January Week Two
Optimus Unstoppable & Spotlight Pride.
Midnight Thriller.
Hokum & Paranormal Hunter.
Midnight Thriller.
Hokum & Paranormal Hunter.
Optimum Spotlight
The barn was pretty quiet, spring-time fog lazing over the open pastures which were still turning green after a harder winter. Birds chirped from the branches of trees, bright eyes watching the mares roll around in their light blankets. Several mares stood with huge bellies, a hoof cocked as relaxed as they could be with foals about to be born. It was a peaceful sight one that would have gladly enveloped a quiet human as it had done several times before. However, today the peace was about to be broken with a vicious snap.
A warning scream shot out from one of the trees. Hundreds of crows and blackbirds swarmed to the skies, a massive shadow swallowing the ground as the sun bounced back and away from the precious earth. The mares that had been sleeping bolted to their feet, nostrils flaring. The herd traveled quickly down the length of the field until they were out of sight. This morning peace was not allowed to rein. Not for human or horse or any other animal for that matter.
Brooks gawked at the sight of the fiery chestnut rearing outside of the barn. His rider was still as stone even as he walked several steps on sturdy rear hooves. The unmarked chestnut looked fierce for only being a two year old, each muscle on display, rippling even in the shadow sunlight. Spotlight Pride... The colt's name was Spotlight Pride. He was a fiend and a half, but Reese could handle him. Brooks tucked his own relatively smaller mount back into the shadow of the barn. The white starred colt let out a rattling breath, fear and unease flashing in his dark gaze. Optimus Unstoppable was not happy to find out who his workout partner was for the morning. But Brookson was damn near elated.
Reese muttered curse words under her breath as Pride remained straight up and done, his figure lean and mean. There was no two year old in the crop as athletic as Spotlight Pride. His ribs flashed beneath his fire-colored hide, his muscles were strong and carved out like a sculpture. This was the colt Reese had been anxious to run for several weeks now. Since the Deathflash's Pride colt arrived, he had been trouble. More out of self-harm than because he wasn't nice. Reese slammed herself into the colt's neck and withers, swearing when the colt nearly ducked his head and sent her tumbling over. "What a brainless fiend you are Pride!" The colt screamed, finally brought himself down to planet earth. Reese didn't bother taking a breath until she was forcing the chestnut colt down the path. His haunches were sweaty, his chest near to dripping. He was a crazy horse.
"I don't know why you guys think I can handle the crazy fools. Between Taboo and this one I should be paid a hell of a lot more." Brooks let out a laugh, even as he warily watched the tap-dancing jig of Pride. The colt was a fantastic looking animal, but fear ruled him. Brooks let out a relieved breath when he spotted the cotton balls in Pride's ears. "Well it wasn't the noise Reese. He's still got the ear plugs." Reese let out a huge breath as the colt slammed to a stop, watching Brooks mount Optimus Unstoppable. She ran a soft hand down the colt's neck, soothing his fears. Pride was a nutcase, but everything about him seemed to scream lack of handling.
Optimus stood still until Brooks was settled into the saddle. The bay's body glinted with dapples, black stockings shimmering as the sunlight was once again revealed. He snorted, bowed his neck, jogged easily past Spotlight Pride. The younger chestnut followed, eyes rolling uneasily, with crab-steps. Reese kept her seat solid, deep in the light saddle. Brooks patted Optimus' neck, pleased with the horse's demeanor. Optimus Unstoppable had been with Witch Creek since before the Breeders' Cup. He was already accustomed to the culture of the stable and seemed to be doing nicely. His first start would come next week. It would be a fine test of where the bay colt stood. The colt tossed his head, eyes firing up at the sight of the dirt track. He crow-hopped as soon as he hit the dirt, tail lifting in a display of excitement and playfulness.
"Wish Ripley were here to see this." Brooks shifted his form, leaning forward in the saddle so that the colt would pick up a canter-gallop. "She'd been looking forward to seeing these guys go. But the Dubai horses are more important at moment. Ripley isn't going to want to believing them at the moment." Reese nodded in agreement, a hum sounding in her throat as Pride lifted into a half-rear and chucked himself into a hand gallop. His stride was quick, fierce and full of energy. He carried his head and tail hide, a red cape behind his athletic body. Reese forced herself to relax even as the wind whipped her hard in the face. Spotlight Pride was an animal with a flare toward dramatics.
Optimus Unstoppable kept up, his stout body hogging the rail. He pinned his ears at the younger colt, baring his teeth when Pride rushed up to his side. The chestnut bolted to the right, eyes rolling. Reese jerked the reins, straightened the horse out before he could bear out in the first turn. She flashed her brown eyes at Brooks. "How long?" Brooks couldn't grin seeing the fierce light in Reese's eyes. She would have a ton of words for Ripley later when they headed to The Wire.
"Ripley said a mile gallop and four furlong workout. She wants the wild energy raced out of them, so we have well-mannered horses come next week." Reese snorted, rolling her own eyes, but loosened her grip on the reins. Immediately, Pride snapped up the slack, teeth chomping at the bit as he pounded the ground with gun-shot steps. Optimus rolled on by, ears flicking anxiously over his delicate head, unsure about this whole situation with the younger buck. Brooks felt completely at ease with Optimus Unstoppable. Their gallops together had been inspiring in the weeks leading up to this workout and soon to the next race. He was a canon ball of power and fire. He had a world of speed and talent for several horses. He was nothing like Red Herring or Ashes to Ashes and would truly be Brooks' first sprinter. Brooks was excited to see if Optimus would be able to follow in Mastermind's hoofprints of Year Thirteen. They were big prints to fill, but the showing the little bay colt gave had been extremely promising.
The bay horse cruised into the backstretch, ears playing over his head. He maintained a good pace even though he was relatively unfocused because of his younger workmate. Brooks tapped the colt's shoulder, nodded to himself when he leaped like a cat into a faster pace. Brooks heard the sound of quick hoofbeats, glanced back to see Pride charging up on Optimus with a wild light in his eyes. The chestnut could have been feral with the way he moved. He was uncontrollable, but he seemed to have a sense of what was going on. He wasn't an idiot, just a running fool. Brooks' eyes popped open the chestnut colt streamed by Optimus as though he were standing still. The chestnut opened five lengths in the blink of an eye. Reese was still as a stone, letting the colt out on an insanely loose rein.
"Wow Pride... just wow." Her breath was snatched away every time she opened her mouth as the colt blitzed up the track. His stride was incredible and though Brooks had said gallop, Reese found that a cruising gallop was more to this one's liking. He settled down even at the fast clip, ears pricking as though he found this pace a stroll in the park. Each stride was determined, precise, strong. Agility and speed were two strong-suits of this ruby colored colt. Reese kept her hands loose on the reins, letting them droop as the animal finally showed signs of settling heading back into the homestretch. She glanced under her arm, nodded to Brooks who kept Optimus Unstoppable five lengths back in a strong gallop.
Brooks had to admit he was impressed with both colts. Pride for his innate speed and Optimus for his brain. The good-looking bay was not happy that Pride had drawn away so quickly, but he was not extending himself to pursue the horse just yet. His head was up, his ears flattened into his black mane. Brooks grinned with each dynamite stride the little horse took. Optimus was a fierce little animal, proud as any horse and with plenty of courage. He moved up a length on Pride, all by himself. He was not going to lose to this flighty beast before him. Brooks leaned close to the bay's neck, blue eyes sparking as Pride took them back into the backstretch. The chestnut colt was skimming over the surface as though he were on cloud nine. Brooks could tell the horse was getting plenty of enjoyment out of this run, could tell from his upright ears that Reese had plenty of horse left for the drive.
Pride skipped over dirt, muscles contracting and releasing in perfect tandem. His lead change was immaculate, his stride perfect and strong. Reese kept her eyes locked ahead. She knew Brooks would be coming with Optimus any day now. She knew if she turned Pride loose that the chestnut colt would not be caught. That kind of wild skill would be useful in losing pursuers in a race. But the horse needed to know what happened when a horse ran head to head with him down the stretch for the wire. That would be today's lesson. So instead of allowing the horse to kick on as he could have easily down, Reese bided her time, waiting for Optimus to come to them.
Brooks flicked the switch the second Pride shot through the middle of the final turn. Optimus kicked on with a blazing turn of foot, cutting down to the inside with commitment. His short-couple body spread over the course, each stride strong and pointed. The goal was to tackle Spotlight Pride who just now was realizing that he was being tackled. Optimus bulled his way through the miniscule space between the rail and Pride. The bay horse poked his star-marked face in front, tongue flapping up and down outside of his mouth. He did not pin his ears at Pride this time. He was focused as he ever had been in a gallop and now a workout.
Just as she was about to shake the reins, Pride bolted after Optimus. His swift strides knocked out the distance Optimus had put in between them. His punch was stunning and it thrilled Reese to know end that the colt had some heart. The horses pinned their ears now as they flew all out toward the wire. The stout Optimus gritted his teeth, eyes blazing in fury as he realized the juvenile horse would not back down. Pride's eyes were lit with joy, and eagerness to please. Reese knew she could put away Optimus. There was just something wild in Pride's eyes that said he could run forever.
Brooks, however, needed to give Optimus a reason to win next time out. He flicked his hand out, slapping Reese's arm, pointing down the stretch for her to go on with it. She had a world of horse and Optimus was reaching his limit. Next time, Optimus would be banking on revenge, even if the horse wasn't pride. Brooks' eyes glittered as Reese loosed her colt just ten yards from the wire. In a flash Pride was three-quarters of a length in front. Optimus, feeling spurned, screamed a fiery challenge, slammed into another gear and roared by Pride the second he crossed the line. Brooks forced himself to breathe in and out, his adrenaline was pumping wildly in his body. He could see why Ripley was a sprinter rider now. This kind of rush was beautiful and terrible at the same time.
The colts pulled up, Pride easier than Optimus. After all, the chestnut colt had gotten what he wanted. He shook his head, licking his mouth out of happiness. Reese patted the colt's neck, weary, but elated. Pride had something very special, something wild and untamed. She could barely wait to hit the track with him, let him loose once again. She clapped hands with Brooks who then leaned down to rub Optimus all over his neck. The colt accepted the praise with a proud glint in his eye. The little-horse-that-could was about to prove that he had what it took to be a top horse in the three year old sprinter division.
A warning scream shot out from one of the trees. Hundreds of crows and blackbirds swarmed to the skies, a massive shadow swallowing the ground as the sun bounced back and away from the precious earth. The mares that had been sleeping bolted to their feet, nostrils flaring. The herd traveled quickly down the length of the field until they were out of sight. This morning peace was not allowed to rein. Not for human or horse or any other animal for that matter.
Brooks gawked at the sight of the fiery chestnut rearing outside of the barn. His rider was still as stone even as he walked several steps on sturdy rear hooves. The unmarked chestnut looked fierce for only being a two year old, each muscle on display, rippling even in the shadow sunlight. Spotlight Pride... The colt's name was Spotlight Pride. He was a fiend and a half, but Reese could handle him. Brooks tucked his own relatively smaller mount back into the shadow of the barn. The white starred colt let out a rattling breath, fear and unease flashing in his dark gaze. Optimus Unstoppable was not happy to find out who his workout partner was for the morning. But Brookson was damn near elated.
Reese muttered curse words under her breath as Pride remained straight up and done, his figure lean and mean. There was no two year old in the crop as athletic as Spotlight Pride. His ribs flashed beneath his fire-colored hide, his muscles were strong and carved out like a sculpture. This was the colt Reese had been anxious to run for several weeks now. Since the Deathflash's Pride colt arrived, he had been trouble. More out of self-harm than because he wasn't nice. Reese slammed herself into the colt's neck and withers, swearing when the colt nearly ducked his head and sent her tumbling over. "What a brainless fiend you are Pride!" The colt screamed, finally brought himself down to planet earth. Reese didn't bother taking a breath until she was forcing the chestnut colt down the path. His haunches were sweaty, his chest near to dripping. He was a crazy horse.
"I don't know why you guys think I can handle the crazy fools. Between Taboo and this one I should be paid a hell of a lot more." Brooks let out a laugh, even as he warily watched the tap-dancing jig of Pride. The colt was a fantastic looking animal, but fear ruled him. Brooks let out a relieved breath when he spotted the cotton balls in Pride's ears. "Well it wasn't the noise Reese. He's still got the ear plugs." Reese let out a huge breath as the colt slammed to a stop, watching Brooks mount Optimus Unstoppable. She ran a soft hand down the colt's neck, soothing his fears. Pride was a nutcase, but everything about him seemed to scream lack of handling.
Optimus stood still until Brooks was settled into the saddle. The bay's body glinted with dapples, black stockings shimmering as the sunlight was once again revealed. He snorted, bowed his neck, jogged easily past Spotlight Pride. The younger chestnut followed, eyes rolling uneasily, with crab-steps. Reese kept her seat solid, deep in the light saddle. Brooks patted Optimus' neck, pleased with the horse's demeanor. Optimus Unstoppable had been with Witch Creek since before the Breeders' Cup. He was already accustomed to the culture of the stable and seemed to be doing nicely. His first start would come next week. It would be a fine test of where the bay colt stood. The colt tossed his head, eyes firing up at the sight of the dirt track. He crow-hopped as soon as he hit the dirt, tail lifting in a display of excitement and playfulness.
"Wish Ripley were here to see this." Brooks shifted his form, leaning forward in the saddle so that the colt would pick up a canter-gallop. "She'd been looking forward to seeing these guys go. But the Dubai horses are more important at moment. Ripley isn't going to want to believing them at the moment." Reese nodded in agreement, a hum sounding in her throat as Pride lifted into a half-rear and chucked himself into a hand gallop. His stride was quick, fierce and full of energy. He carried his head and tail hide, a red cape behind his athletic body. Reese forced herself to relax even as the wind whipped her hard in the face. Spotlight Pride was an animal with a flare toward dramatics.
Optimus Unstoppable kept up, his stout body hogging the rail. He pinned his ears at the younger colt, baring his teeth when Pride rushed up to his side. The chestnut bolted to the right, eyes rolling. Reese jerked the reins, straightened the horse out before he could bear out in the first turn. She flashed her brown eyes at Brooks. "How long?" Brooks couldn't grin seeing the fierce light in Reese's eyes. She would have a ton of words for Ripley later when they headed to The Wire.
"Ripley said a mile gallop and four furlong workout. She wants the wild energy raced out of them, so we have well-mannered horses come next week." Reese snorted, rolling her own eyes, but loosened her grip on the reins. Immediately, Pride snapped up the slack, teeth chomping at the bit as he pounded the ground with gun-shot steps. Optimus rolled on by, ears flicking anxiously over his delicate head, unsure about this whole situation with the younger buck. Brooks felt completely at ease with Optimus Unstoppable. Their gallops together had been inspiring in the weeks leading up to this workout and soon to the next race. He was a canon ball of power and fire. He had a world of speed and talent for several horses. He was nothing like Red Herring or Ashes to Ashes and would truly be Brooks' first sprinter. Brooks was excited to see if Optimus would be able to follow in Mastermind's hoofprints of Year Thirteen. They were big prints to fill, but the showing the little bay colt gave had been extremely promising.
The bay horse cruised into the backstretch, ears playing over his head. He maintained a good pace even though he was relatively unfocused because of his younger workmate. Brooks tapped the colt's shoulder, nodded to himself when he leaped like a cat into a faster pace. Brooks heard the sound of quick hoofbeats, glanced back to see Pride charging up on Optimus with a wild light in his eyes. The chestnut could have been feral with the way he moved. He was uncontrollable, but he seemed to have a sense of what was going on. He wasn't an idiot, just a running fool. Brooks' eyes popped open the chestnut colt streamed by Optimus as though he were standing still. The chestnut opened five lengths in the blink of an eye. Reese was still as a stone, letting the colt out on an insanely loose rein.
"Wow Pride... just wow." Her breath was snatched away every time she opened her mouth as the colt blitzed up the track. His stride was incredible and though Brooks had said gallop, Reese found that a cruising gallop was more to this one's liking. He settled down even at the fast clip, ears pricking as though he found this pace a stroll in the park. Each stride was determined, precise, strong. Agility and speed were two strong-suits of this ruby colored colt. Reese kept her hands loose on the reins, letting them droop as the animal finally showed signs of settling heading back into the homestretch. She glanced under her arm, nodded to Brooks who kept Optimus Unstoppable five lengths back in a strong gallop.
Brooks had to admit he was impressed with both colts. Pride for his innate speed and Optimus for his brain. The good-looking bay was not happy that Pride had drawn away so quickly, but he was not extending himself to pursue the horse just yet. His head was up, his ears flattened into his black mane. Brooks grinned with each dynamite stride the little horse took. Optimus was a fierce little animal, proud as any horse and with plenty of courage. He moved up a length on Pride, all by himself. He was not going to lose to this flighty beast before him. Brooks leaned close to the bay's neck, blue eyes sparking as Pride took them back into the backstretch. The chestnut colt was skimming over the surface as though he were on cloud nine. Brooks could tell the horse was getting plenty of enjoyment out of this run, could tell from his upright ears that Reese had plenty of horse left for the drive.
Pride skipped over dirt, muscles contracting and releasing in perfect tandem. His lead change was immaculate, his stride perfect and strong. Reese kept her eyes locked ahead. She knew Brooks would be coming with Optimus any day now. She knew if she turned Pride loose that the chestnut colt would not be caught. That kind of wild skill would be useful in losing pursuers in a race. But the horse needed to know what happened when a horse ran head to head with him down the stretch for the wire. That would be today's lesson. So instead of allowing the horse to kick on as he could have easily down, Reese bided her time, waiting for Optimus to come to them.
Brooks flicked the switch the second Pride shot through the middle of the final turn. Optimus kicked on with a blazing turn of foot, cutting down to the inside with commitment. His short-couple body spread over the course, each stride strong and pointed. The goal was to tackle Spotlight Pride who just now was realizing that he was being tackled. Optimus bulled his way through the miniscule space between the rail and Pride. The bay horse poked his star-marked face in front, tongue flapping up and down outside of his mouth. He did not pin his ears at Pride this time. He was focused as he ever had been in a gallop and now a workout.
Just as she was about to shake the reins, Pride bolted after Optimus. His swift strides knocked out the distance Optimus had put in between them. His punch was stunning and it thrilled Reese to know end that the colt had some heart. The horses pinned their ears now as they flew all out toward the wire. The stout Optimus gritted his teeth, eyes blazing in fury as he realized the juvenile horse would not back down. Pride's eyes were lit with joy, and eagerness to please. Reese knew she could put away Optimus. There was just something wild in Pride's eyes that said he could run forever.
Brooks, however, needed to give Optimus a reason to win next time out. He flicked his hand out, slapping Reese's arm, pointing down the stretch for her to go on with it. She had a world of horse and Optimus was reaching his limit. Next time, Optimus would be banking on revenge, even if the horse wasn't pride. Brooks' eyes glittered as Reese loosed her colt just ten yards from the wire. In a flash Pride was three-quarters of a length in front. Optimus, feeling spurned, screamed a fiery challenge, slammed into another gear and roared by Pride the second he crossed the line. Brooks forced himself to breathe in and out, his adrenaline was pumping wildly in his body. He could see why Ripley was a sprinter rider now. This kind of rush was beautiful and terrible at the same time.
The colts pulled up, Pride easier than Optimus. After all, the chestnut colt had gotten what he wanted. He shook his head, licking his mouth out of happiness. Reese patted the colt's neck, weary, but elated. Pride had something very special, something wild and untamed. She could barely wait to hit the track with him, let him loose once again. She clapped hands with Brooks who then leaned down to rub Optimus all over his neck. The colt accepted the praise with a proud glint in his eye. The little-horse-that-could was about to prove that he had what it took to be a top horse in the three year old sprinter division.
royally thrilled
The stone and wood barn was as quiet as a church, sacred and respectful even in silence. A light rain was coming down outside of the barn, tapping on the roof of the stable. The older horse barn was lacking four horses in the form of Mastermind, Feline Frenzy, Frozen Motion and Bella Luna. The remaining stock was spread throughout the fields with only two older horses held back. A lone human figure stood still, head tilted, lean form relaxed, but watchful at the same time. Blue eyes flashed as a black mare shoved her savage head out of the stall door. The athletic girl did not back down at the sight of the pinned ears, the bared white teeth. She had long since grown accustomed to this mare's attitude. They were not partners quite yet. Not like Laura and her Dubai World Sprint mare Feline Frenzy. Midnight Thriller had been ridden by many jockeys in her lifetime, the girl one of them. Yet, she was the only one that was sticking around.
Laura DeComte was a bulldog when it came to horses who were doomed as failures. Feline Frenzy and Whipped Cream, the winner of the Melbourne Cup last year, were testaments to her ability to turn horses around. It had taken a year of hard work, but both had turned out to be in the top of their respective divisions. And while Midnight Thriller, the daughter of legendary Night Stalker and Hall of Fame mare El Sol del Mar, was not necessarily a failure, she had not yet reached the high expectations of her owners. How could she when she had Year Twelve Horse of The Year twin Eternal Phantom or her two time Breeders' Cup Champion Mastermind as siblings? Laura blew out a breath through narrow lips, pondered Midtee with clever eyes.
If there was one thing Laura knew, it was to never back down from a challenge. The coal black mare before her was a fire-breathing challenge. She slammed her chest against the stall door, threatening bodily harm to Laura. Her ferocity was great these days. Her gallops since her poor placing in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Marathon had been impressive and ferocious. She had not been taken out of her brief training. Only because Laura had called an audible. She was not going to give Midtee a break. Midtee didn't need a break. Her body was in perfect shape, her mind deadly and dangerous. This was the time to take advantage of the beginning of the season blues. Laura tapped her palms against her jeans, looked down the length of the barn with narrowed eyes.
"You going to take her out or just stand there all day long?" Laura rolled her eyes at Malcolm's voice, shrugged her shoulders. "Don't tell me your afraid of her." Laura scoffed, a sneer spreading over her face. Midnight Thriller snaked her head out as Malcolm approached. He could appreciate the dual looks and take them as they were meant. Luckily, he was used to snarky women. "Ripley says to give her a mile and quarter gallop. Five furlong breeze. Shouldn't be too hard on her. She's made for that kind of work." His cobalt eyes followed Laura as she pulled Midnight Thriller out of the stall. He gave an appreciative grunt at Midtee's looks. She was a gorgeous filly.
Midtee stomped, lifted her head and gazed right on by the humans and out of the stall. Hokum, blocky son of a gun that he was, stuck his whole neck out, nickering beseechingly at the Night Stalker mare. Mal rolled his eyes at the horse. Laura didn't see Hokum. She only had eyes for Midtee. The black mare allowed herself to be cross-tied, brushed and lavished with attention. She had an imperious way about her, haughty and aloof. A wildfire crackled in Midnight Thriller's gaze, promising a whirlwind of action when called upon.
She was easy to saddle and Laura was mounted up within fifteen minutes. Her dark eyes rolled in her neat head, she crab-walked to the side, avoiding Malcolm as much as possible. The black mare had a deep respect for the man. A lack of attention, in Midtee's case, was good enough for her when it came to Malcolm Floyd. She paused briefly at the top of the hill, eyes sweeping the dirt track. The sun lit up the dapples on her rump, warming her. She gave a yawn before proceeding on her way.
Laura could feel that sheer power that Ripley talked about, the wild speed Reese had spoken of. Justin had spoken of a push-button aspect and Laura hadn't really felt much of that until this moment. Sure she'd ridden her in the Dirt Marathon, but Midtee hadn't been very cooperative in that race. Today would really be the start of their partnership. Laura stroked the soft black hair that swallowed the sunlight. Midtee shook her head, chomped at the bit, but remained calm and focused on the track.
Malcolm trailed like a shadow, nodding in approval at the raven-black mare. For all her irritating qualities, Midtee's willingness under saddle and talent were more notable. Malcolm leaned against the rail, watched Laura take her out over the track, hummed when the black mare swept into a ground covering hand gallop. Ripley had wanted to be at this workout, but Malcolm would be her eyes and ears all the same. He closed his eyes briefly, listening to the rhythmic beat. She sure sounded pretty when she moved over the dirt.
The wind tugged at Laura's hair as Midtee swallowed the track one confident stride at a time. Her neck flattened out with her shoulders until she was satisfied with her aerodynamics. Midnight Thriller glided over the course, eyes blazing with excitement and hot intent. The lean mare dominated the course, dashing through the turn and into the backstretch, gaining speed without being asked. Laura's blood began to boil as the black mare flew over the track. Her blue eyes snapped with energy, her hands tightening around the wispy black hairs at the base of Midtee's neck. The black mare pinned her ears, flared her nostrils and took them back into the homestretch with fierce strides. Laura yipped into her ears, grinning when she took in a huge breath and bolted.
Midtee was incredible, powerful, delightful. Laura felt safe in the saddle, riding this poetic horse, the dream of every horsewoman. The broad-chested mare zoomed into the first turn again, slowing only enough to change leads on command. She was off with a rush, tearing up the backstretch, reins taut with tension. Mal let out a soft whistle at the sight of Midtee charging up the backstretch. She looked beautiful and completely in control. He counted off times in his head.
Laura flung her reins down at the black mare's neck, lost her breath as she hurtled through space. Her hooves beat rapidly into the dirt, piercing and precise. She flew through the furlongs, one huge stride after the other. She hugged the rail with her body, huge chest barreling against the rushing air. Laura's eyes burned from the wind, tears yanked brutally from her ears. Midtee soared into the stretch, ears flicking up for the first time as she realized she was all alone in the stretch. Her nostrils flared in and out with a careless whinny. Laura tapped the reins, sent her charging forward again.
Malcolm mentally flicked off the stopwatch in his head as cobalt mare surged through the wire. She always got stronger at the end, no matter the distance you put her at. He wanted to clap his hands, watching the lean mare's legs go from blurs to individual limbs once more. Laura was nearly bursting with pride as she turned the black mare back, her eyes glowing with joy. Mal bumped his fist against hers as she guided Midtee through the rail. "Now that is what I call a racehorse."
"No doubt about it Mal!" Laura leaned down, kissed Midtee's neck, listened to her rapid fire breathing calm down to manageable levels. "No doubt about it."
Laura DeComte was a bulldog when it came to horses who were doomed as failures. Feline Frenzy and Whipped Cream, the winner of the Melbourne Cup last year, were testaments to her ability to turn horses around. It had taken a year of hard work, but both had turned out to be in the top of their respective divisions. And while Midnight Thriller, the daughter of legendary Night Stalker and Hall of Fame mare El Sol del Mar, was not necessarily a failure, she had not yet reached the high expectations of her owners. How could she when she had Year Twelve Horse of The Year twin Eternal Phantom or her two time Breeders' Cup Champion Mastermind as siblings? Laura blew out a breath through narrow lips, pondered Midtee with clever eyes.
If there was one thing Laura knew, it was to never back down from a challenge. The coal black mare before her was a fire-breathing challenge. She slammed her chest against the stall door, threatening bodily harm to Laura. Her ferocity was great these days. Her gallops since her poor placing in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Marathon had been impressive and ferocious. She had not been taken out of her brief training. Only because Laura had called an audible. She was not going to give Midtee a break. Midtee didn't need a break. Her body was in perfect shape, her mind deadly and dangerous. This was the time to take advantage of the beginning of the season blues. Laura tapped her palms against her jeans, looked down the length of the barn with narrowed eyes.
"You going to take her out or just stand there all day long?" Laura rolled her eyes at Malcolm's voice, shrugged her shoulders. "Don't tell me your afraid of her." Laura scoffed, a sneer spreading over her face. Midnight Thriller snaked her head out as Malcolm approached. He could appreciate the dual looks and take them as they were meant. Luckily, he was used to snarky women. "Ripley says to give her a mile and quarter gallop. Five furlong breeze. Shouldn't be too hard on her. She's made for that kind of work." His cobalt eyes followed Laura as she pulled Midnight Thriller out of the stall. He gave an appreciative grunt at Midtee's looks. She was a gorgeous filly.
Midtee stomped, lifted her head and gazed right on by the humans and out of the stall. Hokum, blocky son of a gun that he was, stuck his whole neck out, nickering beseechingly at the Night Stalker mare. Mal rolled his eyes at the horse. Laura didn't see Hokum. She only had eyes for Midtee. The black mare allowed herself to be cross-tied, brushed and lavished with attention. She had an imperious way about her, haughty and aloof. A wildfire crackled in Midnight Thriller's gaze, promising a whirlwind of action when called upon.
She was easy to saddle and Laura was mounted up within fifteen minutes. Her dark eyes rolled in her neat head, she crab-walked to the side, avoiding Malcolm as much as possible. The black mare had a deep respect for the man. A lack of attention, in Midtee's case, was good enough for her when it came to Malcolm Floyd. She paused briefly at the top of the hill, eyes sweeping the dirt track. The sun lit up the dapples on her rump, warming her. She gave a yawn before proceeding on her way.
Laura could feel that sheer power that Ripley talked about, the wild speed Reese had spoken of. Justin had spoken of a push-button aspect and Laura hadn't really felt much of that until this moment. Sure she'd ridden her in the Dirt Marathon, but Midtee hadn't been very cooperative in that race. Today would really be the start of their partnership. Laura stroked the soft black hair that swallowed the sunlight. Midtee shook her head, chomped at the bit, but remained calm and focused on the track.
Malcolm trailed like a shadow, nodding in approval at the raven-black mare. For all her irritating qualities, Midtee's willingness under saddle and talent were more notable. Malcolm leaned against the rail, watched Laura take her out over the track, hummed when the black mare swept into a ground covering hand gallop. Ripley had wanted to be at this workout, but Malcolm would be her eyes and ears all the same. He closed his eyes briefly, listening to the rhythmic beat. She sure sounded pretty when she moved over the dirt.
The wind tugged at Laura's hair as Midtee swallowed the track one confident stride at a time. Her neck flattened out with her shoulders until she was satisfied with her aerodynamics. Midnight Thriller glided over the course, eyes blazing with excitement and hot intent. The lean mare dominated the course, dashing through the turn and into the backstretch, gaining speed without being asked. Laura's blood began to boil as the black mare flew over the track. Her blue eyes snapped with energy, her hands tightening around the wispy black hairs at the base of Midtee's neck. The black mare pinned her ears, flared her nostrils and took them back into the homestretch with fierce strides. Laura yipped into her ears, grinning when she took in a huge breath and bolted.
Midtee was incredible, powerful, delightful. Laura felt safe in the saddle, riding this poetic horse, the dream of every horsewoman. The broad-chested mare zoomed into the first turn again, slowing only enough to change leads on command. She was off with a rush, tearing up the backstretch, reins taut with tension. Mal let out a soft whistle at the sight of Midtee charging up the backstretch. She looked beautiful and completely in control. He counted off times in his head.
Laura flung her reins down at the black mare's neck, lost her breath as she hurtled through space. Her hooves beat rapidly into the dirt, piercing and precise. She flew through the furlongs, one huge stride after the other. She hugged the rail with her body, huge chest barreling against the rushing air. Laura's eyes burned from the wind, tears yanked brutally from her ears. Midtee soared into the stretch, ears flicking up for the first time as she realized she was all alone in the stretch. Her nostrils flared in and out with a careless whinny. Laura tapped the reins, sent her charging forward again.
Malcolm mentally flicked off the stopwatch in his head as cobalt mare surged through the wire. She always got stronger at the end, no matter the distance you put her at. He wanted to clap his hands, watching the lean mare's legs go from blurs to individual limbs once more. Laura was nearly bursting with pride as she turned the black mare back, her eyes glowing with joy. Mal bumped his fist against hers as she guided Midtee through the rail. "Now that is what I call a racehorse."
"No doubt about it Mal!" Laura leaned down, kissed Midtee's neck, listened to her rapid fire breathing calm down to manageable levels. "No doubt about it."
Hunter Or Prey
Justin tore into the older horse barn, body moist with sweat. His dark brown eyes flickered around the barn, swift and uneasy. He ripped the earbuds out of his ears, winced as he realized how loud the rock music had been. Shaking his head, he ducked into a stall, pulled his running pants off and yanked on his usual riding jeans. He'd hoped to God he'd beaten Laura and Mal back from the track. If Mal knew he'd been out running instead of preparing for Hokum's workout, Justin would be in serious shit with Ripley when she returned. He let out a relieved breath, threw his pants inside the shoulder bag and jogged to Hokum's stall. "Hey big boy. Gotta help me keep a secret."
The giant horse stepped back politely, whuffled his lips over Justin's sweaty hair. He snorted, rolled his eyes and crab stepped sideways. Justin took a brush out of the grooming kit that Laura had kindly placed into Hokum's stall before her workout with Midtee. Laura was his best friend at Witch Creek, the one person he could count on to not rat him out to Ripley. Everyone else treated him like a little brother. But not Laura. Justin silently thanked Laura as he ran the grooming tool over Hokum's warm hide. The stallion had filled out sideways rather than up, which Justin was glad of. The eighteen hand monster was easily the largest horse on the racetrack at the moment.
The stallion's eyes were bright with life and excitement. He wasn't a worrier like his stablemates. He could take a stall or a whole barn to himself. He could have cared less if he had another horse in sight. Justin appreciated his independent nature even more now. He patted the big horse's shoulder, felt the battle hardened muscles. Not three weeks ago Hokum had finished third behind twins Dazzling Dame and Infinite Warcry in the Breeders' Cup Turf Marathon. Laura had ridden Hokum in his stead because it had been Dazzling Dame's career finale. It was a fairytale with a happy ending and now Dazzling Dame was off to her second career. No one would ever take her place in his eyes. She would always be his best mare. Hokum was his superstar. The Kore VS stud had risen rapidly through the ranks and looked to be one of the top turf marathoners going into Year Fourteen.
Infinite Warcry had not retired like his twin. Justin's eyes narrowed on the thought. Infintie Warcry had moved stables, big news in the racing world, and now would run in IRS colors. An interesting move and one Justin knew would have an effect on that particular horse's form. Justin wrapped the stallion's legs with polo wraps, finally heard the sound of horse shoes on pavement. Maggie and Paranormal Hunter had arrived.
Maggie whistled animatedly as she entered the older horse barn aboard Paranormal Hunter. The bay filly snorted, stomped her front hoof when Hokum poked his head out of the stall to call to her. Maggie cocked a brow at his bare face, but nodded when Justin reached outside to corral the big horse with his bridle. "Late again Santiago? Got a girlfriend or something because you seem awfully interested in getting bulked up all of a sudden." Justin rolled his eyes at Maggie's voice. Of course she noticed. Maggie pretended to be dumb, but she had eyes like a hawk.
"No girlfriend. Just need to stay in shape to keep up with Sultan. He's put me through the ringer the last couple of races." Maggie nodded, understanding lighting up her eyes. "Don't worry Justin. Once he learns, he'll keep you in the clear. You had an awesome win last time out." Justin hummed appreciatively as he opened the door to lead Hokum out of his stall. The big stallion let out a neigh at the sight of Para, as though he hadn't just greeted her two seconds ago. Para snorted, looking in the opposite direction. She was a tough cookie. She didn't take to sweet talking. Justin led his mammoth sized stallion out of the barn, smiled as spring sunlight touched on his dark skin. After that winter, Justin would not take advantage of this particular weather again.
Maggie felt nearly as satisfied, but could not revel as Justin did. She was focused on her mount. Para was quiet as a stone, but her body was tensed up like a spring. Her ears were pricked on the dirt track where Midtee was zooming around the track, black body the lone dark spot in the environment. Maggie patted the filly's neck, nudging her off the path toward the turf hills. Hokum led the way, tail waving over his rump, his eyes full of pride and eagerness. The stallion and filly picked up a long-legged canter each, warming up in preparation for the grueling hills. It would be their first run over the hills. Justin and Maggie exchanged happy glances.
Para bowed her neck, lumbering along as though she weren't actually interested in competing against Hokum. Maggie stood lightly in the stirrups, blue eyes bright despite her mount's sloth-like attitude. "Two weeks off and you turn into a couch potato. Good thing we've got Hokum here to wake you up." Maggie pushed the three year old forward, chuckling when she pinned her ears furiously. Para was not a filly who kept her intentions secret. You had to force her to run, but when she got running there was no closer like her.
Hokum led the way up the first hill, expanding his canter into a hand-gallop. His ears were pricked and his nostrils were wide. Justin grinned as the big horse tackled the hill with ease. Hokum had maintained his physicality excellently. Para would have her hooves full today. The big horse finally flexed his irritable muscles when Para rose up the hill to come beside him. His eyes flickered with red and he glared murderously in her direction. The pair of horses loped down the hillside, Para slothing it up a length back. Maggie remained still in her stirrups, confident in her mount. Para would wake up in the three furlong flat. She always did. She was as dependable a filly as you could find.
The bulldozer of a stallion ripped up the turf with a sudden burst of energy, tackling the valley with unrestrained enthusiasm. Justin clung to his mane, eyes wild to match his mount. The jog had been fun, but nothing compared to this ride, nothing compared to being aboard a war horse. Hokum dominated the next set of hills, putting two lengths between himself and Para. He was full of himself, tossing his head and flicking his tail. Justin relished this barely leashed power, leaned back as the horse practically launched himself down the hill.
The three furlong flat would come after the next rise. Maggie narrowed her gaze in approval when Para's ears finally flicked up in recognition. They remained that way, twin brown towers over her classic head. Her muscles were loosening beneath her hide and Maggie was seeing the real Para in this preparation. The bay filly would be uncorking a massive run come the end of the next hillside. Maggie patted the filly's neck, noted Hokum was now tackling the hill. Para charged after him, not quickening to catch him, but quickening to tackle the hill with efficiency. Hokum reached the crest three lengths ahead of the heavy-set Para. Para was definitely going to have her hooves full in about ten seconds.
Justin shook the reins the second Hokum was half-foot away from the flat. The big stallion launched off the hillside, tackling the ground with gigantic strides. Justin stilled his hands as the big horse hurtled away. He glanced under his arm saw Para finally reach the flat, but the bay miss was six lengths back and losing ground quickly. Justin returned his gaze to the front, kept his body still as a stone. Hokum was a serious horse. If Para wanted to be a serious horse, she had to learn how to be on her toes at all times.
Maggie had barely any time to ask Para for her run and the three year old was charging across the green grass. She was swifter this year than she had been. She'd increased her ability to maintain a sustained run over the last couple months as a two year old. This year her response time was quicker, she surged with thunderous hoofbeats after Hokum, her strides long and steady. She was a grinder. A hard core filly that brought it every time she ran. Maggie gave one tap with the tap an sent Para soaring, ears pinned after the monster that was Hokum.
Justin cursed under his breath upon hearing the loud hoofbeats of Para. So the filly had grown up after all. He glanced under his arm, shaking his head at the sight of her bearing down on him with rage in her eyes and defiance in her riders. Hokum's ears pinned so that his head snaked out flat. He was furious. There was a furlong remaining and Para had gained too much ground in so little time. The bay filly roared up to their right side, muscles pulsating with power and strength. The riders forced themselves to still, to remember that this was a workout not a real race.
Together Hokum and the three year old drove toward the invisible. The massive stallion remained a determined neck in front, but he had to give his speed the full concentration. She was tougher than he'd estimated, tougher than Justin had estimated. Maggie's mouth held a smile as Para took one last shot at Hokum, edging up to just miss by a head. The bay male took off with a buck, nearly jolting Justin from the saddle. He was loaded with rage and took it out on the next hillside, full of loathing for the burr of the filly. Justin chuckled, white though he was from nearly being tossed. The horse had a ton of spark. He'd be a handful for anyone who showed up to face them. Maggie patted her mount who pulled up easily. Para was not one to put in the extra work if it wasn't needed. "You're just getting started aren't you Lady Jane." The mare snorted, bobbing her head as if in agreement. "Thought so."
The giant horse stepped back politely, whuffled his lips over Justin's sweaty hair. He snorted, rolled his eyes and crab stepped sideways. Justin took a brush out of the grooming kit that Laura had kindly placed into Hokum's stall before her workout with Midtee. Laura was his best friend at Witch Creek, the one person he could count on to not rat him out to Ripley. Everyone else treated him like a little brother. But not Laura. Justin silently thanked Laura as he ran the grooming tool over Hokum's warm hide. The stallion had filled out sideways rather than up, which Justin was glad of. The eighteen hand monster was easily the largest horse on the racetrack at the moment.
The stallion's eyes were bright with life and excitement. He wasn't a worrier like his stablemates. He could take a stall or a whole barn to himself. He could have cared less if he had another horse in sight. Justin appreciated his independent nature even more now. He patted the big horse's shoulder, felt the battle hardened muscles. Not three weeks ago Hokum had finished third behind twins Dazzling Dame and Infinite Warcry in the Breeders' Cup Turf Marathon. Laura had ridden Hokum in his stead because it had been Dazzling Dame's career finale. It was a fairytale with a happy ending and now Dazzling Dame was off to her second career. No one would ever take her place in his eyes. She would always be his best mare. Hokum was his superstar. The Kore VS stud had risen rapidly through the ranks and looked to be one of the top turf marathoners going into Year Fourteen.
Infinite Warcry had not retired like his twin. Justin's eyes narrowed on the thought. Infintie Warcry had moved stables, big news in the racing world, and now would run in IRS colors. An interesting move and one Justin knew would have an effect on that particular horse's form. Justin wrapped the stallion's legs with polo wraps, finally heard the sound of horse shoes on pavement. Maggie and Paranormal Hunter had arrived.
Maggie whistled animatedly as she entered the older horse barn aboard Paranormal Hunter. The bay filly snorted, stomped her front hoof when Hokum poked his head out of the stall to call to her. Maggie cocked a brow at his bare face, but nodded when Justin reached outside to corral the big horse with his bridle. "Late again Santiago? Got a girlfriend or something because you seem awfully interested in getting bulked up all of a sudden." Justin rolled his eyes at Maggie's voice. Of course she noticed. Maggie pretended to be dumb, but she had eyes like a hawk.
"No girlfriend. Just need to stay in shape to keep up with Sultan. He's put me through the ringer the last couple of races." Maggie nodded, understanding lighting up her eyes. "Don't worry Justin. Once he learns, he'll keep you in the clear. You had an awesome win last time out." Justin hummed appreciatively as he opened the door to lead Hokum out of his stall. The big stallion let out a neigh at the sight of Para, as though he hadn't just greeted her two seconds ago. Para snorted, looking in the opposite direction. She was a tough cookie. She didn't take to sweet talking. Justin led his mammoth sized stallion out of the barn, smiled as spring sunlight touched on his dark skin. After that winter, Justin would not take advantage of this particular weather again.
Maggie felt nearly as satisfied, but could not revel as Justin did. She was focused on her mount. Para was quiet as a stone, but her body was tensed up like a spring. Her ears were pricked on the dirt track where Midtee was zooming around the track, black body the lone dark spot in the environment. Maggie patted the filly's neck, nudging her off the path toward the turf hills. Hokum led the way, tail waving over his rump, his eyes full of pride and eagerness. The stallion and filly picked up a long-legged canter each, warming up in preparation for the grueling hills. It would be their first run over the hills. Justin and Maggie exchanged happy glances.
Para bowed her neck, lumbering along as though she weren't actually interested in competing against Hokum. Maggie stood lightly in the stirrups, blue eyes bright despite her mount's sloth-like attitude. "Two weeks off and you turn into a couch potato. Good thing we've got Hokum here to wake you up." Maggie pushed the three year old forward, chuckling when she pinned her ears furiously. Para was not a filly who kept her intentions secret. You had to force her to run, but when she got running there was no closer like her.
Hokum led the way up the first hill, expanding his canter into a hand-gallop. His ears were pricked and his nostrils were wide. Justin grinned as the big horse tackled the hill with ease. Hokum had maintained his physicality excellently. Para would have her hooves full today. The big horse finally flexed his irritable muscles when Para rose up the hill to come beside him. His eyes flickered with red and he glared murderously in her direction. The pair of horses loped down the hillside, Para slothing it up a length back. Maggie remained still in her stirrups, confident in her mount. Para would wake up in the three furlong flat. She always did. She was as dependable a filly as you could find.
The bulldozer of a stallion ripped up the turf with a sudden burst of energy, tackling the valley with unrestrained enthusiasm. Justin clung to his mane, eyes wild to match his mount. The jog had been fun, but nothing compared to this ride, nothing compared to being aboard a war horse. Hokum dominated the next set of hills, putting two lengths between himself and Para. He was full of himself, tossing his head and flicking his tail. Justin relished this barely leashed power, leaned back as the horse practically launched himself down the hill.
The three furlong flat would come after the next rise. Maggie narrowed her gaze in approval when Para's ears finally flicked up in recognition. They remained that way, twin brown towers over her classic head. Her muscles were loosening beneath her hide and Maggie was seeing the real Para in this preparation. The bay filly would be uncorking a massive run come the end of the next hillside. Maggie patted the filly's neck, noted Hokum was now tackling the hill. Para charged after him, not quickening to catch him, but quickening to tackle the hill with efficiency. Hokum reached the crest three lengths ahead of the heavy-set Para. Para was definitely going to have her hooves full in about ten seconds.
Justin shook the reins the second Hokum was half-foot away from the flat. The big stallion launched off the hillside, tackling the ground with gigantic strides. Justin stilled his hands as the big horse hurtled away. He glanced under his arm saw Para finally reach the flat, but the bay miss was six lengths back and losing ground quickly. Justin returned his gaze to the front, kept his body still as a stone. Hokum was a serious horse. If Para wanted to be a serious horse, she had to learn how to be on her toes at all times.
Maggie had barely any time to ask Para for her run and the three year old was charging across the green grass. She was swifter this year than she had been. She'd increased her ability to maintain a sustained run over the last couple months as a two year old. This year her response time was quicker, she surged with thunderous hoofbeats after Hokum, her strides long and steady. She was a grinder. A hard core filly that brought it every time she ran. Maggie gave one tap with the tap an sent Para soaring, ears pinned after the monster that was Hokum.
Justin cursed under his breath upon hearing the loud hoofbeats of Para. So the filly had grown up after all. He glanced under his arm, shaking his head at the sight of her bearing down on him with rage in her eyes and defiance in her riders. Hokum's ears pinned so that his head snaked out flat. He was furious. There was a furlong remaining and Para had gained too much ground in so little time. The bay filly roared up to their right side, muscles pulsating with power and strength. The riders forced themselves to still, to remember that this was a workout not a real race.
Together Hokum and the three year old drove toward the invisible. The massive stallion remained a determined neck in front, but he had to give his speed the full concentration. She was tougher than he'd estimated, tougher than Justin had estimated. Maggie's mouth held a smile as Para took one last shot at Hokum, edging up to just miss by a head. The bay male took off with a buck, nearly jolting Justin from the saddle. He was loaded with rage and took it out on the next hillside, full of loathing for the burr of the filly. Justin chuckled, white though he was from nearly being tossed. The horse had a ton of spark. He'd be a handful for anyone who showed up to face them. Maggie patted her mount who pulled up easily. Para was not one to put in the extra work if it wasn't needed. "You're just getting started aren't you Lady Jane." The mare snorted, bobbing her head as if in agreement. "Thought so."