April Week One
triple dare
the devil's hourglass & calamity queen & paranormal hunter
"You have to handle her gently Justin or she'll take a big ol' chunk out of you," Maggie chided. Justin cocked an eyebrow in her direction, just as he always did when regarding the woman who felt like an older sister. "I believe I can handle a sassy big mare. I think I did just that last year with Dazzling Dame. Don't you worry Maggiletti. She's in good hands." Maggie clucked her tongue, but turned away, blue eyes flickering with concern. "So strange that we could have two horses going into retirement after this week."
Justin nodded, patted Calamity Queen's short, muscled neck. The Touch Up daughter had finally started putting things together and now Ripley was thinking of retiring her. He considered it a mistake, but when you had two three year old horses and a potential Hall Of Fame mare in Bella Luna, competition for the turf races became tougher and tougher. Queenie needed to go out on a high and this workout would surely put her in the correct frame of mind. Justin sent a side-long glance in Paranormal Hunter's direction.
The hefty three year old filly had put on plenty of weight since her last start. She had grown somehow and looked absolutely fierce. Her muscles were coiled beneath glinting hide, her nostrils flared in and out producing mist. She looked like a dragon, tough and no-nonsense. She'd get her test next out in the Miesque Stakes and she was going to be a handful if her recent gallops were anything to go by. Maggie felt supremely confident aboard her masculine filly. Paranormal Hunter was the toughest horse she'd ever ridden. Ever. She could take bumping with colts, stumbling and what not, but every race, somehow, Para was always flying at the end. Maggie was quite eager to get the Flash Limits daughter back on track. This year could be her best year as a jockey yet. It was a year Maggie had been waiting for since moving her tack from Europe to the United States.
The person who had brought her waited at the head of the turf stretch aboard her very own fire-breathing dragon. The Devil's Hourglass bowed her neck and snorted profusely in reluctant greeting. Her hooves danced beneath her stocky body and Justin was struck once again by the fillies Ripley was bringing to the top three year old turf series. Hourglass was raw, mean and absolutely the fiercest runner out on the track, gallop or workout. She'd been throwing down two-minute licks everyday and workouts had become few and far between. Hourglass was the best workhorse on the property. Ripley just had to sit still on the filly's broad back and let herself be carried around the track. It showed in the muscles on top of muscles. Hourglass was rip-roaring, ready to go. Her dark eyes flashed threateningly when the older mare and Para drew up alongside of her.
Ripley smiled broadly at them, her weight teeth shining out of her wind-whipped face. "Look at all these happy ladies." Queenie squealed and launched a kick at the air when Para shoved her aside. "Wenches they may be, but all of them are looking tremendous today." Ripley lowered her hand to stroke Hourglass' neck, reveling in the silky hair that slipped beneath her fingers. Her little filly was almost grown up. Time had flown by. Hourglass was out to get revenge for her losses of the season in the Oaks Stakes at Green Horse Fields. She'd been training like a machine and was giving all signs that she was coming back into form. Ripley could not wait to take on some old filly rivals in the coming week.
"We'll gallop them the mile and a half, let them do the normal three furlongs. All of them are as fit as they're going to be, but they need the work to get rid of the energy."
"You have to handle her gently Justin or she'll take a big ol' chunk out of you," Maggie chided. Justin cocked an eyebrow in her direction, just as he always did when regarding the woman who felt like an older sister. "I believe I can handle a sassy big mare. I think I did just that last year with Dazzling Dame. Don't you worry Maggiletti. She's in good hands." Maggie clucked her tongue, but turned away, blue eyes flickering with concern. "So strange that we could have two horses going into retirement after this week."
Justin nodded, patted Calamity Queen's short, muscled neck. The Touch Up daughter had finally started putting things together and now Ripley was thinking of retiring her. He considered it a mistake, but when you had two three year old horses and a potential Hall Of Fame mare in Bella Luna, competition for the turf races became tougher and tougher. Queenie needed to go out on a high and this workout would surely put her in the correct frame of mind. Justin sent a side-long glance in Paranormal Hunter's direction.
The hefty three year old filly had put on plenty of weight since her last start. She had grown somehow and looked absolutely fierce. Her muscles were coiled beneath glinting hide, her nostrils flared in and out producing mist. She looked like a dragon, tough and no-nonsense. She'd get her test next out in the Miesque Stakes and she was going to be a handful if her recent gallops were anything to go by. Maggie felt supremely confident aboard her masculine filly. Paranormal Hunter was the toughest horse she'd ever ridden. Ever. She could take bumping with colts, stumbling and what not, but every race, somehow, Para was always flying at the end. Maggie was quite eager to get the Flash Limits daughter back on track. This year could be her best year as a jockey yet. It was a year Maggie had been waiting for since moving her tack from Europe to the United States.
The person who had brought her waited at the head of the turf stretch aboard her very own fire-breathing dragon. The Devil's Hourglass bowed her neck and snorted profusely in reluctant greeting. Her hooves danced beneath her stocky body and Justin was struck once again by the fillies Ripley was bringing to the top three year old turf series. Hourglass was raw, mean and absolutely the fiercest runner out on the track, gallop or workout. She'd been throwing down two-minute licks everyday and workouts had become few and far between. Hourglass was the best workhorse on the property. Ripley just had to sit still on the filly's broad back and let herself be carried around the track. It showed in the muscles on top of muscles. Hourglass was rip-roaring, ready to go. Her dark eyes flashed threateningly when the older mare and Para drew up alongside of her.
Ripley smiled broadly at them, her weight teeth shining out of her wind-whipped face. "Look at all these happy ladies." Queenie squealed and launched a kick at the air when Para shoved her aside. "Wenches they may be, but all of them are looking tremendous today." Ripley lowered her hand to stroke Hourglass' neck, reveling in the silky hair that slipped beneath her fingers. Her little filly was almost grown up. Time had flown by. Hourglass was out to get revenge for her losses of the season in the Oaks Stakes at Green Horse Fields. She'd been training like a machine and was giving all signs that she was coming back into form. Ripley could not wait to take on some old filly rivals in the coming week.
"We'll gallop them the mile and a half, let them do the normal three furlongs. All of them are as fit as they're going to be, but they need the work to get rid of the energy."
battle of wills
supernatural & wishing for a heroine & midnight thriller
It was still foggy out when Reese stepped out of the barn with her lightly speckled filly in tow. Supernatural let out a high pitched whinny, pricking her ears to see if she would receive any response. Her body pulsed with her typical nervous energy and radiated good health even in the dim light. Supernatural had been a handful in every gallop since her Blue Grass start. She wasn't an arrogant horse by any means, but her third place finish had been disconcerting for her. She was used to winning against the boys after all. Reese patted Siri's neck, smiled when the filly reached over to nuzzle her shirt. Siri was hot and ready to roll in today's exercise. They would be joined by Maggie and Laura with a horse looking to snag their final career win and another looking to get back in the winner's circle.
Siri danced when Reese swung aboard, giving every hint that her competition would have their hooves full today. Reese looked up, nodded to Maggie when she appeared out of the fog on Wishing For A Heroine. Heroine's chocolate body glittered from the morning dew and her eyes glinted with excitement and pleasure. She was a lean, lanky sort of filly who seemed to be coming into her own and changing the game plans of everyone surrounding her. Maggie patted the filly's neck, narrowed her blue eyes in the direction of the dirt track. "Laura said she would meet us down there with Midnight Thriller." The blond tossed her ponytail over her shoulder. "You know that black mare has to be some kind of tough tolerating all of this moving around. She seems like a ticking time bomb in her gallops and Ripley wants her entered immediately into a race."
Reese shrugged, knowing for well what Ripley's plans were. "Maggie, just concentrate on your own filly won't you? You've got the Tiara to prep for now." Maggie glared at Reese through the white mist, but let the comment slide off her. Yes... she did have the Tiara to look forward to. Another Everyday Hero, Warm Wishes daughter had fallen into her lap, and wasn't it amazing that Ripley had finally found the key to the chocolate colored filly. Like her older full sister, Wish Upon A Star, Heroine wanted a bit of a distance challenge. She would get one today against the top filly threat for the Kentucky Derby and a mare whose promise had always rested in the classic distance races and longer.
The gray and bay fillies stepped out onto the track, ears flickering simultaneously when a black whirl galloped by them down the middle of the track. Reese and Maggie exchanged a glance, but a second later Ripley's voice came on over the microphones in their helmets. "Just having Laura hand-gallop Midtee. She's full of herself today. Hand-gallop them a half mile, Midtee will catch up and we'll start the mile workout. Distance is key today ladies."
Distance was key, Laura repeated inside of her head as Midnight Thriller whipped into the backstretch. The mare ran with her head high and her strides long. She was beyond efficient and beyond the average thoroughbred in terms of speed. She was tireless and fierce and boy, did she seem happy to be back at Witch Creek. The lean cobalt mare dashed over the ground, had taken no notice of the younger fillies as she bounded by, not even when they picked up their own galloping strides. Laura loved Midtee with a passion, grieved for the time that the big mare had lost in proving herself on the track. She wanted the mare to notch her final win, to ascend into the grade one ranks. Retirement was imminent as Ripley was cutting back on their stock drastically.
Supernatural cruised over the dirt to Heroine's inside. She cocked her head inward, really taking an interest in Midnight Thriller who had since vanished into the fog. Her gray chest flared out with a massive breath. She snorted, tossing her head, twitching her tail. Reese stood in the saddle as the gray filly picked up the pace into the turn. She was becoming more focused with every stride. She was coming into the Santa Anita Derby with a big effort waiting in the wings. Reese glanced to her outside, acknowledged that Heroine was traveling beautifully alongside them.
Maggie didn't know why she'd given the mount up to Laura. All she knew was that she was glad to have her back and heading in the right direction. The sprints were too short. Heroine had been giving vibes in every race she'd run. She'd adore a chance to stretch out in the Silverbulletday Stakes, her next goal on the new path to the Tiara. The sleek filly skimmed over the ground, in the bridle, but not fighting control. The Everyday Hero daughter was keen to go on it seemed, keen to prove herself against the likes of Siri and Midtee.
Laura pulled Midtee down to a canter, circled her along the outside rail of the backstretch. The black mare's ears were pricked, listening as the younger fillies bounded closer. Laura trotted her forward, pointing her in the direction that the workout was. She would jump in as soon as Heroine and Siri came in sight. Midtee's body pulsed with eager excitement, her tail switched rapidly over her rump. Laura peered into the fog, smiled broadly when Siri came bounding into view with a half-length lead over Heroine.
Maggie released her grip partially and nodded in approval when Heroine vaulted by Supernatural to assume the lead going into the far turn. Her natural cruising speed was impressive. She was not cheap speed like most sprinters were when placed in the longer distanced races. She would continue to go on and on... and on. Heroine settled into stride as Midnight Thriller swooped in to put pressure on a half-length behind. One good thing about Everyday Hero fillies was the soundness of their mind. Heroine was not easily spooked and so no matter the dirty look Midtee gave her, she ran steadily onward.
Reese was immensely satisfied with how things were shaping up. Siri actually had someone to chase this time around with Heroine and Midtee keeping one another occupied. It really was like a race simulation. Siri galloped along with her head cocked and ears pricked, really keeping an eye on the threats. She moved faster when they moved faster with each furlong. When the pulled into the backstretch and Heroine and Midtee still had three furlongs to go, Reese knew Siri was going to be an explosive. Her filly had settled right down to business, pushing into the bridle and closing the gap with every long stride. Her fractions were quicker than the leaders and it would help when the leaders were given their cues to kick into gear.
Maggie shook Heroine up down the straightaway, reveling in the fact that she briefly left Midtee hanging. The cobalt mare had hesitated, but Laura, a fighter to the end, sent the horse into a whirl of loathing speed. The Night Stalker daughter was hell-bent as she swarmed up on Heroine's outside. The younger filly pinned her ears flat, welcoming the challenge as they sped into the final furlong. Maggie and Laura did not glance back. Supernatural would be coming for them.
And she was coming, indeed. The filly's gray legs blurred beneath her as she pursued her rivals. Reese was close to the filly's whipping mane, calling encouragement, but doing no more but sitting. Siri agilely spun to the outside of Midtee, galloped up to that rival's side and hooked up with the other two. Heroine, Midtee and Siri were in a deadlock when the rocketed across the imagined wire. The riders pulled them up, smiling at one another when the horses refused and continued to gallop on strongly. The mare and fillies were ready for their test.
It was still foggy out when Reese stepped out of the barn with her lightly speckled filly in tow. Supernatural let out a high pitched whinny, pricking her ears to see if she would receive any response. Her body pulsed with her typical nervous energy and radiated good health even in the dim light. Supernatural had been a handful in every gallop since her Blue Grass start. She wasn't an arrogant horse by any means, but her third place finish had been disconcerting for her. She was used to winning against the boys after all. Reese patted Siri's neck, smiled when the filly reached over to nuzzle her shirt. Siri was hot and ready to roll in today's exercise. They would be joined by Maggie and Laura with a horse looking to snag their final career win and another looking to get back in the winner's circle.
Siri danced when Reese swung aboard, giving every hint that her competition would have their hooves full today. Reese looked up, nodded to Maggie when she appeared out of the fog on Wishing For A Heroine. Heroine's chocolate body glittered from the morning dew and her eyes glinted with excitement and pleasure. She was a lean, lanky sort of filly who seemed to be coming into her own and changing the game plans of everyone surrounding her. Maggie patted the filly's neck, narrowed her blue eyes in the direction of the dirt track. "Laura said she would meet us down there with Midnight Thriller." The blond tossed her ponytail over her shoulder. "You know that black mare has to be some kind of tough tolerating all of this moving around. She seems like a ticking time bomb in her gallops and Ripley wants her entered immediately into a race."
Reese shrugged, knowing for well what Ripley's plans were. "Maggie, just concentrate on your own filly won't you? You've got the Tiara to prep for now." Maggie glared at Reese through the white mist, but let the comment slide off her. Yes... she did have the Tiara to look forward to. Another Everyday Hero, Warm Wishes daughter had fallen into her lap, and wasn't it amazing that Ripley had finally found the key to the chocolate colored filly. Like her older full sister, Wish Upon A Star, Heroine wanted a bit of a distance challenge. She would get one today against the top filly threat for the Kentucky Derby and a mare whose promise had always rested in the classic distance races and longer.
The gray and bay fillies stepped out onto the track, ears flickering simultaneously when a black whirl galloped by them down the middle of the track. Reese and Maggie exchanged a glance, but a second later Ripley's voice came on over the microphones in their helmets. "Just having Laura hand-gallop Midtee. She's full of herself today. Hand-gallop them a half mile, Midtee will catch up and we'll start the mile workout. Distance is key today ladies."
Distance was key, Laura repeated inside of her head as Midnight Thriller whipped into the backstretch. The mare ran with her head high and her strides long. She was beyond efficient and beyond the average thoroughbred in terms of speed. She was tireless and fierce and boy, did she seem happy to be back at Witch Creek. The lean cobalt mare dashed over the ground, had taken no notice of the younger fillies as she bounded by, not even when they picked up their own galloping strides. Laura loved Midtee with a passion, grieved for the time that the big mare had lost in proving herself on the track. She wanted the mare to notch her final win, to ascend into the grade one ranks. Retirement was imminent as Ripley was cutting back on their stock drastically.
Supernatural cruised over the dirt to Heroine's inside. She cocked her head inward, really taking an interest in Midnight Thriller who had since vanished into the fog. Her gray chest flared out with a massive breath. She snorted, tossing her head, twitching her tail. Reese stood in the saddle as the gray filly picked up the pace into the turn. She was becoming more focused with every stride. She was coming into the Santa Anita Derby with a big effort waiting in the wings. Reese glanced to her outside, acknowledged that Heroine was traveling beautifully alongside them.
Maggie didn't know why she'd given the mount up to Laura. All she knew was that she was glad to have her back and heading in the right direction. The sprints were too short. Heroine had been giving vibes in every race she'd run. She'd adore a chance to stretch out in the Silverbulletday Stakes, her next goal on the new path to the Tiara. The sleek filly skimmed over the ground, in the bridle, but not fighting control. The Everyday Hero daughter was keen to go on it seemed, keen to prove herself against the likes of Siri and Midtee.
Laura pulled Midtee down to a canter, circled her along the outside rail of the backstretch. The black mare's ears were pricked, listening as the younger fillies bounded closer. Laura trotted her forward, pointing her in the direction that the workout was. She would jump in as soon as Heroine and Siri came in sight. Midtee's body pulsed with eager excitement, her tail switched rapidly over her rump. Laura peered into the fog, smiled broadly when Siri came bounding into view with a half-length lead over Heroine.
Maggie released her grip partially and nodded in approval when Heroine vaulted by Supernatural to assume the lead going into the far turn. Her natural cruising speed was impressive. She was not cheap speed like most sprinters were when placed in the longer distanced races. She would continue to go on and on... and on. Heroine settled into stride as Midnight Thriller swooped in to put pressure on a half-length behind. One good thing about Everyday Hero fillies was the soundness of their mind. Heroine was not easily spooked and so no matter the dirty look Midtee gave her, she ran steadily onward.
Reese was immensely satisfied with how things were shaping up. Siri actually had someone to chase this time around with Heroine and Midtee keeping one another occupied. It really was like a race simulation. Siri galloped along with her head cocked and ears pricked, really keeping an eye on the threats. She moved faster when they moved faster with each furlong. When the pulled into the backstretch and Heroine and Midtee still had three furlongs to go, Reese knew Siri was going to be an explosive. Her filly had settled right down to business, pushing into the bridle and closing the gap with every long stride. Her fractions were quicker than the leaders and it would help when the leaders were given their cues to kick into gear.
Maggie shook Heroine up down the straightaway, reveling in the fact that she briefly left Midtee hanging. The cobalt mare had hesitated, but Laura, a fighter to the end, sent the horse into a whirl of loathing speed. The Night Stalker daughter was hell-bent as she swarmed up on Heroine's outside. The younger filly pinned her ears flat, welcoming the challenge as they sped into the final furlong. Maggie and Laura did not glance back. Supernatural would be coming for them.
And she was coming, indeed. The filly's gray legs blurred beneath her as she pursued her rivals. Reese was close to the filly's whipping mane, calling encouragement, but doing no more but sitting. Siri agilely spun to the outside of Midtee, galloped up to that rival's side and hooked up with the other two. Heroine, Midtee and Siri were in a deadlock when the rocketed across the imagined wire. The riders pulled them up, smiling at one another when the horses refused and continued to gallop on strongly. The mare and fillies were ready for their test.