April Week Four
sideways glance
Originally Written At Green Horse Fields 5/2/14.
"You seem to love throwing a wrench in the plans Ripley Marsh. A good wrench on our part, but perhaps a bad one for everyone else." Brooks cast a sharp look at the owner, trainer of Witch Creek Stable and the love of his life. The auburn haired woman sat proudly aboard her equally proud black mare. She looked every inch a happy woman. Brooks knew March and April had been hard on her, but May... May would be a different story... Hopefully.
Cross My Heart, last year's winner of the Debutante Stakes, nickered excitedly as she stepped between the two lines of press. Her tail waved high in the air and she pranced in a heart-breaking way. Ripley's white smile beamed as the reporters snapped photos of her beloved turf sprinter. While the press wasn't all for her, Cross deserved every inch of camera time she could get. Ripley was simply happy that Cross had finally settled into life at Green Horse Fields.
In Front had never needed time to settle at this track. At home, the blaze-faced colt was a terror, particularly to his sire, but here, on this long track, In Front had been home after the first hoof. The Touch Up colt strode alongside the excitable mare, big ears flicking around his surroundings. The press didn't bother him. Neither did the crowd. In Front was practically in his own little world. Brooks patted the colt's muscled neck, secretly ecstatic that Ripley had put In Front's name in the entries box.
The mare and colt picked up a canter the second they cleared the press and joined the melee on the track. Cross whinnied triumphantly causing more than a few horses to turn and assess the newcomer. Ripley wrapped her fingers in the pitch black mane, grimacing slightly when Cross threw a buck before settling down. Her spirit was priceless. Her quick strides carried her head to head on the inside of In Front. He was massive compared to the nearly-Arab mare, but he wouldn't be able to outfoot her at the start. No one could hold a candle to the black mare.
Knowing this, Brooks let his strong colt to do his own thing, not urging him at all. His strides were big and powerful, longer than Cross' so he could keep pace if he chose to. Touch Up's fiery attitude did not extend to this one under saddle. Brooks liked his cool logical horse, liked his courage and brawn. He was a war horse in the sense that big fields and commotion didn't rustle him up. For Cross they could, but she simply chose to run them off their feet before they caught her.
Ripley intended to keep the six furlong workout brief and to the point. In Front had been training like a fiend, his gallops extending to two miles daily. Anything to keep him calm and relaxed at the barn. It was working and he looked better than he'd had all season. The auburn haired woman wanted this workout finished, wanted to not worry about anything until those gates opened in the derby and she sent two of her best horses and closest friends into the race of their lives.
Cross My Heart flew beneath Ripley, knowing immediately through body language when it was time to go. She ran with her head and tail high, her eyes brimming with fire and excitement. A tornado wouldn't have caught her. Ripley ducked down behind the mare's neck, relishing the adrenaline as her swift-footed mare did her damage. She peeked under her shoulder, smiled at In Front who ran bravely into the kickback.
Brooks hid himself behind In Front's massive neck as clods of dirt smacked the colt's dark bay chest. Brooks rapidly twisted the reins, nearly chuckled at the agility of his big mount who leaped over Cross My Heart's hooves to again be outside of her. Touch Up's brawny colt loped along one stride for every flying stride of Cross My Heart's. He settled back a length, but kept himself clear of the flying dirt. Brooks let him take a breather as they galloped powerfully through the backstretch. There were three and a half furlongs remaining. Cross' talent was to simply kick away from her opponents in the stretch as though they'd been standing still.
Ripley could feel In Front breathing fire on her mare's haunches. Brooks was following her instructions to a "T." Cross' ears had long since pinned, so annoyed was she to have company. It was a good workout technique though. It would teach Cross to not crumble under pressure. And she wasn't crumbling. If anything, her strides had quickened, her will to crush In Front had reached a couple notches higher. Ripley guided Cross slightly off the rail, forcing the black mare to run further and through her, In Front.
The blaze-faced colt would have leaned heavily on Cross if Brooks hadn't corrected him. He wasn't above intimidation, especially when he sensed his opponent had an advantage. Brooks shook the reins once, thrilling when the colt bounded to run head and head with the slim mare at the top of the stretch.
Cameras and videos clicked and whirred as the sleek mare and brawny colt thundered down the stretch. Each horse had their ears pinned, but neither was under a drive. In fact, though their speed was immense, their appearance was effortless. It was a "wow" performance they were putting on before the on-lookers.
The pair bolted beneath the finish line, head and head. It didn't matter who had won for the true race lay just a week ahead. Brooks gave his colt a hearty slap on the neck. "Woohoo boss! Now that's what I like to feel." He bumped his fist with Ripley just before Cross sped away with a buck and a squeal, her typical tantrum when she didn't get to crush her opposition. He laughed, whispering, "Some horses are never happy with a tie."
"You seem to love throwing a wrench in the plans Ripley Marsh. A good wrench on our part, but perhaps a bad one for everyone else." Brooks cast a sharp look at the owner, trainer of Witch Creek Stable and the love of his life. The auburn haired woman sat proudly aboard her equally proud black mare. She looked every inch a happy woman. Brooks knew March and April had been hard on her, but May... May would be a different story... Hopefully.
Cross My Heart, last year's winner of the Debutante Stakes, nickered excitedly as she stepped between the two lines of press. Her tail waved high in the air and she pranced in a heart-breaking way. Ripley's white smile beamed as the reporters snapped photos of her beloved turf sprinter. While the press wasn't all for her, Cross deserved every inch of camera time she could get. Ripley was simply happy that Cross had finally settled into life at Green Horse Fields.
In Front had never needed time to settle at this track. At home, the blaze-faced colt was a terror, particularly to his sire, but here, on this long track, In Front had been home after the first hoof. The Touch Up colt strode alongside the excitable mare, big ears flicking around his surroundings. The press didn't bother him. Neither did the crowd. In Front was practically in his own little world. Brooks patted the colt's muscled neck, secretly ecstatic that Ripley had put In Front's name in the entries box.
The mare and colt picked up a canter the second they cleared the press and joined the melee on the track. Cross whinnied triumphantly causing more than a few horses to turn and assess the newcomer. Ripley wrapped her fingers in the pitch black mane, grimacing slightly when Cross threw a buck before settling down. Her spirit was priceless. Her quick strides carried her head to head on the inside of In Front. He was massive compared to the nearly-Arab mare, but he wouldn't be able to outfoot her at the start. No one could hold a candle to the black mare.
Knowing this, Brooks let his strong colt to do his own thing, not urging him at all. His strides were big and powerful, longer than Cross' so he could keep pace if he chose to. Touch Up's fiery attitude did not extend to this one under saddle. Brooks liked his cool logical horse, liked his courage and brawn. He was a war horse in the sense that big fields and commotion didn't rustle him up. For Cross they could, but she simply chose to run them off their feet before they caught her.
Ripley intended to keep the six furlong workout brief and to the point. In Front had been training like a fiend, his gallops extending to two miles daily. Anything to keep him calm and relaxed at the barn. It was working and he looked better than he'd had all season. The auburn haired woman wanted this workout finished, wanted to not worry about anything until those gates opened in the derby and she sent two of her best horses and closest friends into the race of their lives.
Cross My Heart flew beneath Ripley, knowing immediately through body language when it was time to go. She ran with her head and tail high, her eyes brimming with fire and excitement. A tornado wouldn't have caught her. Ripley ducked down behind the mare's neck, relishing the adrenaline as her swift-footed mare did her damage. She peeked under her shoulder, smiled at In Front who ran bravely into the kickback.
Brooks hid himself behind In Front's massive neck as clods of dirt smacked the colt's dark bay chest. Brooks rapidly twisted the reins, nearly chuckled at the agility of his big mount who leaped over Cross My Heart's hooves to again be outside of her. Touch Up's brawny colt loped along one stride for every flying stride of Cross My Heart's. He settled back a length, but kept himself clear of the flying dirt. Brooks let him take a breather as they galloped powerfully through the backstretch. There were three and a half furlongs remaining. Cross' talent was to simply kick away from her opponents in the stretch as though they'd been standing still.
Ripley could feel In Front breathing fire on her mare's haunches. Brooks was following her instructions to a "T." Cross' ears had long since pinned, so annoyed was she to have company. It was a good workout technique though. It would teach Cross to not crumble under pressure. And she wasn't crumbling. If anything, her strides had quickened, her will to crush In Front had reached a couple notches higher. Ripley guided Cross slightly off the rail, forcing the black mare to run further and through her, In Front.
The blaze-faced colt would have leaned heavily on Cross if Brooks hadn't corrected him. He wasn't above intimidation, especially when he sensed his opponent had an advantage. Brooks shook the reins once, thrilling when the colt bounded to run head and head with the slim mare at the top of the stretch.
Cameras and videos clicked and whirred as the sleek mare and brawny colt thundered down the stretch. Each horse had their ears pinned, but neither was under a drive. In fact, though their speed was immense, their appearance was effortless. It was a "wow" performance they were putting on before the on-lookers.
The pair bolted beneath the finish line, head and head. It didn't matter who had won for the true race lay just a week ahead. Brooks gave his colt a hearty slap on the neck. "Woohoo boss! Now that's what I like to feel." He bumped his fist with Ripley just before Cross sped away with a buck and a squeal, her typical tantrum when she didn't get to crush her opposition. He laughed, whispering, "Some horses are never happy with a tie."
long-lasting wish
Originally Written at Green Horse Fields 5/2/14.
Reese and Maggie took giant breaths as Ripley and Brooks came off the track aboard Cross My Heart and In Front. Both horses were sweated up nicely, but Cross sure as hell didn't look tired. In Front, if anything, looked more energized to get back out there. The pair had set the bar high for the bay and gray fillies waiting at the gap. However, taking into account that Cross was on her way to another possible championship season and In Front had been sterling all year, maybe the bar could be lowered just a tad. Supernatural eyed In Front warily. He wasn't her favorite horse at the barn and he sure as heck hadn't endeared himself to her since arriving at her house at GHF.
Supernatural had been the three year old queen and she was not about to let that oaf take away her bragging rights. Reese could feel the filly tense beneath her as the blaze-faced colt pass. Her ears pinned back against her head, eye flashed. She was full of it today. Reese nudged the filly forward, listening keenly for Ripley to call instructions to Maggie. Siri couldn't stand this crowd and that horse any longer. The lean gray filly sauntered onto the track, ears instantly pricking, worries forgotten. She made one pretty picture with her elegant form just taunt enough to suggest hidden talent and power. Reese looked forward to this workout. She knew it was likely that In Front would be running side by side with her Dylan Himself filly. She looked forward to the challenge and new Siri would be more than happy to beat down her stable-mate.
Maggie acknowledged Ripley's call of six furlong workout. The trainer would be back before they even got started. She would simply hand Cross off to Justin and take her place alongside the clockers, the only quiet people on the track. The blonde woman patted Heroine's neck, noting the filly's sensitivity to the crowd. Her chocolate body was braced for a fight and she looked ill at ease. While Siri had been constantly under supervision by the masses, Heroine's first big appearance had been her victory in the Kentucky Oaks. Her next start would come in the first leg of the Triple Tiara, the Acorn Stakes, which was held at The Wire.
Heroine pranced hotly to the track, instantly picked up a nervous canter after her more comfortable stable-mate. Her nervous eyes swept over the track, her muscles twitching beneath her glittering hide. Maggie kept her hands light on the reins, confident that after a while, Heroine would settle down. She was a flighty horse with none of that self-assured confidence most Witch Creek horses possessed. Maggie liked to work with something new for a change and believed Heroine was a potential top-class horse for the future.
Reese nodded to Maggie when Heroine rushed up to Siri's outside. The dark-eyed woman could see that Heroine was a handful. Siri's ears twitched in the Everyday Hero daughter's direction, but she didn't punish her. Siri actually liked the nervous bay. Reese stroked Supernatural's neck pleased with her kinder nature and her willingness to cooperate. She was moving like a champ, each stride rhythmic and smart. She'd put on a show and give those boys a little something to worry about.
Heroine let out a giant breath, finally settling into stride heading into the backstretch. Six furlongs awaited her and Maggie knew she'd get the most out of it. They had two big competitors to take down in Reflected In Water and Battle Wings, every step of preparation counted. The leggy bay filly broke off quickly, asserting herself as the quicker filly. She marched to the lead, a pace-presser in a race, the pace-setter in the workout. She needed no encouragement to lengthen and seemed to appreciate the loose rein. Maggie counted off the time in her head, satisfied that while Heroine wasn't going so fast, she was cruising nonetheless.
Supernatural had not flinched at the sight of Heroine catching a flyer. She galloped fluidly over the course, ears locked on her stable-mate. She knew she was in a workout for a big race. It wasn't so often that they traveled to Green Horse Fields just to workout. Reese kept her hands on the reins, passing down confidence to her gray mount. At one point, Siri had been just as nervous and environmentally influenced as Wishing For A Heroine. Her attitude had done a 180 degree turn. Her maturity, both mentally and physically, put her up to the challenge of taking down the likes of Limited Edition, In Front and Anodyne. It was possible, Siri could be the Kentucky Derby winner. Reese definitely hoped so.
Heroine ticked off quick fractions, setting a strong pace, but was relaxed nonetheless. Maggie kept quiet, reminded herself to breathe as Heroine raced through the backstretch and toward the far turn. A crowd welcomed her in the homestretch, but she was so focused on the task at hand that she'd forgotten about it. Her ear tipped back as Reese and Siri came back on her outside. When Siri reached her hip, Heroine pinned her ears and purposefully vaulted Siri out into the middle of the track. Maggie clung to the filly's mane as she aggressively made her case for holding the lead.
Reese shouted, forced Siri in on Heroine's shoulder. "That was not nice!" Maggie shrugged, secretly pleased with her gutsy filly. She gave a flick of the wrist, laughed when Heroine surged off the turn and down the center of the homestretch. Supernatural, caught four wide thanks to her stable-mate, surged powerfully off the turn, put off by the brief turn of events, but recovered anyway. Reese shook the reins, snickered when Siri easily closed the gap with her big bounding strides to snatch the victory out from under Heroine's snarky nose.
Maggie raised her hand in acknowledgement of the defeat, but was too thrilled with the attitude of her mount. Heroine blew her nose in finality at Supernatural's big gray butt, but she looked far too pleased for a horse that had been handed a defeat.
Reese and Maggie took giant breaths as Ripley and Brooks came off the track aboard Cross My Heart and In Front. Both horses were sweated up nicely, but Cross sure as hell didn't look tired. In Front, if anything, looked more energized to get back out there. The pair had set the bar high for the bay and gray fillies waiting at the gap. However, taking into account that Cross was on her way to another possible championship season and In Front had been sterling all year, maybe the bar could be lowered just a tad. Supernatural eyed In Front warily. He wasn't her favorite horse at the barn and he sure as heck hadn't endeared himself to her since arriving at her house at GHF.
Supernatural had been the three year old queen and she was not about to let that oaf take away her bragging rights. Reese could feel the filly tense beneath her as the blaze-faced colt pass. Her ears pinned back against her head, eye flashed. She was full of it today. Reese nudged the filly forward, listening keenly for Ripley to call instructions to Maggie. Siri couldn't stand this crowd and that horse any longer. The lean gray filly sauntered onto the track, ears instantly pricking, worries forgotten. She made one pretty picture with her elegant form just taunt enough to suggest hidden talent and power. Reese looked forward to this workout. She knew it was likely that In Front would be running side by side with her Dylan Himself filly. She looked forward to the challenge and new Siri would be more than happy to beat down her stable-mate.
Maggie acknowledged Ripley's call of six furlong workout. The trainer would be back before they even got started. She would simply hand Cross off to Justin and take her place alongside the clockers, the only quiet people on the track. The blonde woman patted Heroine's neck, noting the filly's sensitivity to the crowd. Her chocolate body was braced for a fight and she looked ill at ease. While Siri had been constantly under supervision by the masses, Heroine's first big appearance had been her victory in the Kentucky Oaks. Her next start would come in the first leg of the Triple Tiara, the Acorn Stakes, which was held at The Wire.
Heroine pranced hotly to the track, instantly picked up a nervous canter after her more comfortable stable-mate. Her nervous eyes swept over the track, her muscles twitching beneath her glittering hide. Maggie kept her hands light on the reins, confident that after a while, Heroine would settle down. She was a flighty horse with none of that self-assured confidence most Witch Creek horses possessed. Maggie liked to work with something new for a change and believed Heroine was a potential top-class horse for the future.
Reese nodded to Maggie when Heroine rushed up to Siri's outside. The dark-eyed woman could see that Heroine was a handful. Siri's ears twitched in the Everyday Hero daughter's direction, but she didn't punish her. Siri actually liked the nervous bay. Reese stroked Supernatural's neck pleased with her kinder nature and her willingness to cooperate. She was moving like a champ, each stride rhythmic and smart. She'd put on a show and give those boys a little something to worry about.
Heroine let out a giant breath, finally settling into stride heading into the backstretch. Six furlongs awaited her and Maggie knew she'd get the most out of it. They had two big competitors to take down in Reflected In Water and Battle Wings, every step of preparation counted. The leggy bay filly broke off quickly, asserting herself as the quicker filly. She marched to the lead, a pace-presser in a race, the pace-setter in the workout. She needed no encouragement to lengthen and seemed to appreciate the loose rein. Maggie counted off the time in her head, satisfied that while Heroine wasn't going so fast, she was cruising nonetheless.
Supernatural had not flinched at the sight of Heroine catching a flyer. She galloped fluidly over the course, ears locked on her stable-mate. She knew she was in a workout for a big race. It wasn't so often that they traveled to Green Horse Fields just to workout. Reese kept her hands on the reins, passing down confidence to her gray mount. At one point, Siri had been just as nervous and environmentally influenced as Wishing For A Heroine. Her attitude had done a 180 degree turn. Her maturity, both mentally and physically, put her up to the challenge of taking down the likes of Limited Edition, In Front and Anodyne. It was possible, Siri could be the Kentucky Derby winner. Reese definitely hoped so.
Heroine ticked off quick fractions, setting a strong pace, but was relaxed nonetheless. Maggie kept quiet, reminded herself to breathe as Heroine raced through the backstretch and toward the far turn. A crowd welcomed her in the homestretch, but she was so focused on the task at hand that she'd forgotten about it. Her ear tipped back as Reese and Siri came back on her outside. When Siri reached her hip, Heroine pinned her ears and purposefully vaulted Siri out into the middle of the track. Maggie clung to the filly's mane as she aggressively made her case for holding the lead.
Reese shouted, forced Siri in on Heroine's shoulder. "That was not nice!" Maggie shrugged, secretly pleased with her gutsy filly. She gave a flick of the wrist, laughed when Heroine surged off the turn and down the center of the homestretch. Supernatural, caught four wide thanks to her stable-mate, surged powerfully off the turn, put off by the brief turn of events, but recovered anyway. Reese shook the reins, snickered when Siri easily closed the gap with her big bounding strides to snatch the victory out from under Heroine's snarky nose.
Maggie raised her hand in acknowledgement of the defeat, but was too thrilled with the attitude of her mount. Heroine blew her nose in finality at Supernatural's big gray butt, but she looked far too pleased for a horse that had been handed a defeat.
unstoppable king
"He's a pretty easy going horse so you won't have to do too much with him. We'll break him out of the gate with Sun King. The minute he does, snatch him up once and then release. Give him that reminder that you're still in the saddle." Kendall stared down at the blonde assistant trainer with wary eyes, so unconfident in her jockeying capabilities. She'd tried it on the track in a workout aboard Bella Luna and she'd been off, scared out of her mind. The gray mare was a champion and she couldn't handle her. One of the most mellow horses and she'd failed. Thoughts like that had kept Kendall off a racehorse for a while. She wouldn't be able to handle the pressure in a race, but she sure as hell would give exercise riding another shot.
"Okay Brooks. I'll do it." Willing her hands to stop shaking, Kendall leaped onto Optimus' short back. The nearly blood bay colt's ears twitched in response, his muscles quivered beneath his hide, but he didn't move. Brooks approved of the little engine that could. A rock-solid gallop yesterday had the colt primed for a top effort. The colt had yet to be beaten in three races this season, but he hadn't raced in a while to the frustration of all. Every race the colt ran in failed to enter. Every race. Here Brooks had a horse primed to run and nowhere to go. He hoped the lack of races didn't put him behind for the Triple Sprinter Series at Green Horse Fields. They had a tough horse to gun for in Crowned Queen. The break would be key if they had any hope of beating her. That would be the goal of today's workout.
Brooks patted Kendall's knee and strode over to Sun King who was watching Optimus Unstoppable with disdain. The gallant looking chestnut had long since grown used to his overly fast opponent. Optimus had taken to beating up on his counterpart since his ego had grown inflated off of wins and solo gallops. King no longer found the bay fun, but he sure as heck was not going to wave the white flag of surrender. The Native Flame son pawed the ground impatiently as Brookson climbed aboard. The unmarked colt danced for a few minute steps, eyes flashing so that pride fought with disdain. Sun King was one of the most experienced two year olds in the barn. And he was bloody tough. He did nothing wrong, not in the races, not in the training. He was tenacious and a fighter, two qualities he'd most definitely inherited from Hall of Famer El Sol del Mar. Brooks patted the colt's neck as he strode down the dirt path to the track.
Kendall took a giant breath as Optimus pranced after the younger horse. He was a fire ball this one, confident as can be and mighty full of himself. Kendall kept a good hold of the reins, but forced herself to breathe and communicate contentment. Her gray eyes flickered to the track, lighting up at the sight of the gate. Ripley was clambering all over the contraption, beating on the metal then ducking down to the ground. Kendall was surprised at the head owners movements until she spotted the horses. Brooks hummed in approval at the sight of the filly and colt who stepped from the shadows of the gate. The brawny son of Barely A Moment, another offspring of El Sol del Mar, looked as strong as can be. He was a sight to behold with his glossy tail swinging behind him, his hide glimmering in the sunlight. He was definitely a looker, but even he could not compete with the arrogance of the filly beside him. Enrapture... Ripley's best kept secret in her tawny hide dappled out to perfection, her irritable eyes swept the track imperiously with a presence a dead man wouldn't be able to ignore. Kendall and Brooks took a collective breath as her head lifted to sweep in the scents of King and Optimus.
King whinnied adoringly in Ennie's direction, calling to her like a love-sick puppy. The filly merely flicked her ears and turned away as if giving him the cold shoulder. Kendall laughed, patted Optimus when he started to get all worked up. King reared, fighting Brooks briefly for control and getting a more than a little studdish. The man twisted the colt's head around, forcing the chestnut back to earth and sending him cantering away from Ennie and for a few moments, away from the gate. King shook his head, ears pinned in the fiery mane, but he didn't resist the urging anymore. Annoyed that his mission had been interrupted, the colt pounced over the earth, taking it out on the only thing that could not defy him.
Optimus followed calmly, twin ears pricked at the two year old's exuberance. His easiness with the situation calmed Kendall, but when she asked for a hand-gallop, the colt nearly knocked her out of the saddle. He lunged like a cougar, going from calm and collected to savage and predatory. His short strides carried him accurately and loudly over the sand. He still ran with his head high, but his ears had long since disappeared into his black tresses. Kendall crouched close to the horse's thick neck, breathing in and out rapidly. He was a brilliantly fast horse, within a matter of seconds he was at Sun King's throatlatch on the outside. Kendall hummed, snatching up the bit in reminder. He grew rank for a moment before finally settling back into stride, a much slower stride this time.
The two thoroughbreds galloped along easily together, remembering briefly that this wasn't a one man show. Brooks and Kendall kept their grip on the colt's reminding them that something was different. They would not be running straight into the workout today. Brooks pointed up the path, drawing Kendall's attention to the fact that both Uno and Enrapture had been escorted off the track by Malcolm and Justin. Ripley watched them from the cat-walk at the gap, following her horse's machine-like movements. Both two year old and three year old were very efficient at a gallop. It allowed for maximum speed and in Sun King's case, stamina. She waved them down as the rolled into the homestretch. Their mile gallop had been completed with aplomb. It was time to break from the gate for a two furlong blitz.
Optimus did not pull up immediately, getting an extra furlong behind the finish in. Kendall sat promptly in the seat, surprised at the speed that Optimus turned back. The Shiver Me Timbers colt pranced powerful, hot and ready to go. For nearly the length of the track back to the gate, the bay danced sideways with most of his weight on his hind end. Kendall crooned to him, feeling more confident than ever aboard this horse. He was strong, but he was not going to hurt her. She kept a good hold of his mouth, feeling him chew emphatically. He was terribly excited, but not bad. She nodded at Brooks and Ripley. Sun King was behaving pretty well himself. He strutted at the gap, blowing through his nose excitedly. He wanted to go-go-go. Brooks had a firm hand on the colt's mouth and gestured to Ripley.
The head trainer took a hold of the colt's reins, led him around the barn of the four horse gate. He danced powerfully back on his hind legs, only coming to earth when he felt like it. Ripley shook her head, but was impressed when the chestnut went right in. He had a solid amount of experience. It was his break that needed some work. She ducked out quickly after shutting the doors behind Sun King. Her gaze went right to Kendall's eyes, "How you holding up, kid?"
Kendall let out a breath, "Much better than before." Ripley smiled, led the stocky colt toward the gate. "Remember Kendall, the first step into a race is the most important. You get this mastered, you have a big hurdle down." Optimus prowled right into the gate, ears pricked, knowing exactly what happened next. Kendall eased forward as Ripley left. There usually would be a person inside of the gate with her, Kendall knew, but a small-staff didn't grant such luxeries. She didn't spare Brooks the glance he was waiting for, ready to move as soon as the gates popped. Optimus was thinking the same thing because just a moment before the gates whipped open, the bay colt lunged.
Brooks gaped as Optimus hurtled from the starting gate nearly two lengths ahead of Sun King. The Native Flame colt looked stunned to see the sprinter leaving him far behind. Dust and dirt pelted the chestnut's chest. Even though Sun King had broken just as he should, Brooks knew Optimus had them beat at this point. Sun King galloped powerfully down the beginning stretch, his muscles working in tandem to produce a beautiful stride. He was well-beaten, but he would learn his lesson from this time. Brooks kept his hands silent as the colt rolled over the course. He was a beautiful horse and his development was just getting started.
Kendall laughed as Optimus shot across the two furlong marker. His legs were still under him and he produced this terrifying speed. Kendall slapped the colt's neck, not realizing she had removed a hand off the rein for first time she had gotten on a thoroughbred at Witch Creek. She laughed until Optimus pulled up, well-beyond the two furlong marker. She was laughing when Brooks pulled up to her aboard a spirited Sun King. He bumped fists with her and smiled at Kendall.
"You'll make a jockey yet, Kendall."
"Okay Brooks. I'll do it." Willing her hands to stop shaking, Kendall leaped onto Optimus' short back. The nearly blood bay colt's ears twitched in response, his muscles quivered beneath his hide, but he didn't move. Brooks approved of the little engine that could. A rock-solid gallop yesterday had the colt primed for a top effort. The colt had yet to be beaten in three races this season, but he hadn't raced in a while to the frustration of all. Every race the colt ran in failed to enter. Every race. Here Brooks had a horse primed to run and nowhere to go. He hoped the lack of races didn't put him behind for the Triple Sprinter Series at Green Horse Fields. They had a tough horse to gun for in Crowned Queen. The break would be key if they had any hope of beating her. That would be the goal of today's workout.
Brooks patted Kendall's knee and strode over to Sun King who was watching Optimus Unstoppable with disdain. The gallant looking chestnut had long since grown used to his overly fast opponent. Optimus had taken to beating up on his counterpart since his ego had grown inflated off of wins and solo gallops. King no longer found the bay fun, but he sure as heck was not going to wave the white flag of surrender. The Native Flame son pawed the ground impatiently as Brookson climbed aboard. The unmarked colt danced for a few minute steps, eyes flashing so that pride fought with disdain. Sun King was one of the most experienced two year olds in the barn. And he was bloody tough. He did nothing wrong, not in the races, not in the training. He was tenacious and a fighter, two qualities he'd most definitely inherited from Hall of Famer El Sol del Mar. Brooks patted the colt's neck as he strode down the dirt path to the track.
Kendall took a giant breath as Optimus pranced after the younger horse. He was a fire ball this one, confident as can be and mighty full of himself. Kendall kept a good hold of the reins, but forced herself to breathe and communicate contentment. Her gray eyes flickered to the track, lighting up at the sight of the gate. Ripley was clambering all over the contraption, beating on the metal then ducking down to the ground. Kendall was surprised at the head owners movements until she spotted the horses. Brooks hummed in approval at the sight of the filly and colt who stepped from the shadows of the gate. The brawny son of Barely A Moment, another offspring of El Sol del Mar, looked as strong as can be. He was a sight to behold with his glossy tail swinging behind him, his hide glimmering in the sunlight. He was definitely a looker, but even he could not compete with the arrogance of the filly beside him. Enrapture... Ripley's best kept secret in her tawny hide dappled out to perfection, her irritable eyes swept the track imperiously with a presence a dead man wouldn't be able to ignore. Kendall and Brooks took a collective breath as her head lifted to sweep in the scents of King and Optimus.
King whinnied adoringly in Ennie's direction, calling to her like a love-sick puppy. The filly merely flicked her ears and turned away as if giving him the cold shoulder. Kendall laughed, patted Optimus when he started to get all worked up. King reared, fighting Brooks briefly for control and getting a more than a little studdish. The man twisted the colt's head around, forcing the chestnut back to earth and sending him cantering away from Ennie and for a few moments, away from the gate. King shook his head, ears pinned in the fiery mane, but he didn't resist the urging anymore. Annoyed that his mission had been interrupted, the colt pounced over the earth, taking it out on the only thing that could not defy him.
Optimus followed calmly, twin ears pricked at the two year old's exuberance. His easiness with the situation calmed Kendall, but when she asked for a hand-gallop, the colt nearly knocked her out of the saddle. He lunged like a cougar, going from calm and collected to savage and predatory. His short strides carried him accurately and loudly over the sand. He still ran with his head high, but his ears had long since disappeared into his black tresses. Kendall crouched close to the horse's thick neck, breathing in and out rapidly. He was a brilliantly fast horse, within a matter of seconds he was at Sun King's throatlatch on the outside. Kendall hummed, snatching up the bit in reminder. He grew rank for a moment before finally settling back into stride, a much slower stride this time.
The two thoroughbreds galloped along easily together, remembering briefly that this wasn't a one man show. Brooks and Kendall kept their grip on the colt's reminding them that something was different. They would not be running straight into the workout today. Brooks pointed up the path, drawing Kendall's attention to the fact that both Uno and Enrapture had been escorted off the track by Malcolm and Justin. Ripley watched them from the cat-walk at the gap, following her horse's machine-like movements. Both two year old and three year old were very efficient at a gallop. It allowed for maximum speed and in Sun King's case, stamina. She waved them down as the rolled into the homestretch. Their mile gallop had been completed with aplomb. It was time to break from the gate for a two furlong blitz.
Optimus did not pull up immediately, getting an extra furlong behind the finish in. Kendall sat promptly in the seat, surprised at the speed that Optimus turned back. The Shiver Me Timbers colt pranced powerful, hot and ready to go. For nearly the length of the track back to the gate, the bay danced sideways with most of his weight on his hind end. Kendall crooned to him, feeling more confident than ever aboard this horse. He was strong, but he was not going to hurt her. She kept a good hold of his mouth, feeling him chew emphatically. He was terribly excited, but not bad. She nodded at Brooks and Ripley. Sun King was behaving pretty well himself. He strutted at the gap, blowing through his nose excitedly. He wanted to go-go-go. Brooks had a firm hand on the colt's mouth and gestured to Ripley.
The head trainer took a hold of the colt's reins, led him around the barn of the four horse gate. He danced powerfully back on his hind legs, only coming to earth when he felt like it. Ripley shook her head, but was impressed when the chestnut went right in. He had a solid amount of experience. It was his break that needed some work. She ducked out quickly after shutting the doors behind Sun King. Her gaze went right to Kendall's eyes, "How you holding up, kid?"
Kendall let out a breath, "Much better than before." Ripley smiled, led the stocky colt toward the gate. "Remember Kendall, the first step into a race is the most important. You get this mastered, you have a big hurdle down." Optimus prowled right into the gate, ears pricked, knowing exactly what happened next. Kendall eased forward as Ripley left. There usually would be a person inside of the gate with her, Kendall knew, but a small-staff didn't grant such luxeries. She didn't spare Brooks the glance he was waiting for, ready to move as soon as the gates popped. Optimus was thinking the same thing because just a moment before the gates whipped open, the bay colt lunged.
Brooks gaped as Optimus hurtled from the starting gate nearly two lengths ahead of Sun King. The Native Flame colt looked stunned to see the sprinter leaving him far behind. Dust and dirt pelted the chestnut's chest. Even though Sun King had broken just as he should, Brooks knew Optimus had them beat at this point. Sun King galloped powerfully down the beginning stretch, his muscles working in tandem to produce a beautiful stride. He was well-beaten, but he would learn his lesson from this time. Brooks kept his hands silent as the colt rolled over the course. He was a beautiful horse and his development was just getting started.
Kendall laughed as Optimus shot across the two furlong marker. His legs were still under him and he produced this terrifying speed. Kendall slapped the colt's neck, not realizing she had removed a hand off the rein for first time she had gotten on a thoroughbred at Witch Creek. She laughed until Optimus pulled up, well-beyond the two furlong marker. She was laughing when Brooks pulled up to her aboard a spirited Sun King. He bumped fists with her and smiled at Kendall.
"You'll make a jockey yet, Kendall."