticism was expressed in every move he made and he was easily one of the best horses Brooks had ever ridden. The colt gave Brooks chills as he cruised through the first couple furlongs of his workout without much effort. Sun King had a presence like no other and he was pressing for more rein with every stride. Brooks leaned close to the colt, letting the red mane whip him in the face as the pace increased. The colt switched leads on command, dashed into the far turn with verve. Brooks let out a breath as they cut the turn and bolted into the stretch. Ripley started the stop watch as the colt unfurled his massive strides and rolled down the stretch. "Boy, you are impressive," she crooned. The chestnut colt powered through the stretch, dark eyes blazing. He grew faster with every stride and hit the wire in :23 seconds flat for the final half. His time was impressive, but not nearly as nice as his gallop out. His opponents were going to have to give it all they had to beat him next time. Ripley could hardly wait.
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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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