February Week One
GS Royal Crown & Paranormal Hunter. Midnight Thriller & Mastermind.
Wishing For A Heroine & Hokum. Cross My Heart & Bella Luna.
Wishing For A Heroine & Hokum. Cross My Heart & Bella Luna.
crown the hunter
Maggie nodded to Brookson Wells as he approached her and her two mounts. The blonde eyed guy looked like a dream as usual, flannel shirt, jeans, curly blond hair that was just short of needing a haircut. Maggie thought Ripley Marsh had struck the jackpot with this one. After their year long break up, the power couple was back on and taking the racing world by storm once again. With Brooks' help, Ripley Marsh and the Witch Creek horses had stolen the show in January. And the season had only just begun.
Maggie was feeling a bit on top of the world herself. Paranormal Hunter, a horse with no true championship breeding at first glance, had struck a chord by defeating Cross My Hearts' archrival Innocent Passion and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Demonic Desire in the Unicorn Horn Turf Sprint. The freight train was rolling right along and Maggie could honestly see the filly doing well come Turf Triple Tiara time. Para stood, her big hulking body a study in laziness, with her head resting heavily on Maggie's shoulder. This was a champion runner, but she sure as hell didn't look like it. Maggie patted the filly's shoulder as she finally tuned out of her thoughts and into the conversation.
"Stride of Perfection Stable has got to be gunning for us now. Witch Creek's got a target on its back a mile wide. I can't imagine they appreciated Para and Cross taking down their top dogs." Maggie laughed, turned her head to kiss the gray stallion's cheek. GS Royal Crown, a grade two dappling out horse, hadn't even hit the tracks yet. He'd had a rough and tough season in Year Thirteen and needed a longer break than the others. After all, it had taken a ton of guts to run second behind Lynara's Kingdom in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. "I still say Amber Black is fueling it. I have no problems with Valencia, Henna or Krystal. She's gotta be ticked as all get out that Witch Creek got the Turf Triple Crown first... And I can't imagine she's too happy with us sweeping it again with Hourglass."
Brooks laughed, reached out, stroked a hand down Crow's face. The colt had turned into a beautiful stud with clean legs, a broad chest and a wiry hind-end. Brooks was excited to see what the Seabiscuit horse would do as a four year old. One win away from grade one and Crow would finally step into the big leagues. "Hourglass has been thoroughly dominant. Maybe it's just Witch Creek's turf era. We could always use some improvement on the dirt side of things."
"Siri is doing more than enough," Reese called out from Supernatural's stall. Brooks' shook his head, rolling his eyes. "All right Maggiletti. I take it I'll be riding this handsome stud." Maggie grinned, stroked her horse's neck. "You sure are. He's a good one. And let's face it, you just can't muscle around a mule." Brooks chuckled, clicked the latch together beneath his chin. Crow snorted, pricking his ears as Brooks led him out the door. It would be the first real workout that someone else would be on his back besides Maggie. Maggie patted his rump, woke up Paranormal Hunter and followed the gray out of the barn.
Para snapped to attention the minute she stepped out into the sunshine. Her eyes brightened dramatically as her flaring nostrils took in the morning scents. Her muscles rippled beneath her bay hide and she released an excitable nicker. Maggie eyed Para warily. "Is there something I should be worried about? You're never in a good mood." She swung into the light racing saddle, settled and nudged. Para may have been in a good mood, but a black storm cloud covered her head at the movement. She pinned her ears, yanked on the bit and buried her hooves in the dirt. Maggie gritted her teeth, cocked an eyebrow at Brooks. She thought she'd heard a chuckle out of him.
"Ripley wants a mile and a sixteenth gallop. Three furlong breeze. Nothing too heavy since Para maintains her weight well between races... And Crow's coming back after all." He patted the stallion's neck grinned when the horse bolted to a canter. He may have sweetened up, but he sure as hell hadn't diminished in the high strung department. He had quick strides, shorter than most of Brooks' mounts actually. He felt like he flew over the grass, galloping off with his head high and tail up like a wild horse. He never changed posture when he quickened, therefore, he had to try harder than most other horses. He was a workmanlike horse and a fan favorite. Brooks settled his hands at the stud's neck, listened to the rapid beating of his hooves and the distant ones of Para. She would catch up. The big bay freight train always caught up.
Maggie had long since grown used to the big, lumbering strides of Paranormal Hunter. The Flash Limits filly was something else, something strong and inexplicably brilliant. Her stretch kick was one that impressed and awed. As she ran, no matter the distance of the race, Para only grew in her beauty, becoming a lioness that you knew was going to catch its prey. She'd fallen short in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, but all signs pointed in a positive direction. Para was about to strike the iron while it was hot in the All Along Stakes, the race just after the West Virginia Derby where Hourglass was going to take on the boys again. Maggie patted the filly's neck as she thrummed after her stablemate, felt that hidden promise of power begin to bloom and heat up. The blonde woman lifted her blue gaze, watched Brooks.
GS Royal Crown led the charge up the final hillside. The strong gray stallion could launch himself with more power than you would expect from a relatively lithe horse. He pranced briefly at the top of the crest, looking down on the wide spread of land beneath him. The greeenery called to the horse and man. Brooks latched his fingers to the wispy gray mane that was just above the stallion's withers, braced himself for the expected kick off. He wasn't disappointed. The horse bolted like the hounds of hell were giving chase, legs skittering beneath him in order to maintain speed and balance. Brooks felt a brief moment of fear, not as sure of himself on this one as he would have been on another. But Crow reached the flat safely and took off with his gray and white tail streaming out behind him. Maggiletti and Paranormal Hunter would have their hooves full catching this one.
Para pinned her ears the moment GS Royal Crown got up to full speed. This portion was only supposed to be a breeze, but Crow was running full out and with such joy. Maggie knew the only way to catch the gray rocket was by running full out themselves. She was just about to fling the reins down at her filly, but it seemed Para was two steps ahead of her. The great filly hurtled forward on her hooves, muscles contracting and releasing in an elongated rhythm. Soon the bay horse was barreling after GS Royal Crown, sending clumps of turf out behind her.
Maggie felt ecstasy flow through her veins. She was a lazy mare with bravery and closing kick like none other. Para flew after GS Royal Crown whose quick strides still had him at a three length lead. But the lead was diminishing as Para gained full control of her great span. Maggie kept her hands still, smirked a little when Brooks glanced back with a look of nervousness on his face. Maggie knew Crow would give in if Brooks didn't get after him. Crow had learned how to lose even after putting up a fight during the running of a race.
Brooks slammed the gray stallion into drive, pumping his arms, his legs, flashing the whip. The gray stallion erupted with a blazing burst, throwing off Paranormal Hunter for the moment. And Maggie as well. Brooks did not ease up on the pumping, had felt the stallion want to give in and settle down. That was unacceptable. The ears that had been pricked were pinned flat to the dappled's neck as he soared for the imaginary wire a length in front.
Para slugged it out with every huge stride she took, was good enough to get to GS Royal Crown's haunches. The older horse was more talented than others, a truer miler than Paranormal Hunter. The bay filly chipped away enough to thunder in second by a half-length. Maggie stood in the saddle as Para steamed right on by the happy-go-lucky GS Royal Crown. Para chomped on the bit, brown eyes full of fire and fury. Next time she would not be easy prey for the older horse.
Brooks slapped Crow's neck, extremely pleased with how the grass miler moved. He was a thrilling ride, just won that had been at the wrong end of the wire more than his fair share. He grinned up at Maggie as she approached, blue eyes sparkling. "He's a very nice animal."
Maggie smiled half-heartedly, "I haven't been keeping him to myself for torture purposes." She paused as Crow turned to walk side by side with the now very grumpy Paranormal Hunter. "He's just waiting for the right moment to strike." She reached over, stroked her horse's neck. Crow nickered softly in comfort. A moment later, flashing hooves and teeth caused the gray horse to dive away and Maggie to nearly be unseated. Paranormal Hunter had a jealous side it appeared. Maggie righted herself, eyeballing the bay witch beneath her. "Hey, missy. You'll get your shot too!"
Maggie was feeling a bit on top of the world herself. Paranormal Hunter, a horse with no true championship breeding at first glance, had struck a chord by defeating Cross My Hearts' archrival Innocent Passion and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Demonic Desire in the Unicorn Horn Turf Sprint. The freight train was rolling right along and Maggie could honestly see the filly doing well come Turf Triple Tiara time. Para stood, her big hulking body a study in laziness, with her head resting heavily on Maggie's shoulder. This was a champion runner, but she sure as hell didn't look like it. Maggie patted the filly's shoulder as she finally tuned out of her thoughts and into the conversation.
"Stride of Perfection Stable has got to be gunning for us now. Witch Creek's got a target on its back a mile wide. I can't imagine they appreciated Para and Cross taking down their top dogs." Maggie laughed, turned her head to kiss the gray stallion's cheek. GS Royal Crown, a grade two dappling out horse, hadn't even hit the tracks yet. He'd had a rough and tough season in Year Thirteen and needed a longer break than the others. After all, it had taken a ton of guts to run second behind Lynara's Kingdom in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. "I still say Amber Black is fueling it. I have no problems with Valencia, Henna or Krystal. She's gotta be ticked as all get out that Witch Creek got the Turf Triple Crown first... And I can't imagine she's too happy with us sweeping it again with Hourglass."
Brooks laughed, reached out, stroked a hand down Crow's face. The colt had turned into a beautiful stud with clean legs, a broad chest and a wiry hind-end. Brooks was excited to see what the Seabiscuit horse would do as a four year old. One win away from grade one and Crow would finally step into the big leagues. "Hourglass has been thoroughly dominant. Maybe it's just Witch Creek's turf era. We could always use some improvement on the dirt side of things."
"Siri is doing more than enough," Reese called out from Supernatural's stall. Brooks' shook his head, rolling his eyes. "All right Maggiletti. I take it I'll be riding this handsome stud." Maggie grinned, stroked her horse's neck. "You sure are. He's a good one. And let's face it, you just can't muscle around a mule." Brooks chuckled, clicked the latch together beneath his chin. Crow snorted, pricking his ears as Brooks led him out the door. It would be the first real workout that someone else would be on his back besides Maggie. Maggie patted his rump, woke up Paranormal Hunter and followed the gray out of the barn.
Para snapped to attention the minute she stepped out into the sunshine. Her eyes brightened dramatically as her flaring nostrils took in the morning scents. Her muscles rippled beneath her bay hide and she released an excitable nicker. Maggie eyed Para warily. "Is there something I should be worried about? You're never in a good mood." She swung into the light racing saddle, settled and nudged. Para may have been in a good mood, but a black storm cloud covered her head at the movement. She pinned her ears, yanked on the bit and buried her hooves in the dirt. Maggie gritted her teeth, cocked an eyebrow at Brooks. She thought she'd heard a chuckle out of him.
"Ripley wants a mile and a sixteenth gallop. Three furlong breeze. Nothing too heavy since Para maintains her weight well between races... And Crow's coming back after all." He patted the stallion's neck grinned when the horse bolted to a canter. He may have sweetened up, but he sure as hell hadn't diminished in the high strung department. He had quick strides, shorter than most of Brooks' mounts actually. He felt like he flew over the grass, galloping off with his head high and tail up like a wild horse. He never changed posture when he quickened, therefore, he had to try harder than most other horses. He was a workmanlike horse and a fan favorite. Brooks settled his hands at the stud's neck, listened to the rapid beating of his hooves and the distant ones of Para. She would catch up. The big bay freight train always caught up.
Maggie had long since grown used to the big, lumbering strides of Paranormal Hunter. The Flash Limits filly was something else, something strong and inexplicably brilliant. Her stretch kick was one that impressed and awed. As she ran, no matter the distance of the race, Para only grew in her beauty, becoming a lioness that you knew was going to catch its prey. She'd fallen short in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, but all signs pointed in a positive direction. Para was about to strike the iron while it was hot in the All Along Stakes, the race just after the West Virginia Derby where Hourglass was going to take on the boys again. Maggie patted the filly's neck as she thrummed after her stablemate, felt that hidden promise of power begin to bloom and heat up. The blonde woman lifted her blue gaze, watched Brooks.
GS Royal Crown led the charge up the final hillside. The strong gray stallion could launch himself with more power than you would expect from a relatively lithe horse. He pranced briefly at the top of the crest, looking down on the wide spread of land beneath him. The greeenery called to the horse and man. Brooks latched his fingers to the wispy gray mane that was just above the stallion's withers, braced himself for the expected kick off. He wasn't disappointed. The horse bolted like the hounds of hell were giving chase, legs skittering beneath him in order to maintain speed and balance. Brooks felt a brief moment of fear, not as sure of himself on this one as he would have been on another. But Crow reached the flat safely and took off with his gray and white tail streaming out behind him. Maggiletti and Paranormal Hunter would have their hooves full catching this one.
Para pinned her ears the moment GS Royal Crown got up to full speed. This portion was only supposed to be a breeze, but Crow was running full out and with such joy. Maggie knew the only way to catch the gray rocket was by running full out themselves. She was just about to fling the reins down at her filly, but it seemed Para was two steps ahead of her. The great filly hurtled forward on her hooves, muscles contracting and releasing in an elongated rhythm. Soon the bay horse was barreling after GS Royal Crown, sending clumps of turf out behind her.
Maggie felt ecstasy flow through her veins. She was a lazy mare with bravery and closing kick like none other. Para flew after GS Royal Crown whose quick strides still had him at a three length lead. But the lead was diminishing as Para gained full control of her great span. Maggie kept her hands still, smirked a little when Brooks glanced back with a look of nervousness on his face. Maggie knew Crow would give in if Brooks didn't get after him. Crow had learned how to lose even after putting up a fight during the running of a race.
Brooks slammed the gray stallion into drive, pumping his arms, his legs, flashing the whip. The gray stallion erupted with a blazing burst, throwing off Paranormal Hunter for the moment. And Maggie as well. Brooks did not ease up on the pumping, had felt the stallion want to give in and settle down. That was unacceptable. The ears that had been pricked were pinned flat to the dappled's neck as he soared for the imaginary wire a length in front.
Para slugged it out with every huge stride she took, was good enough to get to GS Royal Crown's haunches. The older horse was more talented than others, a truer miler than Paranormal Hunter. The bay filly chipped away enough to thunder in second by a half-length. Maggie stood in the saddle as Para steamed right on by the happy-go-lucky GS Royal Crown. Para chomped on the bit, brown eyes full of fire and fury. Next time she would not be easy prey for the older horse.
Brooks slapped Crow's neck, extremely pleased with how the grass miler moved. He was a thrilling ride, just won that had been at the wrong end of the wire more than his fair share. He grinned up at Maggie as she approached, blue eyes sparkling. "He's a very nice animal."
Maggie smiled half-heartedly, "I haven't been keeping him to myself for torture purposes." She paused as Crow turned to walk side by side with the now very grumpy Paranormal Hunter. "He's just waiting for the right moment to strike." She reached over, stroked her horse's neck. Crow nickered softly in comfort. A moment later, flashing hooves and teeth caused the gray horse to dive away and Maggie to nearly be unseated. Paranormal Hunter had a jealous side it appeared. Maggie righted herself, eyeballing the bay witch beneath her. "Hey, missy. You'll get your shot too!"
mind your manners
"We had a really good week last week Ripley. Like really good. I thought you said we were going to be coming out of things without much for wins." Laura brushed a piece of red hair back from her eyes, eyed Ripley who was fixing Mastermind's blinker hood. The chestnut stallion rippled with muscle, looking very much like the animal who was two for two in the new season. Both times he'd slayed and both times he'd looked every bit the champion Ripley had promised he would be. Laura hoped one day she would be that wise to know when a foal was going to turn into something brilliant. Maybe it was just an aura though. Bella Luna possessed it. Cross My Heart possessed it. The Devil's Hourglass possessed it. It was like a magic potion had been drunk by certain horses and left others to work hard without it. Laura's heart really belonged with the hard working, blue collar horses. Ripley could have the brilliance and for the majority right now, she did.
Ripley smiled as Mastermind whuffled his lips over her shoulder. His bright chocolate eyes were focused on the dark and lean mare at Laura's shoulder. His half-sister, a daughter of the Breeding Hall of Famer Night Stalker and twin sister to Year Twelve Horse of The Year Eternal Phantom. Midnight Thriller glared back, ferocity and intent plain in her black gaze. She was a daughter of El Sol del Mar, but not nearly as precocious as Eternal Phantom and Mastermind, yet she was still a win away from being grade one herself. Ripley turned to eye the gorgeous mare, felt her heart-strings tug at the sight of her quietly muscular frame. No one could doubt Midnight Thriller's beauty, the efficient deadliness or the promise of marathon speed. Midnight Thriller was a horse that only seemed to be getting better. Ripley had placed her in the "rehab" program alongside Dirty Diana, Wishing For a Heroine, Calamity Queen, Lethal Dose and Optimus Unstoppable. The mare was a great one, just one who had been stopped on one too many times. But like Ripley, Midtee was bulldogging it out on the track and she was not about to go off into the sunset just yet.
Laura watched the intense vibes pass between auburn haired woman and cobalt mare. It was an eerie feeling. It was like Laura was in another universe entirely, watching a silent film and left guessing what the real conversation was going to be. Ripley snapped out of it when Mastermind nipped playfully at her hair. Midtee snorted, stomped with her right foot, clearly over this conversation. "Laura... I really didn't think we'd do as well as we did. I mean Cross beating Lynara's Kingdom? And Mastermind nearly sent Ventura for a loop in the Dirt Mile. Those two are just riding a wave right now that not even I could imagine. I mean we beat one of the greatest dirt sprinters of all time in that race last week. It's surreal."
Chuckling at Ripley's modesty, Laura fastened her helmet. "Oh come on, you had to know there was some shot. LK is a champion, but she's getting older and Mastermind and Cross are coming into their prime. A scary prime, but a prime nonetheless. I bet Amber is cursing you and conducting all sorts of voodoo. She's sort of wacky lately, isn't she? She couldn't have been happy that Infinite Warcry is doing so well with Intrepid Racing. I mean that's her stud." Ripley's green eyes were sharp as they flickered over Laura.
"Amber Black, odd right now she may be, is still one of the greatest trainers of all time. I imagine she is pleased Infinite Warcry has turned it around with some authority. Just as I am that she has turned Limited Edition into a champion of sorts. We are very intertwined with Stride of Perfection, breeding and competing with the best of the best. On the track there are two rules: one: run with tactics and two: never forget a champion. You should know that by now." Ripley swung around abruptly, lead Mastermind, who looked slightly perplexed at his rider's outburst, out the barn door. Midnight Thriller nickered after the stud, ears flicking in Laura's direction when the slim woman cursed.
"Good, I've pissed off the boss for everyone else. This means we're going into hiding immediately after Midtee." The black mare snorted, pranced out of the barn and shuffled her steps nervously until Laura mounted up. Mastermind was already strutting down the path, looking ever the king of his castle. The sunlight glinted copper coins on his rump and his tail flowed with elegant beauty behind him. Mastermind was the horse to beat right now. He'd proven himself, currently, the best of Witch Creek's entire racing roster, with Bella Luna and Cross My Heart not far behind. But he was still the best. Laura would enjoy testing the mettle of the four year old stallion today.
Ripley felt the power seeping from Mastermind's pores. Everything about him echoed greatness, incredible form and good health. He picked up the canter-gallop on the dirt track with absolute ease and command. His ears flickered over his head, full of life and interest. The chesynut stallion could be the best horse in training over the dirt track. He galloped confidently down the center of the course with his only rider perched silently at his withers. Mastermind portrayed beautiful ease, but he would turn all business the minute Midnight Thriller engaged him in the backstretch. An eight furlong workout awaited him and the black dragon galloping behind them. It was a long workout, but both had a week until their next starts and both needed the bottom.
Midnight Thriller's ears were dead-locked on Mastermind's arrogant frame. Her eyes sparkled with loathing and fire. Laura could feel the tension on the bit, could feel that the second Midnight Thriller took off, Mastermind would find himself in a fight for the majority of the eight furlongs. The stallion could stay the distance, no doubt about it. But could he outstay the stayer with the true-blue classic breeding? Midnight Thriller tossed her head, defying the restraint Laura had on the mare's head. Her black body was coiled for striking. They had one more furlong of warm up before the workout began. It wouldn't come soon enough. Laura shook the reins briefly, checked up the brooding mare, felt the anger lash at her in turn. Midtee launched a furious buck, squealing like a child in a tantrum. "Hey, watch it!"
Ripley heard the piercing scream, watched Mastermind's ears flick back as though he realized just now that they had company. Ripley peeked under shoulder, saw Laura was still aboard with a grim look on her face. She also saw that Midnight Thriller was revving up to go. She returned her attention to the fore, mentally prepared herself for the high cruising speed of the black and chestnut horses. This would be a workout like none other. She wrapped her hands in red mane as Mastermind picked up the pace to a bounding gallop and cruised to the imaginary starting line. The minute the son Speed Demon passed through the line, the reins soared through Ripley's gloved fingers and he was off in full-run. She heard the storm of hoofbeats behind her, knew that Laura had lost whatever hold she'd had of Midnight Thriller. Ripley kept a keen eye on the front, but her ears were primed for the backstabbing.
Midnight Thriller flew over the course with a vengeance, her black legs blurring beneath her subtly powerful frame. She was fiercely terrifying in top speed, nearly sending Laura frozen with fright. Midtee scorched the ground that parted her from Mastermind and was soon engaging the defensive red stallion from the outside. Mastermind pinned his ears back into his mane the second Midtee rolled up to his outside. He shortened stride, smarter than the average runner, waited on Ripley's command to go forward. It didn't come. He relaxed into a fast stride, but not one fast enough to go with the flying demon. Midnight Thriller pulled ahead with a flying flourish and wrenched away command by a solid three lengths.
Her strides were huge and brilliant, her body the lean machine of a marathon runner. She was a furious mare, a dangerous mare, one that didn't get beat easily. Her defeats fanned the flames of fury and soon she led by four. Laura could do nothing, but keep a soft hold, soft enough to not cause the mare to throw a tantrum, but hard enough to remind her there was still a rider aboard. She flew through the first four furlongs with tornado-speed strides. Her fury was made tangible through the vicious wind that cut and burn Laura's cheeks. The red-head made sure to breathe, sent relaxing vibes down the reins. Steadily, Midnight Thriller gave in, slowed down to a cruising beat. She would have outfooted any sprinter with that kind of early speed. Laura, feeling comfortable enough to remove her attention, glanced back to note that Mastermind was an impressive six lengths back. Obviously the red horse hadn't wanted to keep up otherwise he would have. Rather, he cruised along steadily, pure focus filling his gaze as Midnight Thriller took them past the middle of the backstretch.
Four furlongs left and Ripley finally woke Mastermind up. The red horse bulleted forward, paced only by whatever amount of rein Ripley gave him. The colt flew over the course, eyes bright and eager as he chopped through the empty space. The goal was to beat Midnight Thriller who raged over the dirt course with an unsupressed vengeance. Boy she was brilliant, Ripley thought. Midnight Thriller was on a loose rein now, keeping up a solid pace and definitely not getting weary legged just yet. She could run forever that one. Ripley pulled down her goggles as Mastermind's speed stirred up wind that caused tears. The chestnut stallion dashed into the turn with admirable effort and joy. He loved this job more than anything in the world.
Midtee kicked on for home the minute she hit the straightaway. Her ears pinned back into her wild black mane the second she picked up her wild speed again. Laura was content now, finally understanding the mare's intent. Midtee would burn her competition off their feet, would dare them to match her fiery strides. Laura peeked under her shoulder, shook her head to see how effectively Mastermind had removed the distance. The chestnut horse was streaking up Midnight Thriller's outside. The black demon bared her teeth in fury and in disgust as the sprinter matched strides. Ripley was sure the horses made quite a picture with their savage heads, their long manes and tails flaring out behind them like wild desert horses. Their great strides came in tandem as the distance was whittled down to yards, then feet.
Midnight Thriller maintained her edge, soaring over the surface with full authority. Mastermind, eyes full of wild fire, dug in and battled with her head and head for the last inches. The black and chestnut flew beyond the wire, challenging each other for more. Ripley pulled Mastermind up out of desperation to stop the duel. The chestnut stallion's legs flailed beneath him, his first show of outright rebellion in a long time. He snorted, trumpeted after the black vixen as she danced into the far turn. Ripley shook the reins, turned him, stopped him, backed him, sighed when she finally got his focus and control back. Her green eyes flashed to Midtee as she galloped through the backstretch with Laura tugging her down gradually.
"Oh man, oh man. I bet that was the best workout for both of you guys in a long time." Ripley stroked Mastermind's damp neck, felt him breathe fire. Whoever showed up for the Forego Stakes was going to have their hooves full. Ripley tilted her head, eyed Midtee, who cantered fluidly back to them."Ditto for her too."
Ripley smiled as Mastermind whuffled his lips over her shoulder. His bright chocolate eyes were focused on the dark and lean mare at Laura's shoulder. His half-sister, a daughter of the Breeding Hall of Famer Night Stalker and twin sister to Year Twelve Horse of The Year Eternal Phantom. Midnight Thriller glared back, ferocity and intent plain in her black gaze. She was a daughter of El Sol del Mar, but not nearly as precocious as Eternal Phantom and Mastermind, yet she was still a win away from being grade one herself. Ripley turned to eye the gorgeous mare, felt her heart-strings tug at the sight of her quietly muscular frame. No one could doubt Midnight Thriller's beauty, the efficient deadliness or the promise of marathon speed. Midnight Thriller was a horse that only seemed to be getting better. Ripley had placed her in the "rehab" program alongside Dirty Diana, Wishing For a Heroine, Calamity Queen, Lethal Dose and Optimus Unstoppable. The mare was a great one, just one who had been stopped on one too many times. But like Ripley, Midtee was bulldogging it out on the track and she was not about to go off into the sunset just yet.
Laura watched the intense vibes pass between auburn haired woman and cobalt mare. It was an eerie feeling. It was like Laura was in another universe entirely, watching a silent film and left guessing what the real conversation was going to be. Ripley snapped out of it when Mastermind nipped playfully at her hair. Midtee snorted, stomped with her right foot, clearly over this conversation. "Laura... I really didn't think we'd do as well as we did. I mean Cross beating Lynara's Kingdom? And Mastermind nearly sent Ventura for a loop in the Dirt Mile. Those two are just riding a wave right now that not even I could imagine. I mean we beat one of the greatest dirt sprinters of all time in that race last week. It's surreal."
Chuckling at Ripley's modesty, Laura fastened her helmet. "Oh come on, you had to know there was some shot. LK is a champion, but she's getting older and Mastermind and Cross are coming into their prime. A scary prime, but a prime nonetheless. I bet Amber is cursing you and conducting all sorts of voodoo. She's sort of wacky lately, isn't she? She couldn't have been happy that Infinite Warcry is doing so well with Intrepid Racing. I mean that's her stud." Ripley's green eyes were sharp as they flickered over Laura.
"Amber Black, odd right now she may be, is still one of the greatest trainers of all time. I imagine she is pleased Infinite Warcry has turned it around with some authority. Just as I am that she has turned Limited Edition into a champion of sorts. We are very intertwined with Stride of Perfection, breeding and competing with the best of the best. On the track there are two rules: one: run with tactics and two: never forget a champion. You should know that by now." Ripley swung around abruptly, lead Mastermind, who looked slightly perplexed at his rider's outburst, out the barn door. Midnight Thriller nickered after the stud, ears flicking in Laura's direction when the slim woman cursed.
"Good, I've pissed off the boss for everyone else. This means we're going into hiding immediately after Midtee." The black mare snorted, pranced out of the barn and shuffled her steps nervously until Laura mounted up. Mastermind was already strutting down the path, looking ever the king of his castle. The sunlight glinted copper coins on his rump and his tail flowed with elegant beauty behind him. Mastermind was the horse to beat right now. He'd proven himself, currently, the best of Witch Creek's entire racing roster, with Bella Luna and Cross My Heart not far behind. But he was still the best. Laura would enjoy testing the mettle of the four year old stallion today.
Ripley felt the power seeping from Mastermind's pores. Everything about him echoed greatness, incredible form and good health. He picked up the canter-gallop on the dirt track with absolute ease and command. His ears flickered over his head, full of life and interest. The chesynut stallion could be the best horse in training over the dirt track. He galloped confidently down the center of the course with his only rider perched silently at his withers. Mastermind portrayed beautiful ease, but he would turn all business the minute Midnight Thriller engaged him in the backstretch. An eight furlong workout awaited him and the black dragon galloping behind them. It was a long workout, but both had a week until their next starts and both needed the bottom.
Midnight Thriller's ears were dead-locked on Mastermind's arrogant frame. Her eyes sparkled with loathing and fire. Laura could feel the tension on the bit, could feel that the second Midnight Thriller took off, Mastermind would find himself in a fight for the majority of the eight furlongs. The stallion could stay the distance, no doubt about it. But could he outstay the stayer with the true-blue classic breeding? Midnight Thriller tossed her head, defying the restraint Laura had on the mare's head. Her black body was coiled for striking. They had one more furlong of warm up before the workout began. It wouldn't come soon enough. Laura shook the reins briefly, checked up the brooding mare, felt the anger lash at her in turn. Midtee launched a furious buck, squealing like a child in a tantrum. "Hey, watch it!"
Ripley heard the piercing scream, watched Mastermind's ears flick back as though he realized just now that they had company. Ripley peeked under shoulder, saw Laura was still aboard with a grim look on her face. She also saw that Midnight Thriller was revving up to go. She returned her attention to the fore, mentally prepared herself for the high cruising speed of the black and chestnut horses. This would be a workout like none other. She wrapped her hands in red mane as Mastermind picked up the pace to a bounding gallop and cruised to the imaginary starting line. The minute the son Speed Demon passed through the line, the reins soared through Ripley's gloved fingers and he was off in full-run. She heard the storm of hoofbeats behind her, knew that Laura had lost whatever hold she'd had of Midnight Thriller. Ripley kept a keen eye on the front, but her ears were primed for the backstabbing.
Midnight Thriller flew over the course with a vengeance, her black legs blurring beneath her subtly powerful frame. She was fiercely terrifying in top speed, nearly sending Laura frozen with fright. Midtee scorched the ground that parted her from Mastermind and was soon engaging the defensive red stallion from the outside. Mastermind pinned his ears back into his mane the second Midtee rolled up to his outside. He shortened stride, smarter than the average runner, waited on Ripley's command to go forward. It didn't come. He relaxed into a fast stride, but not one fast enough to go with the flying demon. Midnight Thriller pulled ahead with a flying flourish and wrenched away command by a solid three lengths.
Her strides were huge and brilliant, her body the lean machine of a marathon runner. She was a furious mare, a dangerous mare, one that didn't get beat easily. Her defeats fanned the flames of fury and soon she led by four. Laura could do nothing, but keep a soft hold, soft enough to not cause the mare to throw a tantrum, but hard enough to remind her there was still a rider aboard. She flew through the first four furlongs with tornado-speed strides. Her fury was made tangible through the vicious wind that cut and burn Laura's cheeks. The red-head made sure to breathe, sent relaxing vibes down the reins. Steadily, Midnight Thriller gave in, slowed down to a cruising beat. She would have outfooted any sprinter with that kind of early speed. Laura, feeling comfortable enough to remove her attention, glanced back to note that Mastermind was an impressive six lengths back. Obviously the red horse hadn't wanted to keep up otherwise he would have. Rather, he cruised along steadily, pure focus filling his gaze as Midnight Thriller took them past the middle of the backstretch.
Four furlongs left and Ripley finally woke Mastermind up. The red horse bulleted forward, paced only by whatever amount of rein Ripley gave him. The colt flew over the course, eyes bright and eager as he chopped through the empty space. The goal was to beat Midnight Thriller who raged over the dirt course with an unsupressed vengeance. Boy she was brilliant, Ripley thought. Midnight Thriller was on a loose rein now, keeping up a solid pace and definitely not getting weary legged just yet. She could run forever that one. Ripley pulled down her goggles as Mastermind's speed stirred up wind that caused tears. The chestnut stallion dashed into the turn with admirable effort and joy. He loved this job more than anything in the world.
Midtee kicked on for home the minute she hit the straightaway. Her ears pinned back into her wild black mane the second she picked up her wild speed again. Laura was content now, finally understanding the mare's intent. Midtee would burn her competition off their feet, would dare them to match her fiery strides. Laura peeked under her shoulder, shook her head to see how effectively Mastermind had removed the distance. The chestnut horse was streaking up Midnight Thriller's outside. The black demon bared her teeth in fury and in disgust as the sprinter matched strides. Ripley was sure the horses made quite a picture with their savage heads, their long manes and tails flaring out behind them like wild desert horses. Their great strides came in tandem as the distance was whittled down to yards, then feet.
Midnight Thriller maintained her edge, soaring over the surface with full authority. Mastermind, eyes full of wild fire, dug in and battled with her head and head for the last inches. The black and chestnut flew beyond the wire, challenging each other for more. Ripley pulled Mastermind up out of desperation to stop the duel. The chestnut stallion's legs flailed beneath him, his first show of outright rebellion in a long time. He snorted, trumpeted after the black vixen as she danced into the far turn. Ripley shook the reins, turned him, stopped him, backed him, sighed when she finally got his focus and control back. Her green eyes flashed to Midtee as she galloped through the backstretch with Laura tugging her down gradually.
"Oh man, oh man. I bet that was the best workout for both of you guys in a long time." Ripley stroked Mastermind's damp neck, felt him breathe fire. Whoever showed up for the Forego Stakes was going to have their hooves full. Ripley tilted her head, eyed Midtee, who cantered fluidly back to them."Ditto for her too."
nonsensical wish
The barn was heating up as spring moved quickly toward summer. It was the perfect time of year for Justin Santiago. It had a clean aura, a do-over sort of attitude, it was invigorating and most importantly a time to do some spring cleaning. Out with the old, in with the knew. Justin pulled his sweatshirt up over his head, annoyed at the dust and grime and horse hair that clogged the fresh sweatshirt. It was gross, but it was a fact of a groomer's life. He looked up at the towering mammoth of a stallion that he'd been grooming. It was even worse when you had a monster horse to groom. More body meant more hair. Hokum's hide gleamed a coppery-red-brown. His dark eyes glinted out of a small sized head for a horse with such great size. Hokum was a little out of proportion, but the parts out of proportion weren't the ones that mattered. Hokum was a gigantic horse with gigantic legs, a huge engine in the form of his butt, and a chest nearly as wide as Justin's arm span. The Kore VS was something else and he'd put on weight between his last start as a three year old and his first as a four year old. Justin was thinking the huge horse needed time to get his racing legs back. Remembering the brilliance of the large sized colt, Justin could certainly wait for it to reappear.
He turned his gaze away from the stallion who stared down at him with boldly, belligerent eyes. Justin focused his attention on the sound of light hooves coming from around the corner. The only horse who would be coming from that direction this time of day would be Hokum's workout partner. He was not disappointed when Wishing For A Heroine, in all her well-bred classical looks, stepped around the corner with Maggiletti Reynolds at her head. The chocolate brown filly let out a whinny in greeting to Hokum. The stallion merely twitched his ears though the lack of interest was all pretend. His muscles were on edge at the sight of the Everyday Hero filly and he barely breathed. Justin patted the stallion's huge shoulder, chuckling to himself. "One more year Hokum."
Maggie shook the reins at Heroine, sending her flighty self back more than a couple of steps. Her bright eyes flashed with pretend fear and eagerness. Her nostrils quivered at the sights and sounds of the older horse barn as if she didn't see it every morning. The blonde woman knew that Heroine had a bit of a short attention span, something that they would have to work on the longer that they were together. Heroine's little ears dashed this way and that over her head, her body tense as a spring. "You better hurry your ass up, Santiago. Preferably before Christmas or my filly's tantrum." Justin laughed, rolled his eyes at Maggie who had always treated him like a little brother. He wiped the cloth down Hokum's sleek brown face, looked into the eyes of his tough stallion. Hokum looked ready to get a move on. "Let's go kick those girls' butts." Hokum snorted, switched his tail over his dappling rump. Justin pulled his helmet onto his head, grinned into Maggie's face.
The woman had leaped onto Heroine's back with ease and grace. She was finally concentrating on her racing career after years of battling with alcoholism. Justin was happy to see a joyous light in Maggie's eyes. Nirvana had brought it there. He hoped Heroine continued the trend. It was nice to see the blonde bombshell look something other than depressed. He led Hokum from the barn, used the mounting block because even his wall-climbing abilities wouldn't work on this one. Hokum stood tall and proud, eyes narrowed on the world before him and ignoring Heroine's foolishness. She danced around like a princess at a party, hooves never still, body always twisted some odd way. She reared as she was wont to do, hind hooves skimming through the dust in a scary, yet beautiful dance. Maggie forced her down with her weight as she was wont to do, cast an exasperated smile at Justin. "Have you thought of your plan yet for the Spring Dawn Treader Cup?"
Justin nodded, allowed Hokum to step it up to a swinging walk to keep up with Wishing For A Heroine. "I think we're going to stalk this one, sit right in the pocket since the speed is to our outside. It would be less than ideal if Hokum was only a speed horse. Thank God, he's not. I'll just have him sit in third behind Eternal Phantom and Sizzling Dawn. That is if Eternal Phantom goes to the lead. She usually does." He pondered for a moment, patted Hokum's burly neck. "It's Lusitania's Soldier I'm worried about to be honest. Something about that line from Akuma Battlecry tells me they just get better down the line. He did beat Midnight Thriller out in the Clark."
"But he lost to Eternal Phantom. We'll see. Hokum has a big shot. The shorter distance means both of them have to expend more energy." Justin nodded in agreement. "Well..." he said, "Eternal Phantom is better at the classic distance and nine furlongs is right up her alley. But we can get eight, so maybe nine and a tracking third the whole way will get the job done. He's a good boy and more than ready for a win."
Hokum stepped up into a gallop the moment he hit the dirt, great strides covering the ground commandingly. His eyes glowed with fire as he finally got what he desired. He had a big stride, but it wasn't lumbering like Paranormal Hunter's. His stride was effortless. He was big. He gorgeous. He was all athletic. Justin stood in the saddle, felt the rolling power waft off of Hokum. The Kore VS stallion gave the aura off in droves. He was in command... until the little chocolate rocket went by.
Maggie heard Hokum snort derisively as Wishing For A Heroine bulleted on by. She was a sprinter at heart, fiery, fast and barely controllable. She ran with joy and wildness. Heroine stole away with the lead, took it to about three lengths before she cut herself off and just cruised along like a sports car on the highway. Maggie wrapped her fingers in the filly's mane, got a real charge at her ability to simply level out. Heroine had been a real pain in the ass at first, but now that they had been working together for the last month and a half, they'd worked out a system. The dark filly settled into her long rangy stride, finding the conditions much more friendlier to her competitor this time. Last workout there had been mud galore and Taboo had hated it. Yet, the two year old had still beaten them. Heroine would get no such advantage this time and against a more hardened opponent. Maggie reminded herself to keep all ears throughout. Be proactive, she thought.
Hokum bounded behind Heroine with tactful strides, ears nearly laying flat in his mane. He wasn't dumb enough to take the bay filly on just yet. It was clear that she was a fool-headed sprinter. Justin patted the stallion's neck, appreciating him. A lesser horse would have taken off in a heartbeat. The bay stallion tackled the ground with mastered ease, proving to Justin that the horse was once again back on his game. Justin kept his hands down, the reins wrapped through his fingers. When he called upon Hokum to go, the horse would go. Hokum was as dependable as clockwork. Justin calculated that three furlongs had gone by. One more to go for the gallop and then the start of the six furlong workout would be here. Hokum dashed over the ground like a professional, nostrils flaring in and out as he recognized the different workout format. Everything so far had emphasized stamina. This would be the real tune up before the big dance against Year Twelve's Horse of the Year and the Year Thirteen's Preakness Stakes winner.
Wishing For A Heroine lead the charge through the backstretch, her sleek form hungrily eating up the ground. She was a tough nut when she got loose on the lead. She just took one big breath after another, fueling her high metabolism and giving her the energy needed for the high cruising speeds. Maggie merely sat like a burr on the back of the daughter of Warm Wishes. Heroine would be gritty in the face of competition, for it was when there was competition that she was at her most brilliant. Maggie glanced under her arm, noted Hokum was bounding easily on their outside about a length and a half back. Justin was sitting chilly and Maggie knew that could mean a world of trouble for Heroine.
Heroine dashed through the first four furlongs of the workout, relatively unpressured until Hokum moved up right on her outside. She was slightly intimidated by the monster stallion, but a shake from Maggie had her building up her bravado. Heroine rounded into the far turn, strides quickening in order to separate distance from Hokum in a space that he couldn't move as quickly. It worked but only a little bit. Hokum burst into high gear coming off of the turn, huge strides easily gobbling up the ground between himself and Heroine. Justin had only to tap the stallion on the shoulder to make him move on. He held for a moment, certain Hokum had Heroine wrapped up as pretty as a bow.
Maggie felt fury sneak its way through Heroine's body when Hokum so easily rounded up on her. The Everyday Hero filly gritted her teeth, pinned her ears and gave it her best shot. She fought doggedly with the Kore VS stallion, strides quickening until they blurred, until she couldn't run any faster. Maggie shook her head when Justin tapped the stallion, sent him to the lead with embarrassing ease and pulled away to "win" the workout two lengths in front. Heroine streaked through the wire, still full of run and fueled by the unfairness of science. Hokum had won because of his larger size, not because he hadn't tried harder than Heroine. She squealed as she passed Hokum, pinning her ears as her once favorite horse now became her most hated.
"Hey don't the player! Hate the game!" Justin cat-called after them. Maggie shook her head as rolling laughter exploded from her mouth. Justin slapped Hokum's neck as he galloped out in full control and gloriously well. Hokum was ready for the season's biggest challenge yet. Justin was ready to get Hokum some press and take down a victory in the first running of the modern day Spring Dawn Treader Cup. A dream awaited, all that separated them was a full field of good and honest racehorses.
He turned his gaze away from the stallion who stared down at him with boldly, belligerent eyes. Justin focused his attention on the sound of light hooves coming from around the corner. The only horse who would be coming from that direction this time of day would be Hokum's workout partner. He was not disappointed when Wishing For A Heroine, in all her well-bred classical looks, stepped around the corner with Maggiletti Reynolds at her head. The chocolate brown filly let out a whinny in greeting to Hokum. The stallion merely twitched his ears though the lack of interest was all pretend. His muscles were on edge at the sight of the Everyday Hero filly and he barely breathed. Justin patted the stallion's huge shoulder, chuckling to himself. "One more year Hokum."
Maggie shook the reins at Heroine, sending her flighty self back more than a couple of steps. Her bright eyes flashed with pretend fear and eagerness. Her nostrils quivered at the sights and sounds of the older horse barn as if she didn't see it every morning. The blonde woman knew that Heroine had a bit of a short attention span, something that they would have to work on the longer that they were together. Heroine's little ears dashed this way and that over her head, her body tense as a spring. "You better hurry your ass up, Santiago. Preferably before Christmas or my filly's tantrum." Justin laughed, rolled his eyes at Maggie who had always treated him like a little brother. He wiped the cloth down Hokum's sleek brown face, looked into the eyes of his tough stallion. Hokum looked ready to get a move on. "Let's go kick those girls' butts." Hokum snorted, switched his tail over his dappling rump. Justin pulled his helmet onto his head, grinned into Maggie's face.
The woman had leaped onto Heroine's back with ease and grace. She was finally concentrating on her racing career after years of battling with alcoholism. Justin was happy to see a joyous light in Maggie's eyes. Nirvana had brought it there. He hoped Heroine continued the trend. It was nice to see the blonde bombshell look something other than depressed. He led Hokum from the barn, used the mounting block because even his wall-climbing abilities wouldn't work on this one. Hokum stood tall and proud, eyes narrowed on the world before him and ignoring Heroine's foolishness. She danced around like a princess at a party, hooves never still, body always twisted some odd way. She reared as she was wont to do, hind hooves skimming through the dust in a scary, yet beautiful dance. Maggie forced her down with her weight as she was wont to do, cast an exasperated smile at Justin. "Have you thought of your plan yet for the Spring Dawn Treader Cup?"
Justin nodded, allowed Hokum to step it up to a swinging walk to keep up with Wishing For A Heroine. "I think we're going to stalk this one, sit right in the pocket since the speed is to our outside. It would be less than ideal if Hokum was only a speed horse. Thank God, he's not. I'll just have him sit in third behind Eternal Phantom and Sizzling Dawn. That is if Eternal Phantom goes to the lead. She usually does." He pondered for a moment, patted Hokum's burly neck. "It's Lusitania's Soldier I'm worried about to be honest. Something about that line from Akuma Battlecry tells me they just get better down the line. He did beat Midnight Thriller out in the Clark."
"But he lost to Eternal Phantom. We'll see. Hokum has a big shot. The shorter distance means both of them have to expend more energy." Justin nodded in agreement. "Well..." he said, "Eternal Phantom is better at the classic distance and nine furlongs is right up her alley. But we can get eight, so maybe nine and a tracking third the whole way will get the job done. He's a good boy and more than ready for a win."
Hokum stepped up into a gallop the moment he hit the dirt, great strides covering the ground commandingly. His eyes glowed with fire as he finally got what he desired. He had a big stride, but it wasn't lumbering like Paranormal Hunter's. His stride was effortless. He was big. He gorgeous. He was all athletic. Justin stood in the saddle, felt the rolling power waft off of Hokum. The Kore VS stallion gave the aura off in droves. He was in command... until the little chocolate rocket went by.
Maggie heard Hokum snort derisively as Wishing For A Heroine bulleted on by. She was a sprinter at heart, fiery, fast and barely controllable. She ran with joy and wildness. Heroine stole away with the lead, took it to about three lengths before she cut herself off and just cruised along like a sports car on the highway. Maggie wrapped her fingers in the filly's mane, got a real charge at her ability to simply level out. Heroine had been a real pain in the ass at first, but now that they had been working together for the last month and a half, they'd worked out a system. The dark filly settled into her long rangy stride, finding the conditions much more friendlier to her competitor this time. Last workout there had been mud galore and Taboo had hated it. Yet, the two year old had still beaten them. Heroine would get no such advantage this time and against a more hardened opponent. Maggie reminded herself to keep all ears throughout. Be proactive, she thought.
Hokum bounded behind Heroine with tactful strides, ears nearly laying flat in his mane. He wasn't dumb enough to take the bay filly on just yet. It was clear that she was a fool-headed sprinter. Justin patted the stallion's neck, appreciating him. A lesser horse would have taken off in a heartbeat. The bay stallion tackled the ground with mastered ease, proving to Justin that the horse was once again back on his game. Justin kept his hands down, the reins wrapped through his fingers. When he called upon Hokum to go, the horse would go. Hokum was as dependable as clockwork. Justin calculated that three furlongs had gone by. One more to go for the gallop and then the start of the six furlong workout would be here. Hokum dashed over the ground like a professional, nostrils flaring in and out as he recognized the different workout format. Everything so far had emphasized stamina. This would be the real tune up before the big dance against Year Twelve's Horse of the Year and the Year Thirteen's Preakness Stakes winner.
Wishing For A Heroine lead the charge through the backstretch, her sleek form hungrily eating up the ground. She was a tough nut when she got loose on the lead. She just took one big breath after another, fueling her high metabolism and giving her the energy needed for the high cruising speeds. Maggie merely sat like a burr on the back of the daughter of Warm Wishes. Heroine would be gritty in the face of competition, for it was when there was competition that she was at her most brilliant. Maggie glanced under her arm, noted Hokum was bounding easily on their outside about a length and a half back. Justin was sitting chilly and Maggie knew that could mean a world of trouble for Heroine.
Heroine dashed through the first four furlongs of the workout, relatively unpressured until Hokum moved up right on her outside. She was slightly intimidated by the monster stallion, but a shake from Maggie had her building up her bravado. Heroine rounded into the far turn, strides quickening in order to separate distance from Hokum in a space that he couldn't move as quickly. It worked but only a little bit. Hokum burst into high gear coming off of the turn, huge strides easily gobbling up the ground between himself and Heroine. Justin had only to tap the stallion on the shoulder to make him move on. He held for a moment, certain Hokum had Heroine wrapped up as pretty as a bow.
Maggie felt fury sneak its way through Heroine's body when Hokum so easily rounded up on her. The Everyday Hero filly gritted her teeth, pinned her ears and gave it her best shot. She fought doggedly with the Kore VS stallion, strides quickening until they blurred, until she couldn't run any faster. Maggie shook her head when Justin tapped the stallion, sent him to the lead with embarrassing ease and pulled away to "win" the workout two lengths in front. Heroine streaked through the wire, still full of run and fueled by the unfairness of science. Hokum had won because of his larger size, not because he hadn't tried harder than Heroine. She squealed as she passed Hokum, pinning her ears as her once favorite horse now became her most hated.
"Hey don't the player! Hate the game!" Justin cat-called after them. Maggie shook her head as rolling laughter exploded from her mouth. Justin slapped Hokum's neck as he galloped out in full control and gloriously well. Hokum was ready for the season's biggest challenge yet. Justin was ready to get Hokum some press and take down a victory in the first running of the modern day Spring Dawn Treader Cup. A dream awaited, all that separated them was a full field of good and honest racehorses.
mirror mirror
Ripley Marsh was running on a full head of steam at this point in the day. Between the phone calls, the trailers coming in to pick up racehorses running in February week one, the lone Intrepid trailer coming into drop off a devil cat of a filly, and a call from Brooks that Green Horse Fields was opening entries all the way into March. It was a busy morning and not even the busiest Ripley Marsh had experienced. Next week promised to be full of fun with horses training rapidly for the Spring Cup at the end of the month. Ripley rubbed her hands together as she stepped inside the barn. Her green eyes flashed with good humor and excitement. Things were finally coming together in the toughest part of the year.
"How's Bella Luna feeling, Reese?" Ripley called down the hall as she pulled her sparkling black mare out of the first stall. Cross nickered in greeting, eyes flashing with affection and some fire. The black mare was ready to get back into training after beating Lynara's Kingdom in the Unicorn Horn Turf Mile. Her next start would come against that foe in a rematch of Year Thirteen's Test Stakes. It was a year later and now Cross My Heart was a champion mare herself. It would certainly be an interesting match race. One that would prove whom was better among the mares. Cross My Heart was the best turf sprinter mare. Lynara's Kingdom, the best dirt sprinter mare. A showdown awaited and Ripley Marsh could not be any more excited. She stroked Cross' shoulder as she tied the sleek mare between the cross-ties. Kendall had already been by to groom her while Ripley watched training sets.
"Bella's feeling her oats. She screamed at me to come fetch her from the stall. It was quite an experience. I do believe Cross My Heart will have some competition in today's workout. She's feeling edgy and ready to roll. You know how she gets before she makes a start." Ripley hummed as she worked, knowing full well that Bella had this odd intensity right before her starts. "This race is going to be slightly tougher than the last one with Blue Me Away and all." Ripley nodded. She knew exactly what competition they would be facing in the International Stakes. "Yeah, he was shaping up after the three year old turf classic season. But she beat him in the Breeders' Cup Mile and she's on a real roll while he's coming off that loss to Infinite Warcry. You'll have to keep a good eye on him which won't be hard because he'll be out front."
"I'm not going to let him have a loose lead, that's for sure. Bella can cruise along with the best of them and still have something left for whatever sort of charge Midnight Dreamer produces." Reese patted the sleek gray mare's extended nose. Bella's gentle eyes were filled with a brilliant light, the look of eagles. A couple days ago she had been lazing around the pasture with Dirty Diana and now she looked every inch the Turf Triple Crown winner she was. Bella snorted, flicking her ears as though embarrassed by Reese's assessment. Bella Luna was the reason Reese's name was on the map at all. She would not forget that fact. Reese tightened the girth, murmured when Bella didn't even flinch. She was a real professional this one, an icy one when compared to Cross' rampant tantrum as Ripley tightened her girth.
Ripley moved fast, talking to Cross as she pulled the girth up, laughing when the spitfire mare threw curses at her with only silence. "You're a funny horse Crossy girl. What an attitude you have this morning." Cross pinned her ears in annoyance, warning Ripley back. The trainer remained at her head, ignoring the warnings. Cross was a wench at times, but she wouldn't do anything against Ripley Marsh. She was too grateful and thankful, too content under the attention of the Hall of Fame trainer. Ripley rubbed the slight star between Cross' eyes, turned to Reese with lifted brows. "I'm ready when you are."
Reese adjusted the browband, checked for perfection and grinned when Bella Luna rolled her eyes. "Yeah, we're ready now."
The women led their black and light gray mounts out into the spring sun, pausing briefly to listen to the birds, the snorts of the stallions and calm whinnies of the broodmares to their newborn foals. "It's a perfect spring day, isn't it," Ripley murmured to Cross, who for once actually seemed content with her life. She was competitive, but happy. She used to be a terrified filly who'd only known abuse in her short life. Now she was a back-to-back Breeders' Cup champion and a winner of two Turf Sprint Tiara legs. Cross had changed in the past couple of years. This would be her final year under tack. Ripley fully intended to make it count, to prove that her midnight mare was as good as it got. She gathered the reins, bounced herself into the saddle and smiled at Reese who was already mounted.
"I'm reminiscing. Give me a second." Reese laughed, rolled her eyes and nudged Bella Luna off the beaten path and onto the grass. They would be only the second set to run over the turf since it had reopened after the spring floods. Bella's ears shot straight up into the air, her hooves dancing wildly beneath her in excitement. She crow-hopped, proving that she was, indeed, feeling her oats. Her eyes were full of life, and her body tight as a drum. Cross My Heart was definitely going to have her hands full. Reese looked forward to the challenge.
Cross picked up her galloping stride, streaking out until Ripley jangled the bit and drew the mare's attention away from running off. Cross was older, but, man, she was still just as tough to ride as when she'd been a two year old. The black mare cruised alongside Bella Luna who was taking the tantrum very well. She was used to peculiar acting mares, having lived on the property since her very own two year old season. She snorted at Cross, who rebutted with pinned ears. Bella bared her teeth, tossing her mane back with proper disgust. Reese stroked her lightening mare's neck. Bella Luna wouldn't put up with anyone's issues. She was a proper lady after all.
The mares shot up the first hill, engaging each other in a duel from the get-go. Ripley and Reese remained still on their backs, hands light on the reins. Bella Luna had to do a little more in order to keep up with Cross My Heart. However, the effort was more thrilling than tiring. She easily kept up, dancing along on her loose limbs like a queen in a ball. Cross dashed along, looking over the speedy sprinter, full of herself and ready to crush the competition. Luckily, Ripley had tamed some of that wild speed and now Cross could handle galloping a mile and a half before the three furlong flat. Before, she would throw a tantrum the size of a volcanic explosion just after a mile. The black speedster flicked her ears, subtly slowed it down. Her efficient frame still flew over the grass, but she was doing it slightly slower.
Cross My Heart maintained a fierce lead going over the hills. It was not large in marge, but one that was held with authority and threat. If Bella Luna moved any closer, the black mare was going to gun it and that was a fact. She was a natural born leader, one that ran with straight-forward obviousness every time. Reese kept her larger gray mare from moving up on the black. It would be detrimental to the planned three furlong workout over the flat. If Bella Luna pressed Cross My Heart too much before that race, Cross was going to take off like a rocket and Bella Luna would never catch her. Bella Luna settled nicely in second, however, galloping along with a lot more to come. Cross My Heart was in her sights and Bella Luna was full of confidence. Still, the reins remained looped around her neck, showing the ease of movement with which the dominant mare ran.
Ripley could feel Reese plotting an easy victory as they rounded up on the final hill before the flat. Everyone always thought that Cross My Heart would give in at The Wire. Many times that was true, but not lately. The black mare had won three straight races and she was still running on all engines. Ripley leaned close, trying to hide from the whipping wind of Cross' creation. The star-marked mare set a torrid pace up the hill, paused briefly looking over her domain and then skidded down the hillside, legs moving with agility. Ripley did not peek back for a look at the Sea Struck mare. Bella Luna was coming for them, she heard it in the vibrations of the ground.
Cross flew off of the hillside in full extended flight for the wire. Ripley wrapped her fingers in the wild black mane, narrowed her eyes behind the goggles, imagining the tears she would have without them. Cross was a brilliant filly, one capable of breaking records. She would have to break records to beat Lynara's Kingdom. Lynara's Kingdom would have to break records in order to beat her. Ripley was with Cross in every blood-pounding stride she took. She was a partner to this wild, black mare. The only partner Cross would ever have.
Bella Luna was tracking Cross My Heart into the stretch, just as she would be tracking Blue Me Away in the International Stakes. It was the perfect set up for the lean near white mare. Reese had gathered the reins now, chirped to the intense mare whose legs were already flying in pursuit of the black horse. Bella Luna streamed after Cross, ears pinned back, mouth agape, the picture of a courageous and fiery racehorse. Reese's heart leaped in her chest from all the excitement, the crazy pleasure she got out of riding this brilliant horse. Bella Luna drew up to Cross a half-furlong out. The mares mirrored each other, long legs taking as much advantage of the ground as they could. One black, one nearly white, they soared toward the coveted wire.
Cross' eyes filled with hateful fire as Bella Luna drew up to run head and head with her. Ripley knew that this would be the scene as Cross and Lynara's Kingdom ran full throttle to The Wire in the Test Stakes to the roar of a half-crazed crowd. Ripley imagined the thunderous applause even as Cross and Bella charged across the line, Cross a determined nose in her front, her usual winning margin of victory. The women slapped their mares on the necks, laughed in hysterical amusement as Cross pulled up with a squeal of victory. Bella Luna pinned her ears. She would be ignoring Cross My Heart until she raced in the International Stakes. A sore loser only when it came at the hands of master bragger. Reese kissed the gray mare's neck, chuckling. "You're my champion, Bella Luna."
"How's Bella Luna feeling, Reese?" Ripley called down the hall as she pulled her sparkling black mare out of the first stall. Cross nickered in greeting, eyes flashing with affection and some fire. The black mare was ready to get back into training after beating Lynara's Kingdom in the Unicorn Horn Turf Mile. Her next start would come against that foe in a rematch of Year Thirteen's Test Stakes. It was a year later and now Cross My Heart was a champion mare herself. It would certainly be an interesting match race. One that would prove whom was better among the mares. Cross My Heart was the best turf sprinter mare. Lynara's Kingdom, the best dirt sprinter mare. A showdown awaited and Ripley Marsh could not be any more excited. She stroked Cross' shoulder as she tied the sleek mare between the cross-ties. Kendall had already been by to groom her while Ripley watched training sets.
"Bella's feeling her oats. She screamed at me to come fetch her from the stall. It was quite an experience. I do believe Cross My Heart will have some competition in today's workout. She's feeling edgy and ready to roll. You know how she gets before she makes a start." Ripley hummed as she worked, knowing full well that Bella had this odd intensity right before her starts. "This race is going to be slightly tougher than the last one with Blue Me Away and all." Ripley nodded. She knew exactly what competition they would be facing in the International Stakes. "Yeah, he was shaping up after the three year old turf classic season. But she beat him in the Breeders' Cup Mile and she's on a real roll while he's coming off that loss to Infinite Warcry. You'll have to keep a good eye on him which won't be hard because he'll be out front."
"I'm not going to let him have a loose lead, that's for sure. Bella can cruise along with the best of them and still have something left for whatever sort of charge Midnight Dreamer produces." Reese patted the sleek gray mare's extended nose. Bella's gentle eyes were filled with a brilliant light, the look of eagles. A couple days ago she had been lazing around the pasture with Dirty Diana and now she looked every inch the Turf Triple Crown winner she was. Bella snorted, flicking her ears as though embarrassed by Reese's assessment. Bella Luna was the reason Reese's name was on the map at all. She would not forget that fact. Reese tightened the girth, murmured when Bella didn't even flinch. She was a real professional this one, an icy one when compared to Cross' rampant tantrum as Ripley tightened her girth.
Ripley moved fast, talking to Cross as she pulled the girth up, laughing when the spitfire mare threw curses at her with only silence. "You're a funny horse Crossy girl. What an attitude you have this morning." Cross pinned her ears in annoyance, warning Ripley back. The trainer remained at her head, ignoring the warnings. Cross was a wench at times, but she wouldn't do anything against Ripley Marsh. She was too grateful and thankful, too content under the attention of the Hall of Fame trainer. Ripley rubbed the slight star between Cross' eyes, turned to Reese with lifted brows. "I'm ready when you are."
Reese adjusted the browband, checked for perfection and grinned when Bella Luna rolled her eyes. "Yeah, we're ready now."
The women led their black and light gray mounts out into the spring sun, pausing briefly to listen to the birds, the snorts of the stallions and calm whinnies of the broodmares to their newborn foals. "It's a perfect spring day, isn't it," Ripley murmured to Cross, who for once actually seemed content with her life. She was competitive, but happy. She used to be a terrified filly who'd only known abuse in her short life. Now she was a back-to-back Breeders' Cup champion and a winner of two Turf Sprint Tiara legs. Cross had changed in the past couple of years. This would be her final year under tack. Ripley fully intended to make it count, to prove that her midnight mare was as good as it got. She gathered the reins, bounced herself into the saddle and smiled at Reese who was already mounted.
"I'm reminiscing. Give me a second." Reese laughed, rolled her eyes and nudged Bella Luna off the beaten path and onto the grass. They would be only the second set to run over the turf since it had reopened after the spring floods. Bella's ears shot straight up into the air, her hooves dancing wildly beneath her in excitement. She crow-hopped, proving that she was, indeed, feeling her oats. Her eyes were full of life, and her body tight as a drum. Cross My Heart was definitely going to have her hands full. Reese looked forward to the challenge.
Cross picked up her galloping stride, streaking out until Ripley jangled the bit and drew the mare's attention away from running off. Cross was older, but, man, she was still just as tough to ride as when she'd been a two year old. The black mare cruised alongside Bella Luna who was taking the tantrum very well. She was used to peculiar acting mares, having lived on the property since her very own two year old season. She snorted at Cross, who rebutted with pinned ears. Bella bared her teeth, tossing her mane back with proper disgust. Reese stroked her lightening mare's neck. Bella Luna wouldn't put up with anyone's issues. She was a proper lady after all.
The mares shot up the first hill, engaging each other in a duel from the get-go. Ripley and Reese remained still on their backs, hands light on the reins. Bella Luna had to do a little more in order to keep up with Cross My Heart. However, the effort was more thrilling than tiring. She easily kept up, dancing along on her loose limbs like a queen in a ball. Cross dashed along, looking over the speedy sprinter, full of herself and ready to crush the competition. Luckily, Ripley had tamed some of that wild speed and now Cross could handle galloping a mile and a half before the three furlong flat. Before, she would throw a tantrum the size of a volcanic explosion just after a mile. The black speedster flicked her ears, subtly slowed it down. Her efficient frame still flew over the grass, but she was doing it slightly slower.
Cross My Heart maintained a fierce lead going over the hills. It was not large in marge, but one that was held with authority and threat. If Bella Luna moved any closer, the black mare was going to gun it and that was a fact. She was a natural born leader, one that ran with straight-forward obviousness every time. Reese kept her larger gray mare from moving up on the black. It would be detrimental to the planned three furlong workout over the flat. If Bella Luna pressed Cross My Heart too much before that race, Cross was going to take off like a rocket and Bella Luna would never catch her. Bella Luna settled nicely in second, however, galloping along with a lot more to come. Cross My Heart was in her sights and Bella Luna was full of confidence. Still, the reins remained looped around her neck, showing the ease of movement with which the dominant mare ran.
Ripley could feel Reese plotting an easy victory as they rounded up on the final hill before the flat. Everyone always thought that Cross My Heart would give in at The Wire. Many times that was true, but not lately. The black mare had won three straight races and she was still running on all engines. Ripley leaned close, trying to hide from the whipping wind of Cross' creation. The star-marked mare set a torrid pace up the hill, paused briefly looking over her domain and then skidded down the hillside, legs moving with agility. Ripley did not peek back for a look at the Sea Struck mare. Bella Luna was coming for them, she heard it in the vibrations of the ground.
Cross flew off of the hillside in full extended flight for the wire. Ripley wrapped her fingers in the wild black mane, narrowed her eyes behind the goggles, imagining the tears she would have without them. Cross was a brilliant filly, one capable of breaking records. She would have to break records to beat Lynara's Kingdom. Lynara's Kingdom would have to break records in order to beat her. Ripley was with Cross in every blood-pounding stride she took. She was a partner to this wild, black mare. The only partner Cross would ever have.
Bella Luna was tracking Cross My Heart into the stretch, just as she would be tracking Blue Me Away in the International Stakes. It was the perfect set up for the lean near white mare. Reese had gathered the reins now, chirped to the intense mare whose legs were already flying in pursuit of the black horse. Bella Luna streamed after Cross, ears pinned back, mouth agape, the picture of a courageous and fiery racehorse. Reese's heart leaped in her chest from all the excitement, the crazy pleasure she got out of riding this brilliant horse. Bella Luna drew up to Cross a half-furlong out. The mares mirrored each other, long legs taking as much advantage of the ground as they could. One black, one nearly white, they soared toward the coveted wire.
Cross' eyes filled with hateful fire as Bella Luna drew up to run head and head with her. Ripley knew that this would be the scene as Cross and Lynara's Kingdom ran full throttle to The Wire in the Test Stakes to the roar of a half-crazed crowd. Ripley imagined the thunderous applause even as Cross and Bella charged across the line, Cross a determined nose in her front, her usual winning margin of victory. The women slapped their mares on the necks, laughed in hysterical amusement as Cross pulled up with a squeal of victory. Bella Luna pinned her ears. She would be ignoring Cross My Heart until she raced in the International Stakes. A sore loser only when it came at the hands of master bragger. Reese kissed the gray mare's neck, chuckling. "You're my champion, Bella Luna."