January Week Four
Dirty Diana & Vagabond. Taboo & Wishing For A Heroine.
Optimus Unstoppable & Sun King. Calamity Queen & The Devil's Hourglass.
Optimus Unstoppable & Sun King. Calamity Queen & The Devil's Hourglass.
stolen heart
"She sure picked a rowdy one this time," Laura muttered under her breath. Dirty Diana, usually the pepiest of the workout partners, stood with her ears pricked and eyes wide with shock. Her gray-roan body was tense and trembling with barely contained excitement. She had found a horse nearly as crazy as herself. And looking it in the mirror was one of her most uneasy experiences yet. Her dark tail whipped wildly over her rump as she danced on her hind end side-to-side. Dirty Diana pinned her ears as the horse skidded a step to close and kicked dirt and dust up to her pasterns.
Sunlight glinted off of a powerful red-bay body as the colt was jerked away a second before he plowed Dirty Diana off her slim legs. A big white star split the colt's forehead as he slashed it furiously to the left. His eyes were rimmed with white, his veins nearly popping out of his surprisingly muscled chest. Vagabond, the craziest handful to step hoof on Witch Creek property, made every appearance a dangerous and impressive one. Maggie, his rider, shifted wildly on his back, forced the colt to turn 180 degrees to face the racetrack. Suddenly, as though a light bulb were turned off, the animal halted. His chest swelled with a great breath as though he were about to erupt again. Maggie braced herself, nudged the horse a bit, testing him.
Bond, as Maggie had nicknamed him after James Bond, took a minute step-forward, straight and true as can be. She cast an uneasy eyeroll in Laura and now Reese's direction. The South American woman was nearly having a fit of giggles, glad someone else got stuck with a crazy pony for a change. Maggie turned her attention to the front, felt the colt shake off the sudden stiffness. He strolled along, head bobbing along to the rhythm of his steps. Vagabond, a colt by Winged Heir, was truly one of a kind. Maggie patted the colt's neck, nodded to Ripley as the blood bay passed through the gap and onto the track.
Ripley grinned at the sight of the handsome colt, cocked a brow at Laura who was smirking from the back of Dirty Diana. The gray roan mare pranced excitedly beneath the red head. She was ready to show this hot shot a thing or two. Ripley could sense that the All For Glory mare was about to give a really excellent workout. Her gallops to this point had been absolutely fantastic and her attitude was sublime to say the least. Her muscles were hard beneath her splattered hide and she looked every bit of a champ. A big year awaited this one. Ripley hoped racing luck would hold for the mare who could only go up from here.
Vagabond halted on cue alongside the rail, large ears flicking atop his head in curiosity. The blood bay horse was full of himself, full of fire and run. Maggie could feel the pulsating energy zooming between them over the leather reins. It fueled her own fire. A colt like this could be a real game changer. Maggie needed a game changer. She needed a horse that made her status as a jockey improve. A shiver went up her spine, a shiver full of anticipation. She patted the colt's neck, aimed her baby blues Ripley's way. The trainer smiled knowingly. She knew how badly Maggie wanted this colt to be the one.
"Alright. After those fine performances... Let's have them gallop a mile and a quarter. Work them out five furlongs. He's got some catching up to do, but we aren't going to rush him. He's only missed a month of racing. And since we've got 11 months before the Breeders' Cup, we're in no hurry." Ripley flicked her gaze over Dirty Diana. "Don't run her up too hard. She's got a rock solid month of racing coming up."
Laura nodded, backed Diana quickly. The gray roan was not one for sitting around. She half-reared the second Laura nudged her with the stirrups before dashing forward up into her canter-gallop. Her ears bobbed over her nicely sloping body, her eyes full of contentment and eagerness. That little spurt of energy was exactly what the doctor called for. Laura patted the mare's neck, leaned close with a smile on her face. Diana had become her buddy these last few weeks. Their morning gallops and grooming sessions had kept them on the road to lifelong friendship.
Vagabond danced around on his hooves for a few minutes before finally deciding to scoot after Dirty Diana. The blood bay colt had a wealth of muscle and was still figuring out his legs. The horse leaped into the air on first stride, hit the ground and leaped again. Maggie clung to the colt's mane, uneasy. A wired up horse was a fun ride, but one that needed to be molded if he were ever going to make it as a racehorse. Maggie rubbed her hands up the colt's neck, whistled and tapped him with the whip. He dodged inward suddenly, head cranked. "Alright... So you don't like the whip."
Bond weaved, momentarily switching leads, caused Ripley to glance sideways at Reese who stood at her left. "He's a little like Spotlight Pride isn't he?" Ripley snorted, "Sort of." Reese smirked, nodded in approval when the blood bay finally straightened out and picked up the pace. He was a beautiful mover when in motion and his strides were nothing short of excellent. He'd lost countless lengths to Dirty Diana who was cruising along with consummate ease.
Laura wasn't on the track to babysit the newest horse. She was on track to ride her racehorse. And currently that racehorse was cruising like a Ferrari. The gray roan mare was on the muscle and well into the bridle. Her teeth were wrapped around the steel bit, ears pinning back into her mane as she rolled over the course. There was a load of tension on the rein, impressive tension, the kind of tension that meant Laura's mare was coming into her own. The gray mare bounded over the course, each step purposeful and authoritative. Her gray mane whipped Laura's face as she cruised into the far turn. Her lead switch was smooth and barely noticeable.
Bond charged over the course, kicking up massive clumps of dust and dirt. The blood bay horse had a big stride with powerful forward motion. Yet, he did it effortlessly. He kicked it up a notch into the turn, carried his body wide with the extra source of speed. He had a lot to learn, but everything he'd shown so far was impressive and extremely promising.
He wheeled down the stretch, muscling his way over the course. His ears were pinned back into his mane, finally putting some effort into the workout. His eyes were darkening up as he experienced the track. Maggie shook the colt up, laughed when he bolted forward, albeit crooked. And he had speed. The horse charged up the course, making up ground, but would not be close to Dirty Diana even if he grew wings. The gray roan mare was already up the backstretch. She'd be switching into workout mode. Maggie returned her attention to the front, let herself be lulled by the easy-going speed that belonged to Vagabond.
Laura hit the switch the minute Diana hit the five furlong beginning. She bolted into top speed, legs sweeping beneath her in a neat rhythm. Each stride was efficient, strong and powerful. Her ears were locked flat to her neck. She became a snake with legs, a seductively threatening presence. Laura settled in for the ride, enjoying the lonesome run. Dirty Diana flew over the course, full of quiet confidence. The All For Glory mare charged through the turn, muscles rolling beneath her dirt flecked hide.
Ripley whistled at the sight of the muscled mare roaring down the stretch. "She's doing that handily." Reese nodded, eyes lit with excitement. It was only a matter of time before Diana laid it all out on the racetrack. She would be there when it happened. The gray mare cruised through the wire, not even asked. Laura patted the mare's neck, grinned when she refused to be pulled up. Dirty Diana skipped through the turn, finally relenting. Laura pulled the gray mare off to the side, walked her along the rail and settled in to watch Vagabond.
Maggie felt the eyes zip to the colt the second Dirty Diana pulled up. He was the lone star of this show. She shook him up going into the far turn, grinned when he switched leads. He could do some things right. She shook the reins at him again, realized the colt would need more than a gentle pump. He was more like Paranormal Hunter than Cross My Heart. She dug in, pushed him on and found herself rewarded with unrelenting speed. A grinder was what this horse was. He charged with loud hoofbeats into the stretch, shoulders moving powerfully beneath his blood bay hide.
Maggie scooted forward on the colt, riding him tough, like she would Para. He didn't feel like he was going fast, but the inside rail was flying by. Maggie was too focused to notice. Ripley's eyes had long since narrowed on the colt who was bolting down the middle of the track like he owned the place. She slapped the stopwatch the second the big colt hurtled across the line. He ran out past the wire, galloped strongly into the turn, impressive. She snatched a glance at the time, immediately hit clear despite the lurch it caused her heart. She lifted her gaze to meet Reese's. Reese's eyes were dark with understanding, held hers for a couple of seconds before they lifted to meet the returning riders.
Bond blew through his nostrils as he approached. Each vein popped out of his hide, but there was a confidence in his frame that blew Ripley and Reese out of the water. They nodded patted the colt's extended nose, smiled at Laura as she wrangled a prancing Diana through the gap. Maggie whispered, "Was he good?"
"Very."
Sunlight glinted off of a powerful red-bay body as the colt was jerked away a second before he plowed Dirty Diana off her slim legs. A big white star split the colt's forehead as he slashed it furiously to the left. His eyes were rimmed with white, his veins nearly popping out of his surprisingly muscled chest. Vagabond, the craziest handful to step hoof on Witch Creek property, made every appearance a dangerous and impressive one. Maggie, his rider, shifted wildly on his back, forced the colt to turn 180 degrees to face the racetrack. Suddenly, as though a light bulb were turned off, the animal halted. His chest swelled with a great breath as though he were about to erupt again. Maggie braced herself, nudged the horse a bit, testing him.
Bond, as Maggie had nicknamed him after James Bond, took a minute step-forward, straight and true as can be. She cast an uneasy eyeroll in Laura and now Reese's direction. The South American woman was nearly having a fit of giggles, glad someone else got stuck with a crazy pony for a change. Maggie turned her attention to the front, felt the colt shake off the sudden stiffness. He strolled along, head bobbing along to the rhythm of his steps. Vagabond, a colt by Winged Heir, was truly one of a kind. Maggie patted the colt's neck, nodded to Ripley as the blood bay passed through the gap and onto the track.
Ripley grinned at the sight of the handsome colt, cocked a brow at Laura who was smirking from the back of Dirty Diana. The gray roan mare pranced excitedly beneath the red head. She was ready to show this hot shot a thing or two. Ripley could sense that the All For Glory mare was about to give a really excellent workout. Her gallops to this point had been absolutely fantastic and her attitude was sublime to say the least. Her muscles were hard beneath her splattered hide and she looked every bit of a champ. A big year awaited this one. Ripley hoped racing luck would hold for the mare who could only go up from here.
Vagabond halted on cue alongside the rail, large ears flicking atop his head in curiosity. The blood bay horse was full of himself, full of fire and run. Maggie could feel the pulsating energy zooming between them over the leather reins. It fueled her own fire. A colt like this could be a real game changer. Maggie needed a game changer. She needed a horse that made her status as a jockey improve. A shiver went up her spine, a shiver full of anticipation. She patted the colt's neck, aimed her baby blues Ripley's way. The trainer smiled knowingly. She knew how badly Maggie wanted this colt to be the one.
"Alright. After those fine performances... Let's have them gallop a mile and a quarter. Work them out five furlongs. He's got some catching up to do, but we aren't going to rush him. He's only missed a month of racing. And since we've got 11 months before the Breeders' Cup, we're in no hurry." Ripley flicked her gaze over Dirty Diana. "Don't run her up too hard. She's got a rock solid month of racing coming up."
Laura nodded, backed Diana quickly. The gray roan was not one for sitting around. She half-reared the second Laura nudged her with the stirrups before dashing forward up into her canter-gallop. Her ears bobbed over her nicely sloping body, her eyes full of contentment and eagerness. That little spurt of energy was exactly what the doctor called for. Laura patted the mare's neck, leaned close with a smile on her face. Diana had become her buddy these last few weeks. Their morning gallops and grooming sessions had kept them on the road to lifelong friendship.
Vagabond danced around on his hooves for a few minutes before finally deciding to scoot after Dirty Diana. The blood bay colt had a wealth of muscle and was still figuring out his legs. The horse leaped into the air on first stride, hit the ground and leaped again. Maggie clung to the colt's mane, uneasy. A wired up horse was a fun ride, but one that needed to be molded if he were ever going to make it as a racehorse. Maggie rubbed her hands up the colt's neck, whistled and tapped him with the whip. He dodged inward suddenly, head cranked. "Alright... So you don't like the whip."
Bond weaved, momentarily switching leads, caused Ripley to glance sideways at Reese who stood at her left. "He's a little like Spotlight Pride isn't he?" Ripley snorted, "Sort of." Reese smirked, nodded in approval when the blood bay finally straightened out and picked up the pace. He was a beautiful mover when in motion and his strides were nothing short of excellent. He'd lost countless lengths to Dirty Diana who was cruising along with consummate ease.
Laura wasn't on the track to babysit the newest horse. She was on track to ride her racehorse. And currently that racehorse was cruising like a Ferrari. The gray roan mare was on the muscle and well into the bridle. Her teeth were wrapped around the steel bit, ears pinning back into her mane as she rolled over the course. There was a load of tension on the rein, impressive tension, the kind of tension that meant Laura's mare was coming into her own. The gray mare bounded over the course, each step purposeful and authoritative. Her gray mane whipped Laura's face as she cruised into the far turn. Her lead switch was smooth and barely noticeable.
Bond charged over the course, kicking up massive clumps of dust and dirt. The blood bay horse had a big stride with powerful forward motion. Yet, he did it effortlessly. He kicked it up a notch into the turn, carried his body wide with the extra source of speed. He had a lot to learn, but everything he'd shown so far was impressive and extremely promising.
He wheeled down the stretch, muscling his way over the course. His ears were pinned back into his mane, finally putting some effort into the workout. His eyes were darkening up as he experienced the track. Maggie shook the colt up, laughed when he bolted forward, albeit crooked. And he had speed. The horse charged up the course, making up ground, but would not be close to Dirty Diana even if he grew wings. The gray roan mare was already up the backstretch. She'd be switching into workout mode. Maggie returned her attention to the front, let herself be lulled by the easy-going speed that belonged to Vagabond.
Laura hit the switch the minute Diana hit the five furlong beginning. She bolted into top speed, legs sweeping beneath her in a neat rhythm. Each stride was efficient, strong and powerful. Her ears were locked flat to her neck. She became a snake with legs, a seductively threatening presence. Laura settled in for the ride, enjoying the lonesome run. Dirty Diana flew over the course, full of quiet confidence. The All For Glory mare charged through the turn, muscles rolling beneath her dirt flecked hide.
Ripley whistled at the sight of the muscled mare roaring down the stretch. "She's doing that handily." Reese nodded, eyes lit with excitement. It was only a matter of time before Diana laid it all out on the racetrack. She would be there when it happened. The gray mare cruised through the wire, not even asked. Laura patted the mare's neck, grinned when she refused to be pulled up. Dirty Diana skipped through the turn, finally relenting. Laura pulled the gray mare off to the side, walked her along the rail and settled in to watch Vagabond.
Maggie felt the eyes zip to the colt the second Dirty Diana pulled up. He was the lone star of this show. She shook him up going into the far turn, grinned when he switched leads. He could do some things right. She shook the reins at him again, realized the colt would need more than a gentle pump. He was more like Paranormal Hunter than Cross My Heart. She dug in, pushed him on and found herself rewarded with unrelenting speed. A grinder was what this horse was. He charged with loud hoofbeats into the stretch, shoulders moving powerfully beneath his blood bay hide.
Maggie scooted forward on the colt, riding him tough, like she would Para. He didn't feel like he was going fast, but the inside rail was flying by. Maggie was too focused to notice. Ripley's eyes had long since narrowed on the colt who was bolting down the middle of the track like he owned the place. She slapped the stopwatch the second the big colt hurtled across the line. He ran out past the wire, galloped strongly into the turn, impressive. She snatched a glance at the time, immediately hit clear despite the lurch it caused her heart. She lifted her gaze to meet Reese's. Reese's eyes were dark with understanding, held hers for a couple of seconds before they lifted to meet the returning riders.
Bond blew through his nostrils as he approached. Each vein popped out of his hide, but there was a confidence in his frame that blew Ripley and Reese out of the water. They nodded patted the colt's extended nose, smiled at Laura as she wrangled a prancing Diana through the gap. Maggie whispered, "Was he good?"
"Very."
secret heroine
Maggie and Reese were often at a loss for words whenever Ripley Marsh talked a new horse onto the property. There were no words for what they had just experienced with the two year old Vagabond. Maggie was already tired from wrestling with that blood bay animal and now she was scheduled to ride two more trouble making horses. She let out a sigh, briefly removed her helmet to rub sweat away and then turned to face off with her next opponent. Maggie cocked a hip. "We've met before you and I, Heroine. Everyday since you've come to this barn you've insisted on torturing me with vicious heart-busting gallops. Today, I will return the favor by pitting you against the mighty Taboo."
Wishing For A Heroine stood with a cocky stance at the end of the reins, her milk chocolate colored body glowed with excellent care, her eyes gleamed with good health and excitement. She looked nothing like her older full-sister Wish Upon A Star, formerly of Witch Creek and now Stride of Perfection Stable. Her lean body was rangy and vaguely muscled. It promised of speed, speed and more speed. Heroine was nothing like the muscled, classic distance sister Maggie had ridden at one point. She was a change of pace to say the least. At least with this horse, Maggie wouldn't have to ride incessantly to encourage a run. Heroine was bat-shit crazy out there on the racetrack.
Reese snorted at Maggie's one sided conversation, cocked a brow at her own Everyday Hero filly. Taboo, a glistening gray roan of a horse, looked nothing like her rangy half-sister. Everyday Hero babies sure looked nothing a like. Where Wish had been strong and muscled, Taboo was angular and romantic. She had the look of a photogenic horse, not a true blue racehorse. But she could run the hooves off any horse who tried. And even though she hadn't notched her maiden victory yet, Taboo had not finished out of the money in her two starts.
"The mighty Taboo huh? The mighty Taboo is lost in her own little world, completely ignoring the likes of us, humans." And wasn't that the truth. Taboo's brown eyes were glazed over in thought, as if she weren't actually seeing the world of Witch Creek, but something else entirely. She had a haunting aura about her and usually it was followed by a terrifying episode. Taboo was a creepy little filly, but one Reese had fallen in love with. The woman tossed the reins, spooking the grey roan out of her reverie. She jerked back, shoed feet skimming over the rubber pads in near silence. Her bit clanged between her teeth as she grabbed onto something real and material. Reese nodded when the grey roan shook her head, focused her eyes for the first time today. "Good, you're awake. Time to get going."
Maggie led Heroine from the barn, careful to not let the bay filly brush against Taboo. When Taboo broke out of her dream states, she could get slightly violent. Heroine pranced at the end of the reins, eyes lit up with life. Heroine trembled from the excitement, reveled in it. Maggie thought the bay Warm Wishes daughter was one of the most contented animals on the property for all her troublemaking tendencies. She flew to the end of the lead, tossing her head like a wild thing, rolling her eyes to show the whites. Her front hooves lifted in a half rear, nearly jerking the slim Maggie off her toes. "Hey little brat, enough." Maggie shook the reins, sending the dark bay three year old hurtling backward. Heroine had more than her share of the dramatic. The filly flared her nostrils as she jolted to a stop, pricked her ears at Maggie with curiosity and adoration shining in her eyes. Maggie kissed the filly's neck sleek neck, tumbling in love. "You are such a brat. I don't know why I love you so much."
Taboo stood still, eyes glued to the show that Heroine and Maggie put on. The Forbidden Wings daughter was a funny, little thing. She could possess a world of patience or bare down upon you with all the wrath of Hell. Today, thank God, she had a ton of patience. Reese wanted to live. Reese took up the reins, nudged the roan filly into a fluid walk and nodded at Maggie. "So what do you think of our newest additions, since you're the jock for both of them."
"Hey you declined Heroine, remember?" Reese smirked, patted her jean covered leg. "I was tired of being assigned the crazy ones. I want to share them with somebody." Maggie rolled her eyes as Heroine danced sideways, hooves beating the path in a quick rhythm. "I love Heroine. She needs to get out on the track and racing before she sends me to the nut house. Honestly, is it healthy for one horse to possess so much energy?" Maggie paused as the filly lifted into a half-rear again, taking a couple steps forward before coming back down to earth. "And Vagabond... We need to be partners for a little bit before I call myself in love. He's strong and tough. Reminds me of Para as a two year old, but not as quick on his feet."
Reese nodded in agreement. She'd seen the same thing, but saw a ton of promise as well. He was a handsome devil. Her brown eyes followed the lithe form of Ripley Marsh as she climbed down from the box and approached the fillies. Tabz snorted, ears pinning at the shadowy figure until Ripley came into focus. Then she became the eager filly looking for treats. Ripley rubbed the filly's forehead, not offering treats as she'd gotten more than enough at morning feeding. Ripley's green eyes flashed over Heroine who was dancing as though she were circled by spitting cobras.
"Glad to see everyone's so chipper this morning. Turf track's too wet to work over so we'll keep them here this morning. Heroine's run over the turf before so her first race over it won't be traumatizing. Give them a mile and a sixteenth gallop. Workout three please. Tracks muddy so a long workout is not necessary. We'll be galloping them up to the Golden Start Stakes and Windchime Cup."
Ripley backed away, nodding when Tabz and Heroine bolted for the gap. High strung Everyday Hero fillies were just her cup of tea. The auburn haired woman dashed up into the box, set her hand on her binoculars. Nodded to Malcolm who relaxed in the lounge chair. "Your baby's up next." Mal smirked, sat up, but didn't come to the window just yet.
Heroine broke off like a rocket, skipping over the mud like a little kid. Her rangy form was tougher than it looked and luckily, her hooves were hard as rocks. Her lean form stretched right out, ears bobbing already over her neck. Maggie settled comfortably over her withers, happy to be reminded that Heroine was not nearly as tough to ride as Vagabond. The dark bay miss appreciated the heavy going and was already a length in front of her younger stablemate by the turn. Maggie kept her hands quiet at the filly's neck, eyes forward and focused ahead.
Taboo fought the mud viciously, black-trimmed ears pinned flat into her mane. This was the surface the gray filly hated with a passion. Her eyes blazed with ferocity and annoyance. Reese could feel the frustration bolting along her veins. Taboo hated the mud and this would be a lesson for a future race. Taboo would have to get used to it. The dreamy eyed filly had transformed into an irritated vixen. Her hooves flashed over the course as she ducked into the backstretch now three lengths behind the mud-eating Wishing For A Heroine. Competition fanned the fiery flames that threatened to overtook Tabz sanity. Yet, the gray filly still ran with the reins dangling at her neck. Reese could feel Taboo studying Heroine, looking for some example to help herself out. Taboo was no dummy even though she acted naive the majority of the time.
The duo traveled through the turn and back into the homestretch with Heroine just cruising along as though she owned the place. Maggie was super impressed with the dark bay filly. She wasn't even flinching from the mud. Her pace was quick, but not too fast. A lot better than her gallops when she'd first arrived. Those had been frantic. This was a study of professionalism. Heroine's ears pricked up as she danced beneath the wire. Her body covered this sort of ground so nicely and Maggie had a feeling she hadn't even seen the best out of her yet. Maggie leaned close to the filly's neck, kept her fingers light as Heroine darted back into the turn for remaining sixteenth.
Tabz quivered with rage as she tracked after Heroine. The bay filly was practically giving the gray the slip and Taboo was becoming more like a ticking time bomb and less like the patient princess. Reese could feel the clock winding down as Heroine trucked to a five length lead. The South American woman sent up a prayer to whoever could hold the roan filly together for the next sixteenth. Taboo's teeth scraped over the steel in her mouth, her eyes growing bright with barely suppressed annoyance. The tension in the reins grew magnificently throughout the turn, Taboo really pulling in order to get her way.
As soon as the straightaway came, Taboo was in a full out surge. Her muscles bunched and released with hardness and rage as she attempted to handle the mud. Her tail bushed out behind her when she nearly lost her footing in the slop. Reese sent up a prayer as Heroine picked up speed and flitted down the stretch. Seeing Heroine running would only set Tabz off some more. Reese clung to the roan filly's neck as she muscled her way up the track. It was only three furlongs. The length of the backstretch. Tabz burned the stretch away beneath her, trying so hard not to lose her fighting and make up ground at the same time.
Maggie glanced under her arm, considered Taboo nearly down for the count as Heroine cruised unheralded on the lead toward the final furlong. Her bay Everyday Hero daughter had pure mudder talent. Her sister clearly did not. Heroine flashed some speed, ears pricking around as though she was looking for more to do. Her hoofbeats rang with confidence and she made it clear that her gallops had brought her back to top form. It was only two hundred yards from the wire that she saw unease cross Heroine's facade for the first time. Maggie stiffened, listened and looked below in shock to find Taboo bearing down on them, mud streaking her chest like a war pony.
Heroine drove forward a second before Maggie gave the signal to gun it. The dark bay filly was unprepared for this stretch running rush from the younger mount. Reese was all but buried in Taboo's neck as she bolted with ferocious breaths toward the invisible, newly created wire. All she knew was that her filly had a ton of heart and courage to still be on her feet and now battling with Heroine. Heroine finally caught a hold of her fastest pace, but it was too late. Taboo put her nose down first and pulled up a couple seconds later in a tiring hand canter.
Maggie kept Heroine on, feeling the bay filly's shock run its course. So Taboo had shown them both what was what. Next time she wouldn't. Next time they would be prepared for the closing rush, even if it was a desperate one at that. Desperation meant a horse would do anything to win. And Taboo had won on the square today. Reese stroked Taboo's neck as the filly walked back to Ripley, who stood with hands on her hips. "Lotsa heart." Reese's tongue felt thick, her skin pasty and sticky with nervous sweat. Malcolm walked up, reached up, pulled the jock from the saddle. Ripley caught the reins of a now nervous Taboo as Mal carted a weak Reese toward the barn. Ripley pressed her forehead to the roan's, felt a sigh of relief flow through them both. "Lots of heart. What a girl you are."
Maggie trotted up in time on her barely breathing Heroine. Her blue eyes filled with worry when she saw Mal carrying Reese to her apartment. "Tough fillies these Everyday Hero fillies are. Very tough fillies." Ripley nodded, led Taboo toward the barn with Maggie following behind. Two days rest for Taboo and then she's back galloping. Yours just one. Excellent workout though..."
Ripley's voice trailed off, eyes clouded with thought as she wondered over the health of her jock.
Wishing For A Heroine stood with a cocky stance at the end of the reins, her milk chocolate colored body glowed with excellent care, her eyes gleamed with good health and excitement. She looked nothing like her older full-sister Wish Upon A Star, formerly of Witch Creek and now Stride of Perfection Stable. Her lean body was rangy and vaguely muscled. It promised of speed, speed and more speed. Heroine was nothing like the muscled, classic distance sister Maggie had ridden at one point. She was a change of pace to say the least. At least with this horse, Maggie wouldn't have to ride incessantly to encourage a run. Heroine was bat-shit crazy out there on the racetrack.
Reese snorted at Maggie's one sided conversation, cocked a brow at her own Everyday Hero filly. Taboo, a glistening gray roan of a horse, looked nothing like her rangy half-sister. Everyday Hero babies sure looked nothing a like. Where Wish had been strong and muscled, Taboo was angular and romantic. She had the look of a photogenic horse, not a true blue racehorse. But she could run the hooves off any horse who tried. And even though she hadn't notched her maiden victory yet, Taboo had not finished out of the money in her two starts.
"The mighty Taboo huh? The mighty Taboo is lost in her own little world, completely ignoring the likes of us, humans." And wasn't that the truth. Taboo's brown eyes were glazed over in thought, as if she weren't actually seeing the world of Witch Creek, but something else entirely. She had a haunting aura about her and usually it was followed by a terrifying episode. Taboo was a creepy little filly, but one Reese had fallen in love with. The woman tossed the reins, spooking the grey roan out of her reverie. She jerked back, shoed feet skimming over the rubber pads in near silence. Her bit clanged between her teeth as she grabbed onto something real and material. Reese nodded when the grey roan shook her head, focused her eyes for the first time today. "Good, you're awake. Time to get going."
Maggie led Heroine from the barn, careful to not let the bay filly brush against Taboo. When Taboo broke out of her dream states, she could get slightly violent. Heroine pranced at the end of the reins, eyes lit up with life. Heroine trembled from the excitement, reveled in it. Maggie thought the bay Warm Wishes daughter was one of the most contented animals on the property for all her troublemaking tendencies. She flew to the end of the lead, tossing her head like a wild thing, rolling her eyes to show the whites. Her front hooves lifted in a half rear, nearly jerking the slim Maggie off her toes. "Hey little brat, enough." Maggie shook the reins, sending the dark bay three year old hurtling backward. Heroine had more than her share of the dramatic. The filly flared her nostrils as she jolted to a stop, pricked her ears at Maggie with curiosity and adoration shining in her eyes. Maggie kissed the filly's neck sleek neck, tumbling in love. "You are such a brat. I don't know why I love you so much."
Taboo stood still, eyes glued to the show that Heroine and Maggie put on. The Forbidden Wings daughter was a funny, little thing. She could possess a world of patience or bare down upon you with all the wrath of Hell. Today, thank God, she had a ton of patience. Reese wanted to live. Reese took up the reins, nudged the roan filly into a fluid walk and nodded at Maggie. "So what do you think of our newest additions, since you're the jock for both of them."
"Hey you declined Heroine, remember?" Reese smirked, patted her jean covered leg. "I was tired of being assigned the crazy ones. I want to share them with somebody." Maggie rolled her eyes as Heroine danced sideways, hooves beating the path in a quick rhythm. "I love Heroine. She needs to get out on the track and racing before she sends me to the nut house. Honestly, is it healthy for one horse to possess so much energy?" Maggie paused as the filly lifted into a half-rear again, taking a couple steps forward before coming back down to earth. "And Vagabond... We need to be partners for a little bit before I call myself in love. He's strong and tough. Reminds me of Para as a two year old, but not as quick on his feet."
Reese nodded in agreement. She'd seen the same thing, but saw a ton of promise as well. He was a handsome devil. Her brown eyes followed the lithe form of Ripley Marsh as she climbed down from the box and approached the fillies. Tabz snorted, ears pinning at the shadowy figure until Ripley came into focus. Then she became the eager filly looking for treats. Ripley rubbed the filly's forehead, not offering treats as she'd gotten more than enough at morning feeding. Ripley's green eyes flashed over Heroine who was dancing as though she were circled by spitting cobras.
"Glad to see everyone's so chipper this morning. Turf track's too wet to work over so we'll keep them here this morning. Heroine's run over the turf before so her first race over it won't be traumatizing. Give them a mile and a sixteenth gallop. Workout three please. Tracks muddy so a long workout is not necessary. We'll be galloping them up to the Golden Start Stakes and Windchime Cup."
Ripley backed away, nodding when Tabz and Heroine bolted for the gap. High strung Everyday Hero fillies were just her cup of tea. The auburn haired woman dashed up into the box, set her hand on her binoculars. Nodded to Malcolm who relaxed in the lounge chair. "Your baby's up next." Mal smirked, sat up, but didn't come to the window just yet.
Heroine broke off like a rocket, skipping over the mud like a little kid. Her rangy form was tougher than it looked and luckily, her hooves were hard as rocks. Her lean form stretched right out, ears bobbing already over her neck. Maggie settled comfortably over her withers, happy to be reminded that Heroine was not nearly as tough to ride as Vagabond. The dark bay miss appreciated the heavy going and was already a length in front of her younger stablemate by the turn. Maggie kept her hands quiet at the filly's neck, eyes forward and focused ahead.
Taboo fought the mud viciously, black-trimmed ears pinned flat into her mane. This was the surface the gray filly hated with a passion. Her eyes blazed with ferocity and annoyance. Reese could feel the frustration bolting along her veins. Taboo hated the mud and this would be a lesson for a future race. Taboo would have to get used to it. The dreamy eyed filly had transformed into an irritated vixen. Her hooves flashed over the course as she ducked into the backstretch now three lengths behind the mud-eating Wishing For A Heroine. Competition fanned the fiery flames that threatened to overtook Tabz sanity. Yet, the gray filly still ran with the reins dangling at her neck. Reese could feel Taboo studying Heroine, looking for some example to help herself out. Taboo was no dummy even though she acted naive the majority of the time.
The duo traveled through the turn and back into the homestretch with Heroine just cruising along as though she owned the place. Maggie was super impressed with the dark bay filly. She wasn't even flinching from the mud. Her pace was quick, but not too fast. A lot better than her gallops when she'd first arrived. Those had been frantic. This was a study of professionalism. Heroine's ears pricked up as she danced beneath the wire. Her body covered this sort of ground so nicely and Maggie had a feeling she hadn't even seen the best out of her yet. Maggie leaned close to the filly's neck, kept her fingers light as Heroine darted back into the turn for remaining sixteenth.
Tabz quivered with rage as she tracked after Heroine. The bay filly was practically giving the gray the slip and Taboo was becoming more like a ticking time bomb and less like the patient princess. Reese could feel the clock winding down as Heroine trucked to a five length lead. The South American woman sent up a prayer to whoever could hold the roan filly together for the next sixteenth. Taboo's teeth scraped over the steel in her mouth, her eyes growing bright with barely suppressed annoyance. The tension in the reins grew magnificently throughout the turn, Taboo really pulling in order to get her way.
As soon as the straightaway came, Taboo was in a full out surge. Her muscles bunched and released with hardness and rage as she attempted to handle the mud. Her tail bushed out behind her when she nearly lost her footing in the slop. Reese sent up a prayer as Heroine picked up speed and flitted down the stretch. Seeing Heroine running would only set Tabz off some more. Reese clung to the roan filly's neck as she muscled her way up the track. It was only three furlongs. The length of the backstretch. Tabz burned the stretch away beneath her, trying so hard not to lose her fighting and make up ground at the same time.
Maggie glanced under her arm, considered Taboo nearly down for the count as Heroine cruised unheralded on the lead toward the final furlong. Her bay Everyday Hero daughter had pure mudder talent. Her sister clearly did not. Heroine flashed some speed, ears pricking around as though she was looking for more to do. Her hoofbeats rang with confidence and she made it clear that her gallops had brought her back to top form. It was only two hundred yards from the wire that she saw unease cross Heroine's facade for the first time. Maggie stiffened, listened and looked below in shock to find Taboo bearing down on them, mud streaking her chest like a war pony.
Heroine drove forward a second before Maggie gave the signal to gun it. The dark bay filly was unprepared for this stretch running rush from the younger mount. Reese was all but buried in Taboo's neck as she bolted with ferocious breaths toward the invisible, newly created wire. All she knew was that her filly had a ton of heart and courage to still be on her feet and now battling with Heroine. Heroine finally caught a hold of her fastest pace, but it was too late. Taboo put her nose down first and pulled up a couple seconds later in a tiring hand canter.
Maggie kept Heroine on, feeling the bay filly's shock run its course. So Taboo had shown them both what was what. Next time she wouldn't. Next time they would be prepared for the closing rush, even if it was a desperate one at that. Desperation meant a horse would do anything to win. And Taboo had won on the square today. Reese stroked Taboo's neck as the filly walked back to Ripley, who stood with hands on her hips. "Lotsa heart." Reese's tongue felt thick, her skin pasty and sticky with nervous sweat. Malcolm walked up, reached up, pulled the jock from the saddle. Ripley caught the reins of a now nervous Taboo as Mal carted a weak Reese toward the barn. Ripley pressed her forehead to the roan's, felt a sigh of relief flow through them both. "Lots of heart. What a girl you are."
Maggie trotted up in time on her barely breathing Heroine. Her blue eyes filled with worry when she saw Mal carrying Reese to her apartment. "Tough fillies these Everyday Hero fillies are. Very tough fillies." Ripley nodded, led Taboo toward the barn with Maggie following behind. Two days rest for Taboo and then she's back galloping. Yours just one. Excellent workout though..."
Ripley's voice trailed off, eyes clouded with thought as she wondered over the health of her jock.
optimum sunlight
Brookson Wells rolled his shoulders beneath his flannel shirt, thought about the past couple of weeks and decided that Year Fourteen was going to be a much more difficult year than imagined. While Witch Creek had pretty much stamped themselves at the top of the class in the three year old and older horse division, the two year olds needed a big boost. The competition was fierce, the rivalries were already developing and no horse at the moment could call themselves leader of a division. He scooped some lotion out of the bowl that perched at the edge of Ripley's desk, lifted his gaze to meet her sharp green eyes.
"Brookson Wells? Were you even listening to me?" He grinned at the authoritative tone, knew she didn't exactly mean it. She wasn't a person who enjoyed repeating herself multiple times. "Now I am." She snorted, stood up and slapped her hands to the desk, leaned close. "I said you have Sun King and Optimus Unstoppable scheduled for a workout today... A problem considering that you can't ride two horses at once." Brooks tilted his head, cocked an eyebrow and sent her a grin that threatened to melt her cold tone. He was always doing that kind of thing to her. It was highly irritating to say the least.
"That's because I wanted you to ride with me." Ripley stared at him with narrowed eyes, assessing his statement, pondering the possibilities. "Why?" He laughed. "She asks why? Oh anyone else would be excited to hop into this workout, but not you, Ripley Marsh. You need an explanation for my apparent messup." Ripley placed her hands on her hips, gritted her teeth and sent a furious look at him. "Most people aren't me. I have a lot of things to take care of today, particularly this new horse Nick Landing is hoisting off on me."
"Oh hoisting is it? I could have sworn you mumbled something over pillow talk about finding yourself a Triple Tiara filly. Convenient Landing comes up with something just in the nick of time." Ripley rolled her eyes, slapped a folder shut. Brooks made note to snoop later when he took lunch break. Ripley had something up her sleeve and he wasn't going to be the last to know. "So the workout," Ripley spat. Snatched her helmet off the side table, started slapping on her half-chaps. "Who am I riding?"
He smirked, "Well I figured you'd want to give Sun King a go. After all he's more El Sol del Mar than Native Flame." Ripley marched by, would have slammed the door if Brooks wasn't glued to her tail. "Of course, it's only a one time deal. Optimus needs a target and a tough one at that. The only thing more dangerous than a speed horse is a speed horse with you on its back." Ripley snorted at him, stopped in front of the arrogant chestnut horse that was just getting the finishing touches. Sun King had his mother's attitude alright. Bossy, arrogant, bull-headed. Mastermind was more of a partner than this one. And Sun King was definitely a Brookson Wells horse. However, she wouldn't slap down the opportunity to get on the ruby colored horse's back. Especially when Brooks assumed King would be caught.
Brooks turned in the opposite direction ran a kind hand down Optimus Unstoppable's neck. The Shiver Me Timbers colt was just a gorgeous specimen, even for such a shrimp. At 15.3 hands he was smaller than the lean two year old facing them. Optimus had a big future, could run the ass off most horses. He just needed some work to trim the rough edges. Their first start together had been a dream though and Brooks had to admit he was fond of the try-hard animal. He pulled on his helmet, winged a look over his shoulder at Ripley and led the way out of the barn. Optimus snorted, switched his tail over his rump as if he could see to the fight ahead and the irritation that would be Sun King if he beat them.
The riders mounted together. Optimus began walking down the path to the dirt track the minute Brooks planted his butt in the light saddle. The excellently conformed colt was not one for standing still. He pranced down the path, lifting his knees proudly and with pizazz. He wasn't a rough boy. He wasn't purposefully irritating like most Witch Creek horses. Brooks appreciated the straightforwardness of the colt's personality. You got on, he got rid of his energy and he was good until the next day. Optimus was a workmanlike horse, but he sure could blow you away with his speed. The colt bolted the second he hit the track, head high and tail floating behind him like an elegant cape. Brooks' perched at his withers, slapped the colt's neck in contentment. Optimus snorted, dipped his head and prepared to put on a dazzling display.
Sun King launched after Optimus the moment the bay horse shot off into a gallop. Used to such tactics, and well aware of which type of racehorse she was riding, Ripley wrapped her hands in the long rippling red mane and grinned into the wild wind. King was more his mama than Mastermind. He felt wild and barely tamed. He ran wild and was well into the bridle. She'd thought she'd captured Sunny in Mastermind, but no, not compared to this one. King pounded the ground with furious hooves, kicked up dust in his wake as he tore after the rapid pace set by Optimus. The lightweight bay speedball had a three length lead and it was diminishing quickly. Ripley caught the bit up rapidly in King's mouth, jerked the steel bar from his teeth and found the colt more pliable than first imagined.
Brooks didn't need a scientist to tell him that Ripley Marsh had found a partner in crime, at least for this workout. Sun King had bolted just like usual, a whirlwind of speed and energy, but she'd caught him before he'd passed Optimus. Now it was Brooks who was seeing his plans turning into dust. Optimus needed a target. King was not going to be that target if he sat off Optimus' flank. Brooks sent a frustrated glance in Ripley's direction, saw her glee and swore under his breath.
The star-marked bay flashed some speed, broke loose from the dead lock beside Sun King. The lithe bay colt was a vicious runner and he simply skipped over the course like a champ. Brooks kept a light tension on the reins, letting Optimus do as he wanted, but not restricting him over much. If they were going to outfoot Sun King it would have to be from the get-go. Optimus surged through the backstretch, hot footing it and daring King to stick with him. Brooks glanced under his arm, shook his head again when he saw that Ripley had firmly backed King off and kept the loose cannon of a horse a length back and a horse width wide from Optimus.
King settled into her hands like a dream, ears bobbing over his head as though he had the older horse measured. Ripley wasn't so sure because she knew what kind of fractions Optimus could post, how dangerous he could be no matter which position he raced from on the track. King rolled along with all the confidence in the world, each stride bounding and relentless. Ripley settled into this saddle, hands light on the reins as King tracked the speedball into the far turn. Brooks hadn't wanted a gallop today. He'd wanted a blitz from the get-go, a sharpener for the horses' next start. She had to agree with him this time. It was livening up both Optimus and King considerably.
Brooks shook the reins forcefully, would have laughed if the wind hadn't stolen his breath. The bay flew up the track, straight and true as an arrow soaring for the perfect target. The Shiver Me Timbers colt was bloody brilliant and he was just coming back into form after having a wishy-washy year of moving around between barns at the age of two. Brooks leaned close, felt the heat coming off of the colt as he raced. Brooks glanced under his arm, found Sun King was maintaining the measured distance. Ripley was sending him some urging, but not anything that would send him flying by Optimus.
He returned to the front, knew the horse was going to be coming, fluttered the reins and received a fierce kick. "Atta boy!" He heard the hooves coming two hundred yards from the wire, new Ripley was trying to match King's kick with Optimus' sprinter speed. Brooks' definitely had the doubts, but when he felt a vacuum of wind to his outside, his doubts went out the window. The well-built chestnut bounded alongside, nostrils flaring rapidly in and out as he drew on the competitive fires. Optimus and King pinned their ears back into their manes. Optimus gritted his teeth and barreled through the wire a determined neck in front. He kept on going into the gallop, flashing the fact that he had been far from done. Brooks patted the colt's heated neck, grinned at Ripley as King hand galloped up beside them. The colt looked happy and quite full of himself. He launched a buck to prove it, but Ripley was well-prepared. She smiled back, eyes dark with thoughts of both past and present.
"Both of them are pretty impressive. My sprinter guys. Do you think King might be able to get shorter than 7?" Ripley glanced up, pursed her lips for a second and then smiled. "For sure. He's got his mama written all over him. This is a good mount for the future Brookson Wells. Both of them are. Wait til we see Optimus out on the track. He's just getting better."
"Brookson Wells? Were you even listening to me?" He grinned at the authoritative tone, knew she didn't exactly mean it. She wasn't a person who enjoyed repeating herself multiple times. "Now I am." She snorted, stood up and slapped her hands to the desk, leaned close. "I said you have Sun King and Optimus Unstoppable scheduled for a workout today... A problem considering that you can't ride two horses at once." Brooks tilted his head, cocked an eyebrow and sent her a grin that threatened to melt her cold tone. He was always doing that kind of thing to her. It was highly irritating to say the least.
"That's because I wanted you to ride with me." Ripley stared at him with narrowed eyes, assessing his statement, pondering the possibilities. "Why?" He laughed. "She asks why? Oh anyone else would be excited to hop into this workout, but not you, Ripley Marsh. You need an explanation for my apparent messup." Ripley placed her hands on her hips, gritted her teeth and sent a furious look at him. "Most people aren't me. I have a lot of things to take care of today, particularly this new horse Nick Landing is hoisting off on me."
"Oh hoisting is it? I could have sworn you mumbled something over pillow talk about finding yourself a Triple Tiara filly. Convenient Landing comes up with something just in the nick of time." Ripley rolled her eyes, slapped a folder shut. Brooks made note to snoop later when he took lunch break. Ripley had something up her sleeve and he wasn't going to be the last to know. "So the workout," Ripley spat. Snatched her helmet off the side table, started slapping on her half-chaps. "Who am I riding?"
He smirked, "Well I figured you'd want to give Sun King a go. After all he's more El Sol del Mar than Native Flame." Ripley marched by, would have slammed the door if Brooks wasn't glued to her tail. "Of course, it's only a one time deal. Optimus needs a target and a tough one at that. The only thing more dangerous than a speed horse is a speed horse with you on its back." Ripley snorted at him, stopped in front of the arrogant chestnut horse that was just getting the finishing touches. Sun King had his mother's attitude alright. Bossy, arrogant, bull-headed. Mastermind was more of a partner than this one. And Sun King was definitely a Brookson Wells horse. However, she wouldn't slap down the opportunity to get on the ruby colored horse's back. Especially when Brooks assumed King would be caught.
Brooks turned in the opposite direction ran a kind hand down Optimus Unstoppable's neck. The Shiver Me Timbers colt was just a gorgeous specimen, even for such a shrimp. At 15.3 hands he was smaller than the lean two year old facing them. Optimus had a big future, could run the ass off most horses. He just needed some work to trim the rough edges. Their first start together had been a dream though and Brooks had to admit he was fond of the try-hard animal. He pulled on his helmet, winged a look over his shoulder at Ripley and led the way out of the barn. Optimus snorted, switched his tail over his rump as if he could see to the fight ahead and the irritation that would be Sun King if he beat them.
The riders mounted together. Optimus began walking down the path to the dirt track the minute Brooks planted his butt in the light saddle. The excellently conformed colt was not one for standing still. He pranced down the path, lifting his knees proudly and with pizazz. He wasn't a rough boy. He wasn't purposefully irritating like most Witch Creek horses. Brooks appreciated the straightforwardness of the colt's personality. You got on, he got rid of his energy and he was good until the next day. Optimus was a workmanlike horse, but he sure could blow you away with his speed. The colt bolted the second he hit the track, head high and tail floating behind him like an elegant cape. Brooks' perched at his withers, slapped the colt's neck in contentment. Optimus snorted, dipped his head and prepared to put on a dazzling display.
Sun King launched after Optimus the moment the bay horse shot off into a gallop. Used to such tactics, and well aware of which type of racehorse she was riding, Ripley wrapped her hands in the long rippling red mane and grinned into the wild wind. King was more his mama than Mastermind. He felt wild and barely tamed. He ran wild and was well into the bridle. She'd thought she'd captured Sunny in Mastermind, but no, not compared to this one. King pounded the ground with furious hooves, kicked up dust in his wake as he tore after the rapid pace set by Optimus. The lightweight bay speedball had a three length lead and it was diminishing quickly. Ripley caught the bit up rapidly in King's mouth, jerked the steel bar from his teeth and found the colt more pliable than first imagined.
Brooks didn't need a scientist to tell him that Ripley Marsh had found a partner in crime, at least for this workout. Sun King had bolted just like usual, a whirlwind of speed and energy, but she'd caught him before he'd passed Optimus. Now it was Brooks who was seeing his plans turning into dust. Optimus needed a target. King was not going to be that target if he sat off Optimus' flank. Brooks sent a frustrated glance in Ripley's direction, saw her glee and swore under his breath.
The star-marked bay flashed some speed, broke loose from the dead lock beside Sun King. The lithe bay colt was a vicious runner and he simply skipped over the course like a champ. Brooks kept a light tension on the reins, letting Optimus do as he wanted, but not restricting him over much. If they were going to outfoot Sun King it would have to be from the get-go. Optimus surged through the backstretch, hot footing it and daring King to stick with him. Brooks glanced under his arm, shook his head again when he saw that Ripley had firmly backed King off and kept the loose cannon of a horse a length back and a horse width wide from Optimus.
King settled into her hands like a dream, ears bobbing over his head as though he had the older horse measured. Ripley wasn't so sure because she knew what kind of fractions Optimus could post, how dangerous he could be no matter which position he raced from on the track. King rolled along with all the confidence in the world, each stride bounding and relentless. Ripley settled into this saddle, hands light on the reins as King tracked the speedball into the far turn. Brooks hadn't wanted a gallop today. He'd wanted a blitz from the get-go, a sharpener for the horses' next start. She had to agree with him this time. It was livening up both Optimus and King considerably.
Brooks shook the reins forcefully, would have laughed if the wind hadn't stolen his breath. The bay flew up the track, straight and true as an arrow soaring for the perfect target. The Shiver Me Timbers colt was bloody brilliant and he was just coming back into form after having a wishy-washy year of moving around between barns at the age of two. Brooks leaned close, felt the heat coming off of the colt as he raced. Brooks glanced under his arm, found Sun King was maintaining the measured distance. Ripley was sending him some urging, but not anything that would send him flying by Optimus.
He returned to the front, knew the horse was going to be coming, fluttered the reins and received a fierce kick. "Atta boy!" He heard the hooves coming two hundred yards from the wire, new Ripley was trying to match King's kick with Optimus' sprinter speed. Brooks' definitely had the doubts, but when he felt a vacuum of wind to his outside, his doubts went out the window. The well-built chestnut bounded alongside, nostrils flaring rapidly in and out as he drew on the competitive fires. Optimus and King pinned their ears back into their manes. Optimus gritted his teeth and barreled through the wire a determined neck in front. He kept on going into the gallop, flashing the fact that he had been far from done. Brooks patted the colt's heated neck, grinned at Ripley as King hand galloped up beside them. The colt looked happy and quite full of himself. He launched a buck to prove it, but Ripley was well-prepared. She smiled back, eyes dark with thoughts of both past and present.
"Both of them are pretty impressive. My sprinter guys. Do you think King might be able to get shorter than 7?" Ripley glanced up, pursed her lips for a second and then smiled. "For sure. He's got his mama written all over him. This is a good mount for the future Brookson Wells. Both of them are. Wait til we see Optimus out on the track. He's just getting better."
devil queen
"This ought to be an interesting workout," Brooks called to Ripley's back. The woman was scurrying around her mount, hands flying as they brushed dark bay coat. The King/Optimus workout had run later than she'd expected so now she was late for this workout as well. The Devil's Hourglass flitted away as far as she could in the cross-ties, eyes rolling white with displeasure. She wasn't happy with the rushed grooming. It was obvious she wanted Ripley to take longer. Usually their grooming sessions lasted for at least a half-hour and resulted in Hourglass falling asleep on her hooves. She was an easy horse to get ready for a workout.
"Well I hope so. Hourglass and Queenie have the most deliberate speed on the property." Brooks hummed in agreement as he stroked a finger down In Front's blaze. Calamity Queen, a Touch Up daughter, was a speed ball with very controllable speed. She was turning into a dangerous mount as she aged. Ripley and Maggie were both in agreement that the bay daughter of Royal Assault was about to strike it big. Brooks hoped it was true, could believe it. Queenie was becoming a pain in the butt around the barn, seemed to relish her more aggressive schedule. It fit her more aggressive nature.
Hourglass was a freak all around. She was a brutally fast horse in her workouts. A fast workout was almost guaranteed and since spring had decided to flood the turf track, Hourglass would be finding herself on the dirt. The dirt track would be kindle to the fire within Hourglass. The star marked filly stood still as she was tacked up, eyes bright and excited. That look would change to supreme loathing the minute Ripley stepped foot in the stirrup. Hourglass was the most brilliant turf filly on the track at the moment, but she didn't have to enjoy having the wait of a rider on her back. That fault was easily treated by Ripley Marsh who could ride as though she were apart of a thoroughbred.
Ripley led the boyish filly out of the barn, impressed by Hourglass' weight. She'd taken the first big start of the year with aplomb and now it was on to the next start in the West Virginia Derby. All of it would lead up to their participation in this year's Turf Triple Crown. Ripley nodded to Maggie as she rode up aboard the sleek Calamity Queen. The bay mare looked absolutely stunning this morning, dapples glimmering on her rump. She was not elegant, but there was something about her that screamed classic princess. Queenie snorted at Hourglass, unimpressed with this workout partner. Maggie stroked the mare's neck, felt the tension ripple through Queenie's body. She was unimpressed, but definitely wary of this one.
As soon as Ripley mounted, Hourglass barreled forward at a jagged trot. The filly bowed her neck, hunched her back and was more than prepared to launch a great big buck. Ripley squeezed her heels, shook the reins and Hourglass was quickly distracted. She was mighty full of herself. Queenie strutted behind them, body fluid in movement. Maggie was impressed with Calamity Queen. Her attitude was changing. She was becoming more focused, more cooperative and therefore, would become easier to manipulate out on the racetrack. The mare stepped onto the track, muscles rippling beneath her dark hide. She was ready to show her relation a thing or two about real racing.
The mare and filly moved into big gallops the second they were given their heads. Ripley had called for a mile and a quarter gallop with a six furlong workout. Both horses would easily get the distance. Anticipation was already filling their veins with adrenaline. Hourglass bulled her way to the lead, powerful legs propelling her over the ground with near effortlessness. Calamity Queen kept pace, surprised at the speedy ferocity of the younger horse. Hourglass looked chunky and tough, but her natural speed was out of this world. She seemed to fly over the dirt, commanded it with an authoritative presence. Ripley glanced to her side noted that Calamity Queen was giving the Sand Storm filly a wide birth.
Maggie was impressed to say the least. But not just by Hourglass. Queenie galloped easily a length and a half back now, ears pinned, but relaxed. Her eyes were blazing, but she knew that to keep running with Hourglass would be her own suicide. It had been her own suicide whenever they'd used the front running tactic. It was time for a change of pace. The bay daughter of Touch Up stalked Hourglass up the backstretch, her brain full of intent. She was plotting as Maggie was. Each stride was easy going and confident as though with one big breath and a big kick, Queenie would be up to tackle Hourglass.
Hourglass ran like the wind in these workouts. Tears burned Ripley's sharp green eyes and she slapped herself mentally for forgetting her goggles. They were always necessary with this fire breathing filly. Her hulking form spread out the farther she went, making the most of her grand physique. Hourglass was a horse that could take on either sex and be a bully to either. She was a tough, tough animal and to battle with her was to battle for your life. Ripley kept her hands quiet as Hourglass cruised back into the homestretch, ears finally lifting from their pinned position. She was settling now. Her breathing was easy and well-timed. Ripley could feel the life zooming inside the Touch Up granddaughter.
And now was the time to engage Hourglass. It was time to make her work the entire way. She had seven furlongs left to go and now Queenie was loaded. Maggie shook the reins briefly, smiled when the bay mare exploded on the spot. Her legs pumped beneath her with pure fury. Her ears slapped against her neck as she engaged Hourglass at the top of the backstretch. The younger filly snorted, refused to be headed and went on to lead by a half-length. She was determined to put this older one to rest. Calamity Queen, who was now just coming into her prime, stalked like a vulture on the outside. Her eyes were blazing with triumph and excitement. And now it was Maggie who felt like she was in the hot seat.
Both filly and mare charged over the dirt, looked like mirror images of one another. It was the fire in their eyes, the fierceness of their strides, the similarly colored hides. Only a white marking and a few pounds separated the relatives. All Touch Up, all brave and determined. The Devil's Hourglass was relentless in battle, just as she was relentless at the start of a workout. Calamity Queen had her hooves full and Ripley knew Hourglass could go just slightly longer than the mare. Ripley kept her hands quiet, silently urging Hourglass to ease up just a little.
But the filly wouldn't relent. She set torrid fractions, shifted leads at her high speed on the turn and dug in for the final assault. Maggie tapped on Calamity Queen's shoulder, nodded excitedly to find that the store of energy had lasted. Queenie stormed up to run head to head with her younger counterpart. Hourglass, fierce as ever dug in and battled. Her fire was a tangible thing now, it burned within and without. Calamity Queen's talent and own courage met the fire stride for stride. The pair soared down the stretch, Hourglass not giving an inch. Calamity Queen relentless in her pursuit. Ripley wanted to ask for more. Maggie wanted to give one more tap, knowing Calamity Queen could possibly have the measure of the well-built Hourglass.
Neither rider asked for more as the horses charged beneath the line. If there was any separation between the bays, it would take a magnifying glass to find it. Hourglass pulled up after a good gallop out, ears pricked as she watched Calamity Queen cruise by with something left. Hourglass snorted, eyes bright with loathing. Ripley patted the filly's neck, eyed Calamity Queen as well. So they had a little growing up to do, big deal. "Hourglass, you're something else."
Maggie was full of smiles when she turned back aboard a proud Calamity Queen. The Royal Assault mare snorted, daring Hourglass to have another go. Queenie was going to rock it out this year. Maggie leaned down, kiss the classy mare's neck. "Patience girl. Both of us need patience." To Ripley, she said: "When's our next start?"
"Well I hope so. Hourglass and Queenie have the most deliberate speed on the property." Brooks hummed in agreement as he stroked a finger down In Front's blaze. Calamity Queen, a Touch Up daughter, was a speed ball with very controllable speed. She was turning into a dangerous mount as she aged. Ripley and Maggie were both in agreement that the bay daughter of Royal Assault was about to strike it big. Brooks hoped it was true, could believe it. Queenie was becoming a pain in the butt around the barn, seemed to relish her more aggressive schedule. It fit her more aggressive nature.
Hourglass was a freak all around. She was a brutally fast horse in her workouts. A fast workout was almost guaranteed and since spring had decided to flood the turf track, Hourglass would be finding herself on the dirt. The dirt track would be kindle to the fire within Hourglass. The star marked filly stood still as she was tacked up, eyes bright and excited. That look would change to supreme loathing the minute Ripley stepped foot in the stirrup. Hourglass was the most brilliant turf filly on the track at the moment, but she didn't have to enjoy having the wait of a rider on her back. That fault was easily treated by Ripley Marsh who could ride as though she were apart of a thoroughbred.
Ripley led the boyish filly out of the barn, impressed by Hourglass' weight. She'd taken the first big start of the year with aplomb and now it was on to the next start in the West Virginia Derby. All of it would lead up to their participation in this year's Turf Triple Crown. Ripley nodded to Maggie as she rode up aboard the sleek Calamity Queen. The bay mare looked absolutely stunning this morning, dapples glimmering on her rump. She was not elegant, but there was something about her that screamed classic princess. Queenie snorted at Hourglass, unimpressed with this workout partner. Maggie stroked the mare's neck, felt the tension ripple through Queenie's body. She was unimpressed, but definitely wary of this one.
As soon as Ripley mounted, Hourglass barreled forward at a jagged trot. The filly bowed her neck, hunched her back and was more than prepared to launch a great big buck. Ripley squeezed her heels, shook the reins and Hourglass was quickly distracted. She was mighty full of herself. Queenie strutted behind them, body fluid in movement. Maggie was impressed with Calamity Queen. Her attitude was changing. She was becoming more focused, more cooperative and therefore, would become easier to manipulate out on the racetrack. The mare stepped onto the track, muscles rippling beneath her dark hide. She was ready to show her relation a thing or two about real racing.
The mare and filly moved into big gallops the second they were given their heads. Ripley had called for a mile and a quarter gallop with a six furlong workout. Both horses would easily get the distance. Anticipation was already filling their veins with adrenaline. Hourglass bulled her way to the lead, powerful legs propelling her over the ground with near effortlessness. Calamity Queen kept pace, surprised at the speedy ferocity of the younger horse. Hourglass looked chunky and tough, but her natural speed was out of this world. She seemed to fly over the dirt, commanded it with an authoritative presence. Ripley glanced to her side noted that Calamity Queen was giving the Sand Storm filly a wide birth.
Maggie was impressed to say the least. But not just by Hourglass. Queenie galloped easily a length and a half back now, ears pinned, but relaxed. Her eyes were blazing, but she knew that to keep running with Hourglass would be her own suicide. It had been her own suicide whenever they'd used the front running tactic. It was time for a change of pace. The bay daughter of Touch Up stalked Hourglass up the backstretch, her brain full of intent. She was plotting as Maggie was. Each stride was easy going and confident as though with one big breath and a big kick, Queenie would be up to tackle Hourglass.
Hourglass ran like the wind in these workouts. Tears burned Ripley's sharp green eyes and she slapped herself mentally for forgetting her goggles. They were always necessary with this fire breathing filly. Her hulking form spread out the farther she went, making the most of her grand physique. Hourglass was a horse that could take on either sex and be a bully to either. She was a tough, tough animal and to battle with her was to battle for your life. Ripley kept her hands quiet as Hourglass cruised back into the homestretch, ears finally lifting from their pinned position. She was settling now. Her breathing was easy and well-timed. Ripley could feel the life zooming inside the Touch Up granddaughter.
And now was the time to engage Hourglass. It was time to make her work the entire way. She had seven furlongs left to go and now Queenie was loaded. Maggie shook the reins briefly, smiled when the bay mare exploded on the spot. Her legs pumped beneath her with pure fury. Her ears slapped against her neck as she engaged Hourglass at the top of the backstretch. The younger filly snorted, refused to be headed and went on to lead by a half-length. She was determined to put this older one to rest. Calamity Queen, who was now just coming into her prime, stalked like a vulture on the outside. Her eyes were blazing with triumph and excitement. And now it was Maggie who felt like she was in the hot seat.
Both filly and mare charged over the dirt, looked like mirror images of one another. It was the fire in their eyes, the fierceness of their strides, the similarly colored hides. Only a white marking and a few pounds separated the relatives. All Touch Up, all brave and determined. The Devil's Hourglass was relentless in battle, just as she was relentless at the start of a workout. Calamity Queen had her hooves full and Ripley knew Hourglass could go just slightly longer than the mare. Ripley kept her hands quiet, silently urging Hourglass to ease up just a little.
But the filly wouldn't relent. She set torrid fractions, shifted leads at her high speed on the turn and dug in for the final assault. Maggie tapped on Calamity Queen's shoulder, nodded excitedly to find that the store of energy had lasted. Queenie stormed up to run head to head with her younger counterpart. Hourglass, fierce as ever dug in and battled. Her fire was a tangible thing now, it burned within and without. Calamity Queen's talent and own courage met the fire stride for stride. The pair soared down the stretch, Hourglass not giving an inch. Calamity Queen relentless in her pursuit. Ripley wanted to ask for more. Maggie wanted to give one more tap, knowing Calamity Queen could possibly have the measure of the well-built Hourglass.
Neither rider asked for more as the horses charged beneath the line. If there was any separation between the bays, it would take a magnifying glass to find it. Hourglass pulled up after a good gallop out, ears pricked as she watched Calamity Queen cruise by with something left. Hourglass snorted, eyes bright with loathing. Ripley patted the filly's neck, eyed Calamity Queen as well. So they had a little growing up to do, big deal. "Hourglass, you're something else."
Maggie was full of smiles when she turned back aboard a proud Calamity Queen. The Royal Assault mare snorted, daring Hourglass to have another go. Queenie was going to rock it out this year. Maggie leaned down, kiss the classy mare's neck. "Patience girl. Both of us need patience." To Ripley, she said: "When's our next start?"