March Week One
In Front & Supernatural.
The Devil's Hourglass & Paranormal Hunter.
Call Me Crooked & Taboo.
The Devil's Hourglass & Paranormal Hunter.
Call Me Crooked & Taboo.
frontal attack
"It's not often I get to ride against you," Brookson Wells remarked to Reese as he tacked up his mount for the set. His hands moved confidently over the girth, tightening even while he kept an eye on In Front. The muscular blaze faced colt had never been one for biting during the tacking up process, but as he became more on the muscle a keener eye was necessary. The bay's shoulder muscle twitched beneath shimmering dark hide. He was thinking about committing a crime. Brooks could feel it as sure as he could feel the leather beneath his hands. "Don't even think about it Ticker." The horse twitched his ears, snorted violently through his lips and stared off into space. Brooks nodded in approval. Better Ticker be bored than searching for trouble.
"Nah. I'm not usually on the dirt. Siri's a game changer for me." Reese bit down on her lip as she concentrated on pulling the polo wrap tight. Siri had a big start ahead of her in the Wood Memorial versus the colts. To get injured now would be a travesty. The gray filly nickered in greeting as Brooks stepped up to lay a hand on her vibrating muzzle. The Dylan Himself filly was a flighty charmer. A talented filly that was just sitting a couple seats away from a grade two. She was the best three year old filly on the dirt at this point in the game. It was quite possible that she was one of the best three year olds in the country over the dirt. The Kentucky Derby beckoned her. After a strong victory in the Unicorn Horn Dirt over males, Supernatural had a virtual target on her back. Brookson Wells' mount was one of many that was targeting the beautiful gray filly.
Ticker's muscular body contrasted brilliantly against Siri's lean one. She'd filled out, but would be nowhere near the physical prowess of In Front. Used to competing against the boys, Siri's body was tough and she was known to have a thick skin when pushed around on the track. In Front would test her today and give everyone, including Ripley Marsh, an idea as to where In Front would be headed. Brooks patted the colt's thick neck, pondered. It had taken a while to get a win under the Touch Up colt's belt. He'd notched a victory in his last start over a very good field and was only showing signs of improvement. He would go in the Southwest Stakes next. He would have to prove whether or not he could compete against the best of the early three year old division. He would have to prove that he could beat Supernatural or Limited Edition, the best colt on dirt, in the Kentucky Derby. The pressure wasn't on Brookson Wells. If In Front didn't succeed, they would switch tracks and head to the Canadian Triple Crown. They could wait to take on the Triple Crown contenders in the summer series and Breeders' Cup. "When your good and ready, pal. We're on your watch after all."
Reese snorted at Brooks' loving tone. The man had become so obviously attached to In Front over their series of January and February races. She looked forward to taking them on in this workout, to proving once again why Supernatural was the best dirt filly in the barn. She checked the equipment over again, her brown eyes flickering with life. She'd won the Turf Triple Crown last year with Bella Luna. She wanted to add another jewel to her crown, and knew that the Kentucky Derby was particularly coveted by Ripley. It was the only jewel the head trainer had missed in her exploits with Hall of Famer El Sol del Mar. To win that race would give Reese a thrill and give Ripley her most wanted win. "We'll give it our best shot, right pretty lady?" Siri gazed into Reese's eyes with such tangible passion and interest that Reese felt chills.
The riders led their mounts out of the barn, quickly climbing aboard. In Front strutted proudly beneath Brookson Wells, his muscles warming up to the familiar morning routine. He bowed his head, gazed out over the dirt track and paddocks with the expression of a king looking upon his kingdom. He strode with purpose, confidence and seemed to shimmer with power. The colt had done well on his time off since the Intipidio Finish Derby. His muscles were back at full capacity and the tiredness had vanished after a few days. He was a durable son of a gun. He was going to be a new challenger on the scene. Brookson Wells could not wait for Southwest Stakes. It would mark the start of a new beginning. He sat easily in the saddle, imagining the future with this colt. He was the first son of Touch Up and he had a ton of ground to make up if he was going to match his siblings' achievements.
Siri danced like a fairy behind In Front. Her hooves tapped to a beat only she could decipher, her head bobbed with the tune. Every so often her wispy white tail would swing around to thwack Reese in the leg. Supernatural was one of the most high energied fillies Reese had ever had to deal with. She was finally learning where to put all that energy. She floated onto the dirt track, kicking up into a cruising gallop with relative ease. Reese let the reins glide through her hands, smiled when Siri extended herself so gracefully into motion. She was so opposite of In Front. So keen on her job and so willing to please.
In Front thundered into motion, his loud hooves pummeling the earth with distaste. Brooks stood in the saddle, hands gripping the colt's mouth through the bit. In Front was fully on the muscle today. Each part of him coalesced into a picture of power and strength. He was fierce in his movement, full of righteous attitude. He bowed his neck as he ran, tapping his pearly whites against the steel in his mouth. Brooks let out a forceful breath, forced himself to relax. In Front was a completely different type of animal than Red Herring. Red Herring was arrogant and somewhat scatterbrained. He had power, but wouldn't use all of it. This horse... He would use it and could produce serious damage if he so chose. Brooks rubbed his left knuckles along the colt's black mane as he trucked into the backstretch.
Ripley's voice sounded over the headset, causing a brief hesitation in the horses. "A mile gallop starting now. Just after mid-backstretch, I want a solid four furlongs. Solid Brooks. Get after Ticker if he needs it." Reese rolled her eyes at Ripley's nagging tone. The head trainer seemed to combine boss and nagging girlfriend without a hitch. Reese leaned forward as Supernatural galloped handily to In Front's inside. The nearly 18 hand powerhouse would most definitely go wide on the turns. The rail was Siri's favorite place to be. She glided around the track in peace, every muscle revving up. Once again Reese could practically calculate the fractions as they ran. Siri was a tremendous filly. She always ran furlongs faster than the previous ones. She did so now. She gained a length on In Front's authoritative lead, even though the big bay was setting a brisk pace.
"Gosh he is a stellar mover, isn't he Mal?" Ripley murmured to her yearling trainer. Mal's cobalt blue eyes swept from Siri to In Front. "Both of them are. I'd say if they keep this up, you have a excellent pair for next year's older horse division." Ripley snorted. "Ever think about the present Malcolm?" He rolled his eyes, just as Reese had done. "Now and again."
In Front charged down the homestretch, two lengths ahead of Supernatural who stalked him with predatory grace. He lengthened his stride upon asking, shortened and switched leads when necessary. The blaze faced colt drifted wide on the turn, flashy white legs carrying him to a relatively untouched area. He was second largest in the barn behind Hokum. Hokum was, apparently, much more agile than he should be. Brooks eased up for a moment, winced when he heard the breeze rail suddenly cut off. Supernatural had moved into the pocket spot. Reese was definitely going to make Ticker work today.
Supernatural sped gracefully on the inside of In Front. Her ears remained pricked, bobbing every now and then over her head. The reins remained loose, indicating that Siri had every bit of In Front's measure. Reese smirked when the gray filly threatened to take the lead. Ticker, generous as he was, slackened his pace neatly giving in. Reese cocked a brow, let Siri go a notch. The lean gray dashed to the lead just past the midpoint of the backstretch. Her graceful legs carried her swiftly over the ground so that she appeared more ghost than horse. Reese was as still as a stone upon her back, her brown eyes lively as ever.
Brooks shook In Front up with strong, curt movements. The big bay suddenly roared to life, back legs pushing mightily into the ground. He rounded up to Supernatural's side, looking powerful and full of momentum. The silver filly cut the corner, firmly knocking In Front away from the lead, dared him to play catch up. Brooks grunted in frustration as the light colored horse had her way. In Front bounded mightily through the turn, trying his best to maintain speed and catch the fleet Siri at the same time. He rounded off the turn, his big body leaping over the course with fury as Siri sped to a length lead. His ears were pinned back in black mane, his tail flying out behind him like a cape as he drew up commandingly on her outside.
Siri responded with pinned ears and a dash of speed, but In Front was not going anywhere. He was grinder, a ferocious one at that. If she demanded he speed up to stay with her, he sped up. The pair of them charged through the last hundred yards, bouncing off one another briefly. Siri kicked on to get her nose down first. In Front surged by after the wire, galloping out powerfully back into the first turn. Reese patted Siri's neck, excitement shimmering through her veins. Now that was a hell of a horse race.
Brooks' thoughts nearly echoed the same, only he was wondering what kind of a horse In Front was going to turn into.
"Nah. I'm not usually on the dirt. Siri's a game changer for me." Reese bit down on her lip as she concentrated on pulling the polo wrap tight. Siri had a big start ahead of her in the Wood Memorial versus the colts. To get injured now would be a travesty. The gray filly nickered in greeting as Brooks stepped up to lay a hand on her vibrating muzzle. The Dylan Himself filly was a flighty charmer. A talented filly that was just sitting a couple seats away from a grade two. She was the best three year old filly on the dirt at this point in the game. It was quite possible that she was one of the best three year olds in the country over the dirt. The Kentucky Derby beckoned her. After a strong victory in the Unicorn Horn Dirt over males, Supernatural had a virtual target on her back. Brookson Wells' mount was one of many that was targeting the beautiful gray filly.
Ticker's muscular body contrasted brilliantly against Siri's lean one. She'd filled out, but would be nowhere near the physical prowess of In Front. Used to competing against the boys, Siri's body was tough and she was known to have a thick skin when pushed around on the track. In Front would test her today and give everyone, including Ripley Marsh, an idea as to where In Front would be headed. Brooks patted the colt's thick neck, pondered. It had taken a while to get a win under the Touch Up colt's belt. He'd notched a victory in his last start over a very good field and was only showing signs of improvement. He would go in the Southwest Stakes next. He would have to prove whether or not he could compete against the best of the early three year old division. He would have to prove that he could beat Supernatural or Limited Edition, the best colt on dirt, in the Kentucky Derby. The pressure wasn't on Brookson Wells. If In Front didn't succeed, they would switch tracks and head to the Canadian Triple Crown. They could wait to take on the Triple Crown contenders in the summer series and Breeders' Cup. "When your good and ready, pal. We're on your watch after all."
Reese snorted at Brooks' loving tone. The man had become so obviously attached to In Front over their series of January and February races. She looked forward to taking them on in this workout, to proving once again why Supernatural was the best dirt filly in the barn. She checked the equipment over again, her brown eyes flickering with life. She'd won the Turf Triple Crown last year with Bella Luna. She wanted to add another jewel to her crown, and knew that the Kentucky Derby was particularly coveted by Ripley. It was the only jewel the head trainer had missed in her exploits with Hall of Famer El Sol del Mar. To win that race would give Reese a thrill and give Ripley her most wanted win. "We'll give it our best shot, right pretty lady?" Siri gazed into Reese's eyes with such tangible passion and interest that Reese felt chills.
The riders led their mounts out of the barn, quickly climbing aboard. In Front strutted proudly beneath Brookson Wells, his muscles warming up to the familiar morning routine. He bowed his head, gazed out over the dirt track and paddocks with the expression of a king looking upon his kingdom. He strode with purpose, confidence and seemed to shimmer with power. The colt had done well on his time off since the Intipidio Finish Derby. His muscles were back at full capacity and the tiredness had vanished after a few days. He was a durable son of a gun. He was going to be a new challenger on the scene. Brookson Wells could not wait for Southwest Stakes. It would mark the start of a new beginning. He sat easily in the saddle, imagining the future with this colt. He was the first son of Touch Up and he had a ton of ground to make up if he was going to match his siblings' achievements.
Siri danced like a fairy behind In Front. Her hooves tapped to a beat only she could decipher, her head bobbed with the tune. Every so often her wispy white tail would swing around to thwack Reese in the leg. Supernatural was one of the most high energied fillies Reese had ever had to deal with. She was finally learning where to put all that energy. She floated onto the dirt track, kicking up into a cruising gallop with relative ease. Reese let the reins glide through her hands, smiled when Siri extended herself so gracefully into motion. She was so opposite of In Front. So keen on her job and so willing to please.
In Front thundered into motion, his loud hooves pummeling the earth with distaste. Brooks stood in the saddle, hands gripping the colt's mouth through the bit. In Front was fully on the muscle today. Each part of him coalesced into a picture of power and strength. He was fierce in his movement, full of righteous attitude. He bowed his neck as he ran, tapping his pearly whites against the steel in his mouth. Brooks let out a forceful breath, forced himself to relax. In Front was a completely different type of animal than Red Herring. Red Herring was arrogant and somewhat scatterbrained. He had power, but wouldn't use all of it. This horse... He would use it and could produce serious damage if he so chose. Brooks rubbed his left knuckles along the colt's black mane as he trucked into the backstretch.
Ripley's voice sounded over the headset, causing a brief hesitation in the horses. "A mile gallop starting now. Just after mid-backstretch, I want a solid four furlongs. Solid Brooks. Get after Ticker if he needs it." Reese rolled her eyes at Ripley's nagging tone. The head trainer seemed to combine boss and nagging girlfriend without a hitch. Reese leaned forward as Supernatural galloped handily to In Front's inside. The nearly 18 hand powerhouse would most definitely go wide on the turns. The rail was Siri's favorite place to be. She glided around the track in peace, every muscle revving up. Once again Reese could practically calculate the fractions as they ran. Siri was a tremendous filly. She always ran furlongs faster than the previous ones. She did so now. She gained a length on In Front's authoritative lead, even though the big bay was setting a brisk pace.
"Gosh he is a stellar mover, isn't he Mal?" Ripley murmured to her yearling trainer. Mal's cobalt blue eyes swept from Siri to In Front. "Both of them are. I'd say if they keep this up, you have a excellent pair for next year's older horse division." Ripley snorted. "Ever think about the present Malcolm?" He rolled his eyes, just as Reese had done. "Now and again."
In Front charged down the homestretch, two lengths ahead of Supernatural who stalked him with predatory grace. He lengthened his stride upon asking, shortened and switched leads when necessary. The blaze faced colt drifted wide on the turn, flashy white legs carrying him to a relatively untouched area. He was second largest in the barn behind Hokum. Hokum was, apparently, much more agile than he should be. Brooks eased up for a moment, winced when he heard the breeze rail suddenly cut off. Supernatural had moved into the pocket spot. Reese was definitely going to make Ticker work today.
Supernatural sped gracefully on the inside of In Front. Her ears remained pricked, bobbing every now and then over her head. The reins remained loose, indicating that Siri had every bit of In Front's measure. Reese smirked when the gray filly threatened to take the lead. Ticker, generous as he was, slackened his pace neatly giving in. Reese cocked a brow, let Siri go a notch. The lean gray dashed to the lead just past the midpoint of the backstretch. Her graceful legs carried her swiftly over the ground so that she appeared more ghost than horse. Reese was as still as a stone upon her back, her brown eyes lively as ever.
Brooks shook In Front up with strong, curt movements. The big bay suddenly roared to life, back legs pushing mightily into the ground. He rounded up to Supernatural's side, looking powerful and full of momentum. The silver filly cut the corner, firmly knocking In Front away from the lead, dared him to play catch up. Brooks grunted in frustration as the light colored horse had her way. In Front bounded mightily through the turn, trying his best to maintain speed and catch the fleet Siri at the same time. He rounded off the turn, his big body leaping over the course with fury as Siri sped to a length lead. His ears were pinned back in black mane, his tail flying out behind him like a cape as he drew up commandingly on her outside.
Siri responded with pinned ears and a dash of speed, but In Front was not going anywhere. He was grinder, a ferocious one at that. If she demanded he speed up to stay with her, he sped up. The pair of them charged through the last hundred yards, bouncing off one another briefly. Siri kicked on to get her nose down first. In Front surged by after the wire, galloping out powerfully back into the first turn. Reese patted Siri's neck, excitement shimmering through her veins. Now that was a hell of a horse race.
Brooks' thoughts nearly echoed the same, only he was wondering what kind of a horse In Front was going to turn into.
fast forward
Ripley Marsh was on cloud nine as she strapped polo wraps around The Devil's Hourglass's well-shaped legs. Her green eyes were sparkling with happiness and excitement as she thought about this coming weekend. Witch Creek was sending out a band of horses to prove something this weekend. To prove that while they were at the top of the division, they would not be relinquishing that lead or iron hold anytime soon. Sure the season had been rough. It was rough for everyone these days, even Stride of Perfection and Star Thoroughbreds. At least two more stables had joined the circuit starting in the middle of last year. One of them, Valkyrie Stable, was looking to be the next giant of the racing world. The competitive nature of the circuit had been taken to a whole other level. Luckily, Ripley's best three year old fillies would be going out to prove that they had what it takes to remain champions in their respective grass divisions.
Paranormal Hunter slept as Maggie tightened the girth up. The stubborn, irritable mule herself looked nothing like the freight train that came barreling down on her competition like the wrath of hell at the end of a race. Her muscles were tough and thick beneath her dappled out light bay hide. She was a sloth, but her sloth-tendencies hid that she was truly a furious racing machine. Maggie braided the filly's forelock, blue eyes filling with delight when Para actually leaned into the pressure instead of pulling away. They had become partners. Maggie was the only human that the bay daughter of Flash Limits truly accepted. She patted the filly's neck, smiling when Para awoke with a start. The Devil's Hourglass stomped, startled even though she had remained fully alert. Hourglass possessed a wild nature, one that considered everything an enemy. In recent weeks, she had become hyperalert, something she only was under saddle. Ripley's hypothesis was that Hourglass had not taken to losing very keenly at all.
The star marked filly turned her small savage head toward her jockey, analyzing her with intense interest. Ripley placed a hand on her hip, considering Hourglass. Her eyes gleamed with inner fire and anger, her body was muscular to the max, more male than female. She was not the slight creature that Prima Donna or Supernatural. She was a fine tuned muscle car if Ripley wanted to compare Hourglass to vehicles. Hourglass was capable of beating the best males of her generation and her start in the Palm Beach Stakes was calling for her to do so again. Ripley pulled on her helmet, smiling when Hourglass turned her attention away. It seemed the bay granddaughter of Touch Up was finally getting it. She was getting the idea that she needed Ripley in these races versus the boys, who were on the improve.
Maggie mounted Paranormal Hunter inside the barn, rousing the rangy horse with nudges. Para's eyes snapped open, her nostrils quivered with a snort. She remained still a moment longer before the sounds of Hourglass' hoofbeats growing fainter had her leaving the barn. She stepped into the light, sunlight glinting off her muscular frame. Her tail whipped violently over her rump, her eyes glowing brilliantly at the sight of all the activity. Para was a grumpy mule, but even she could not hate Witch Creek's valleys and grassy hills. Maggie rested her hands at Para's withers, watched Ripley mount her relatively pudgy looking filly. The filly had disguised speed and Maggie knew that once that particular filly hit full stride, she became a thing of beauty.
The Devil's Hourglass stepped out at a trot and then moved into a canter-gallop when she switched surfaces to the grass. Her dark eyes flashed with barely inhibited wildness. Her muscles were tense beneath the practical bay coloring as she made her presence known. She snorted, tossing her head furiously, egging Ripley to drop the reins and let her go. Ripley held on, satisfied that this was the only action Hourglass was taking against her. It was satisfying to know that your mount didn't hate you with a passion. Hourglass's hooves beat over the ground like ominous drums. She carried her head and tail high, giving the appearance of effortless flight. Behind her Paranormal Hunter was hunkering down in her typical early gallop, body stretching out to get the most ground. Maggie was perched high in the saddle, smiling as Para just settled into stride.
Both bay fillies would be facing off with tough fields. Hourglass would find three colts awaiting her in the Palm Beach Stakes. Run over nine furlongs, Hourglass would ultimately find herself on the lead. It was fine with Ripley. She didn't mind playing "catch me if you can" with a bunch of males. Hourglass had the utmost stamina because of her lines. She could run fast and have enough to hold off the closing charges or run slow and open up at the head of the homestretch. Either would give the colts a handful to deal with. Nine furlongs wasn't a long race and Hourglass would definitely be full of run at the end. Ripley relished the awaiting challenge.
Paranormal Hunter's race was not going to be as simple. She would be confronted with two other closers in the Goldikova Stakes, over a smaller distance of ground. Acantha and In The Spotlight would be occupying each other on the front end, two very good fillies going head to head. Acantha was a Breeders' Cup race winner so the class was definitely there. National Treasure, an up and comer, had taken down Prima Donna and In The Spotlight in the Coronation Stakes at Green Horse Fields, and her form looked to be better than it had been at the age of two. Secret's Surprise lurked as the dark horse with only one start in Year Fourteen being a second place finish in a minor stakes at The Wire. Paranormal Hunter broke smack dab in the middle of Secret's Surprise on the rail and National Treasure on her outside. Luckily, Para was a heavier set horse than either so being sandwiched would not be a big deal. She'd beaten the colts many a time, taking down Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Demonic Desires. Maggie was determined to remain close enough to the leaders. If Para had to exert more energy in the early stages than she was used to, it would be done. Para had a load of stamina, was proven to run farther than her company National Treasure and Secret's Surprise.
Ripley let out a soft whistle into the breeze, letting Maggie know that there was just a half-mile left to the warm up gallop. They'd worked it out that Paranormal Hunter would take on Hourglass sooner than before the three furlong flat. Maggie clutched at the reins, moving her fingers rapidly so that light vibrations went down to Para's mouth. The bay's ears pricked up and surprisingly, the giant filly moved into a faster speed without much fuss. Her long strides ate the ground up, closing the four length gap to Hourglass. Hourglass's ears were pinned flat to her neck as they normally did during a race. She was a fierce filly, one that didn't wave the white flag too often. If Para could stay within Hourglass' reach, it was a compliment.
The flying speed of Hourglass carried Ripley up the hillside. Her eyes were brilliant with excitement and happiness. Here was a fantastic grass filly, one that was building Ripley's own riding resume. Ripley was riding a Turf Triple Crown contender. The excitement burned through Ripley's veins, soared down the reins and into Hourglass. The bay filly kicked up the speed, tackling the hill with her well-conditioned legs. Paranormal Hunter charged behind them, sooner than even Ripley had expected. She did not peek under her arm. She knew Paranormal Hunter would be coming. It was a sure thing. It was going to be in the back of Acantha and In The Spotlight's rider's minds. National Treasure and Secret's Surprise were not the proven commodity. Their enemy was Paranormal Hunter and that was who Hourglass needed to stave off.
The dark bay charger hurtled herself down the side of the hill, agile hooves digging in to the soft surface. Ripley leaned close, a startling smile overwhelming her face. She could see the Palm Beach Stakes playing out like a movie in her head. This was the point in the race where she would let her proven speed fly. The reins zipped through Ripley's gloved hands, snapping loudly when they'd reached their full length. Ripley kept a light hold of mane and rein as Hourglass poured on the speed. Her legs blurred beneath her as she surged across the green field. She held her head aloft, taking great big sucking breaths of air. There was nothing like riding The Devil's Hourglass, except riding Cross My Heart, another horse only Ripley rode.
Maggie let out a breath when Hourglass tore away as though Paranormal Hunter had been standing still. She roused her heavy-set mare, hands and feet going, chirping wildly for more speed. Para let out a heaving groan, pushed mightily off her haunches and within two large strides was barreling after the whirling dervish that was The Devil's Hourglass. Her big body ate the ground beneath her as though it were starving. She ran thunderously, mane and tail streaming behind her body, which was nearly parallel to the ground she raced over. Her dark eyes flashed with hunger and desire, desire to get to Hourglass, desire to beat her. Para knew nothing but running down the enemy, taking them down with authority.
Hourglass' ears flicked up for the first time and Ripley knew that Paranormal Hunter truly was making her late arrival. She tapped Hourglass' shoulder, forced the bay filly to focus. The star marked horse re-engaged, legs churning beneath her even as Para swooped up to her haunches, then her barrel and up to her neck. The stout filly and the lean rangy closer bulleted through the final furlong, eyes ablaze with fire and loathing. Neither knew how to be a loser, both were determined to be the triumphant. Together, the three year old horses charged through the wire, nearly head and head.
Paranormal Hunter slept as Maggie tightened the girth up. The stubborn, irritable mule herself looked nothing like the freight train that came barreling down on her competition like the wrath of hell at the end of a race. Her muscles were tough and thick beneath her dappled out light bay hide. She was a sloth, but her sloth-tendencies hid that she was truly a furious racing machine. Maggie braided the filly's forelock, blue eyes filling with delight when Para actually leaned into the pressure instead of pulling away. They had become partners. Maggie was the only human that the bay daughter of Flash Limits truly accepted. She patted the filly's neck, smiling when Para awoke with a start. The Devil's Hourglass stomped, startled even though she had remained fully alert. Hourglass possessed a wild nature, one that considered everything an enemy. In recent weeks, she had become hyperalert, something she only was under saddle. Ripley's hypothesis was that Hourglass had not taken to losing very keenly at all.
The star marked filly turned her small savage head toward her jockey, analyzing her with intense interest. Ripley placed a hand on her hip, considering Hourglass. Her eyes gleamed with inner fire and anger, her body was muscular to the max, more male than female. She was not the slight creature that Prima Donna or Supernatural. She was a fine tuned muscle car if Ripley wanted to compare Hourglass to vehicles. Hourglass was capable of beating the best males of her generation and her start in the Palm Beach Stakes was calling for her to do so again. Ripley pulled on her helmet, smiling when Hourglass turned her attention away. It seemed the bay granddaughter of Touch Up was finally getting it. She was getting the idea that she needed Ripley in these races versus the boys, who were on the improve.
Maggie mounted Paranormal Hunter inside the barn, rousing the rangy horse with nudges. Para's eyes snapped open, her nostrils quivered with a snort. She remained still a moment longer before the sounds of Hourglass' hoofbeats growing fainter had her leaving the barn. She stepped into the light, sunlight glinting off her muscular frame. Her tail whipped violently over her rump, her eyes glowing brilliantly at the sight of all the activity. Para was a grumpy mule, but even she could not hate Witch Creek's valleys and grassy hills. Maggie rested her hands at Para's withers, watched Ripley mount her relatively pudgy looking filly. The filly had disguised speed and Maggie knew that once that particular filly hit full stride, she became a thing of beauty.
The Devil's Hourglass stepped out at a trot and then moved into a canter-gallop when she switched surfaces to the grass. Her dark eyes flashed with barely inhibited wildness. Her muscles were tense beneath the practical bay coloring as she made her presence known. She snorted, tossing her head furiously, egging Ripley to drop the reins and let her go. Ripley held on, satisfied that this was the only action Hourglass was taking against her. It was satisfying to know that your mount didn't hate you with a passion. Hourglass's hooves beat over the ground like ominous drums. She carried her head and tail high, giving the appearance of effortless flight. Behind her Paranormal Hunter was hunkering down in her typical early gallop, body stretching out to get the most ground. Maggie was perched high in the saddle, smiling as Para just settled into stride.
Both bay fillies would be facing off with tough fields. Hourglass would find three colts awaiting her in the Palm Beach Stakes. Run over nine furlongs, Hourglass would ultimately find herself on the lead. It was fine with Ripley. She didn't mind playing "catch me if you can" with a bunch of males. Hourglass had the utmost stamina because of her lines. She could run fast and have enough to hold off the closing charges or run slow and open up at the head of the homestretch. Either would give the colts a handful to deal with. Nine furlongs wasn't a long race and Hourglass would definitely be full of run at the end. Ripley relished the awaiting challenge.
Paranormal Hunter's race was not going to be as simple. She would be confronted with two other closers in the Goldikova Stakes, over a smaller distance of ground. Acantha and In The Spotlight would be occupying each other on the front end, two very good fillies going head to head. Acantha was a Breeders' Cup race winner so the class was definitely there. National Treasure, an up and comer, had taken down Prima Donna and In The Spotlight in the Coronation Stakes at Green Horse Fields, and her form looked to be better than it had been at the age of two. Secret's Surprise lurked as the dark horse with only one start in Year Fourteen being a second place finish in a minor stakes at The Wire. Paranormal Hunter broke smack dab in the middle of Secret's Surprise on the rail and National Treasure on her outside. Luckily, Para was a heavier set horse than either so being sandwiched would not be a big deal. She'd beaten the colts many a time, taking down Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Demonic Desires. Maggie was determined to remain close enough to the leaders. If Para had to exert more energy in the early stages than she was used to, it would be done. Para had a load of stamina, was proven to run farther than her company National Treasure and Secret's Surprise.
Ripley let out a soft whistle into the breeze, letting Maggie know that there was just a half-mile left to the warm up gallop. They'd worked it out that Paranormal Hunter would take on Hourglass sooner than before the three furlong flat. Maggie clutched at the reins, moving her fingers rapidly so that light vibrations went down to Para's mouth. The bay's ears pricked up and surprisingly, the giant filly moved into a faster speed without much fuss. Her long strides ate the ground up, closing the four length gap to Hourglass. Hourglass's ears were pinned flat to her neck as they normally did during a race. She was a fierce filly, one that didn't wave the white flag too often. If Para could stay within Hourglass' reach, it was a compliment.
The flying speed of Hourglass carried Ripley up the hillside. Her eyes were brilliant with excitement and happiness. Here was a fantastic grass filly, one that was building Ripley's own riding resume. Ripley was riding a Turf Triple Crown contender. The excitement burned through Ripley's veins, soared down the reins and into Hourglass. The bay filly kicked up the speed, tackling the hill with her well-conditioned legs. Paranormal Hunter charged behind them, sooner than even Ripley had expected. She did not peek under her arm. She knew Paranormal Hunter would be coming. It was a sure thing. It was going to be in the back of Acantha and In The Spotlight's rider's minds. National Treasure and Secret's Surprise were not the proven commodity. Their enemy was Paranormal Hunter and that was who Hourglass needed to stave off.
The dark bay charger hurtled herself down the side of the hill, agile hooves digging in to the soft surface. Ripley leaned close, a startling smile overwhelming her face. She could see the Palm Beach Stakes playing out like a movie in her head. This was the point in the race where she would let her proven speed fly. The reins zipped through Ripley's gloved hands, snapping loudly when they'd reached their full length. Ripley kept a light hold of mane and rein as Hourglass poured on the speed. Her legs blurred beneath her as she surged across the green field. She held her head aloft, taking great big sucking breaths of air. There was nothing like riding The Devil's Hourglass, except riding Cross My Heart, another horse only Ripley rode.
Maggie let out a breath when Hourglass tore away as though Paranormal Hunter had been standing still. She roused her heavy-set mare, hands and feet going, chirping wildly for more speed. Para let out a heaving groan, pushed mightily off her haunches and within two large strides was barreling after the whirling dervish that was The Devil's Hourglass. Her big body ate the ground beneath her as though it were starving. She ran thunderously, mane and tail streaming behind her body, which was nearly parallel to the ground she raced over. Her dark eyes flashed with hunger and desire, desire to get to Hourglass, desire to beat her. Para knew nothing but running down the enemy, taking them down with authority.
Hourglass' ears flicked up for the first time and Ripley knew that Paranormal Hunter truly was making her late arrival. She tapped Hourglass' shoulder, forced the bay filly to focus. The star marked horse re-engaged, legs churning beneath her even as Para swooped up to her haunches, then her barrel and up to her neck. The stout filly and the lean rangy closer bulleted through the final furlong, eyes ablaze with fire and loathing. Neither knew how to be a loser, both were determined to be the triumphant. Together, the three year old horses charged through the wire, nearly head and head.
crooked secret
Maggie flew into the barn, riding the adrenaline rush that came every time she got on one of her horses. There was nothing like riding a furious thoroughbred, one hell bent on outrunning his demons and courageously going to battle what was ahead of him. The next set would be fairly similar to what Maggie had just ridden. Call Me Crooked, daughter of Crooked Fire and Royal Assault, was a confirmed closer, a grinder and was still trying to find her way in what was proving to be a very competitive and very tough roster of two year olds. She'd won twice, the fourth two year old in Witch Creek colors to do so. Call Me Crooked had shown off her guts in her victory in the Kingarvie Stakes over Intrepid's Lilith Wind. Maggie wiped the sweat off her brow as she stepped up to Crook's stall, smiled at Kendall who was strapping the girth up.
Crook's ears shot forward, her soft pink nose quivering with a nicker of welcome. Maggie reached over the dutch door, rubbing that nose, smiling into the filly's oddly colored ocher eyes. Crook was a darling filly in the barn... sometimes. But out on the track she was an absolute menace. "Hey Kendall. When are you going to be out on the track?"
Kendall shrugged as she unlatched the stall, nodded to Reese Balling Jones, who emerged from the stall on the end with the gray-roan filly Taboo. "We'll see. I'm already working with the yearlings. Ripley hasn't said if I'll be getting on the backs of current racers just yet." Maggie hummed, patted Kendall's shoulder. "You'll get there, honey. Reese and I didn't get to where we are without blood, sweat and tears."
Reese nodded, sent a smirk in Kendall's direction. "Maggie sold her soul to the devil in addition to the blood, the sweat and the tears." The woman chuckled as Maggie flipped her the bird, turned away to admire her filly. Taboo, daughter of Hall Of Famer Everyday Hero, looked immensely beautiful, had grown more beautiful as she settled into the routine of being a racehorse. The neurotic filly stood proud underneath all of her shining tack, her eyes glowing with eagerness and interest. For the moment, the haunted look was shuffled back into the corner of her eyes. Taboo was a filly with mental issues, but as she raced and got the taste for competitive running, the mental issues were beginning to take a backseat. The lean filly's body glowed molten silver in some areas, a tender blush pink in others. She was an odd filly in temperament and in coloring. Luckily, in addition to the odd coloring and temperament, Taboo possessed a brilliant speed that was proving quite dangerous out on the track.
Reese brushed a gentle hand over the filly's hide, smiling. Taboo would be making her first start in a major stakes race at The Wire. The Ontario Lassie Stakes was already proving to be tough with three time winning juvenile Siren Call entered for Valkyrie Stables. "We'll take her. I've got faith, pretty lady." Taboo snorted, dipping her head as she mouthed the bit. Reese affectionately rubbed the filly's paler forehead, nodded at Ripley when she stepped into the main aisle.
"All right. We've got a solid race coming up for Tabz. Crook is basically nursing her current form for The Wire Juvenile Sprint against Athena's Desires and Siren Call." Maggie winked at Reese. "We're getting the second competitor warmed up or tired before she faces off with Killer Tabz." Ripley shook her head, smirking slightly at the description. Tabz was a killer alright. She'd harm herself before she even thought about injuring an opponent, human or horse. "Anyway... I only want a mile warm up today. The three furlongs will be set up differently than usual."
Maggie cocked a hip, eyed Ripley as she continued. "The warm gallop will get slightly stiff toward the end. Solid fractions. Maggie keep Crook right with Taboo because she's only getting a two furlong breeze out of this. Taboo's going to go on with workout fractions half-way through the second furlong and into workout mode. She hasn't raced in a while, Reese, so I need her on her toes. Stiff workout. Easy workout for Crook. Think you can handle it, Maggie?"
Maggie eyed Crook as she pulled on her helmet, pulled down the stirrups. "Yeah I got it. Don't think she's going to like it too much, but you never know." The women headed out of the barn. Reese and Maggie mounted up, nodding at each other with competitive light in their eyes. Taboo pranced briefly beneath Reese, transformed into a picture of pride and absolute beauty. She moved fluidly down the path, strutting her stuff and deliberately putting on a mesmerizing show. Crook was going to have her hooves full today, even with the shortened workout load.
Crook was not the least bit impressed with the gray filly. Her eyes gleamed with irritation and annoyance, her nostrils were flared and her head turned constantly in Taboo's direction. Her muscles were contracted tightly beneath her gleaming bay hide. Maggie felt as though she were riding a rocket preparing to be launched. It was odd because usually Crook was focusing on being difficult. Perhaps a common enemy would unite them. Maggie patted the filly's thick hide, smiled when Crook lifted into a gallop, more out of competitiveness.
Taboo had moved into her gallop and was already a length and a half in front. Crook's ears were locked on the floating Taboo as she danced up the hillside, a picture of effortless ease. Maggie had never seen her good-natured filly so intent on a workout partner before. The blaze faced filly's hooves beat loudly over the grass as she rumbled down the hillside, ominous and looming just behind Taboo. The spectacularly bred filly's ears flickered, letting Reese know that Crook was indeed going to be pressuring Taboo the entire mile and through the first two furlongs. Reese kept her hands light on her gray filly's mouth, impressed at how relaxed Taboo was. She always was in the early parts of the races. She didn't get frazzled like most horses. That was the one good thing about Tabz's mental state. She could drift away and then re-engage without a moment's notice.
The two year olds dashed over the hills; Crook closed the distance slightly, her breath right at Taboo's left haunch. The fillies charged up the final hillside, nearly side by side. At the crest, Call Me Crooked was at Taboo's throatlatch. Reese wriggled her fingers over the reins, warning Taboo that now was the time to re-engage. Call Me Crooked looked blocky, but the filly was agile as a cat. She proved so by getting the slight jump over Taboo heading down the hillside. Tabz's ears shot forward when Crook headed down the hillside in front. Her gray body quivered and then, she too, was launching down the hillside in pursuit. The tables had been turned.
Maggie nearly shut her eyes when Crook leaped the final three feet of the hillside onto the flat. Her hooves dug in ferociously into the turf upon landing, her hind end pushing mightily for propulsion. Her muscled body surged over the ground, a study in efficiency and power. She'd gotten the power from her dam, the efficiency of her sire. Maggie believed that Crook was only going to get better as she aged. She leaned close, relishing the bite of Crooks' whipping mane. Taboo was going to be coming. She had to remind herself that Crook was not going to go the extra furlong today. She relaxed her grip slightly on the reins, forced her energy to settle. "Alright Crooky. We're going to do what we're not supposed to do in a race."
Taboo was really revving the engine right now. Her classical body soared over the grass when Reese gave her the signal. Her pink-gray hide glinted in the sunlight, turned her into a mythical animal of the stories and myths. Reese let the reins fly through her hands as Taboo rolled up to Call Me Crooked's side. The tough bay pinned her ears at the sight of the elegant filly, warning her off. Reese knew that this race was sort of unfair, knew that Ripley was only doing this to bring out Crook's competitive fires, to light the fire in Taboo. It was working. Reese could feel Taboo preparing to commit the final assault. Somehow the gray knew she had this work just about wrapped up.
Crook blasted through her final furlong, accepted Maggie's guidance to go to the far outside, trusting her rider to get her the win. Crook was leading when Maggie pulled her off the main track and onto the slimmer, flatter track that ran alongside it. The Crooked Fire filly snorted, instantly suspicious, but she allowed herself to be pulled up to a hand-canter and then a jog.
Taboo, feeling triumphant that she put away the blocky sprinter, bulletted through her final third furlong, gray legs flashing beneath her sleek form. Reese's eyes blurred from the wind, but she didn't duck or avoid the it. She welcomed it. She was feeling her filly come fully into life. Taboo flew through the wire alone, sure that she had dispatched her courageous and fierce opponent. She pranced jogging back, snorted at Crooked who stood waiting beside Ripley's ATV. The auburn haired woman sent a glowing smile in Reese's direction.
"Now that was as close to perfect as it could get!"
Crook's ears shot forward, her soft pink nose quivering with a nicker of welcome. Maggie reached over the dutch door, rubbing that nose, smiling into the filly's oddly colored ocher eyes. Crook was a darling filly in the barn... sometimes. But out on the track she was an absolute menace. "Hey Kendall. When are you going to be out on the track?"
Kendall shrugged as she unlatched the stall, nodded to Reese Balling Jones, who emerged from the stall on the end with the gray-roan filly Taboo. "We'll see. I'm already working with the yearlings. Ripley hasn't said if I'll be getting on the backs of current racers just yet." Maggie hummed, patted Kendall's shoulder. "You'll get there, honey. Reese and I didn't get to where we are without blood, sweat and tears."
Reese nodded, sent a smirk in Kendall's direction. "Maggie sold her soul to the devil in addition to the blood, the sweat and the tears." The woman chuckled as Maggie flipped her the bird, turned away to admire her filly. Taboo, daughter of Hall Of Famer Everyday Hero, looked immensely beautiful, had grown more beautiful as she settled into the routine of being a racehorse. The neurotic filly stood proud underneath all of her shining tack, her eyes glowing with eagerness and interest. For the moment, the haunted look was shuffled back into the corner of her eyes. Taboo was a filly with mental issues, but as she raced and got the taste for competitive running, the mental issues were beginning to take a backseat. The lean filly's body glowed molten silver in some areas, a tender blush pink in others. She was an odd filly in temperament and in coloring. Luckily, in addition to the odd coloring and temperament, Taboo possessed a brilliant speed that was proving quite dangerous out on the track.
Reese brushed a gentle hand over the filly's hide, smiling. Taboo would be making her first start in a major stakes race at The Wire. The Ontario Lassie Stakes was already proving to be tough with three time winning juvenile Siren Call entered for Valkyrie Stables. "We'll take her. I've got faith, pretty lady." Taboo snorted, dipping her head as she mouthed the bit. Reese affectionately rubbed the filly's paler forehead, nodded at Ripley when she stepped into the main aisle.
"All right. We've got a solid race coming up for Tabz. Crook is basically nursing her current form for The Wire Juvenile Sprint against Athena's Desires and Siren Call." Maggie winked at Reese. "We're getting the second competitor warmed up or tired before she faces off with Killer Tabz." Ripley shook her head, smirking slightly at the description. Tabz was a killer alright. She'd harm herself before she even thought about injuring an opponent, human or horse. "Anyway... I only want a mile warm up today. The three furlongs will be set up differently than usual."
Maggie cocked a hip, eyed Ripley as she continued. "The warm gallop will get slightly stiff toward the end. Solid fractions. Maggie keep Crook right with Taboo because she's only getting a two furlong breeze out of this. Taboo's going to go on with workout fractions half-way through the second furlong and into workout mode. She hasn't raced in a while, Reese, so I need her on her toes. Stiff workout. Easy workout for Crook. Think you can handle it, Maggie?"
Maggie eyed Crook as she pulled on her helmet, pulled down the stirrups. "Yeah I got it. Don't think she's going to like it too much, but you never know." The women headed out of the barn. Reese and Maggie mounted up, nodding at each other with competitive light in their eyes. Taboo pranced briefly beneath Reese, transformed into a picture of pride and absolute beauty. She moved fluidly down the path, strutting her stuff and deliberately putting on a mesmerizing show. Crook was going to have her hooves full today, even with the shortened workout load.
Crook was not the least bit impressed with the gray filly. Her eyes gleamed with irritation and annoyance, her nostrils were flared and her head turned constantly in Taboo's direction. Her muscles were contracted tightly beneath her gleaming bay hide. Maggie felt as though she were riding a rocket preparing to be launched. It was odd because usually Crook was focusing on being difficult. Perhaps a common enemy would unite them. Maggie patted the filly's thick hide, smiled when Crook lifted into a gallop, more out of competitiveness.
Taboo had moved into her gallop and was already a length and a half in front. Crook's ears were locked on the floating Taboo as she danced up the hillside, a picture of effortless ease. Maggie had never seen her good-natured filly so intent on a workout partner before. The blaze faced filly's hooves beat loudly over the grass as she rumbled down the hillside, ominous and looming just behind Taboo. The spectacularly bred filly's ears flickered, letting Reese know that Crook was indeed going to be pressuring Taboo the entire mile and through the first two furlongs. Reese kept her hands light on her gray filly's mouth, impressed at how relaxed Taboo was. She always was in the early parts of the races. She didn't get frazzled like most horses. That was the one good thing about Tabz's mental state. She could drift away and then re-engage without a moment's notice.
The two year olds dashed over the hills; Crook closed the distance slightly, her breath right at Taboo's left haunch. The fillies charged up the final hillside, nearly side by side. At the crest, Call Me Crooked was at Taboo's throatlatch. Reese wriggled her fingers over the reins, warning Taboo that now was the time to re-engage. Call Me Crooked looked blocky, but the filly was agile as a cat. She proved so by getting the slight jump over Taboo heading down the hillside. Tabz's ears shot forward when Crook headed down the hillside in front. Her gray body quivered and then, she too, was launching down the hillside in pursuit. The tables had been turned.
Maggie nearly shut her eyes when Crook leaped the final three feet of the hillside onto the flat. Her hooves dug in ferociously into the turf upon landing, her hind end pushing mightily for propulsion. Her muscled body surged over the ground, a study in efficiency and power. She'd gotten the power from her dam, the efficiency of her sire. Maggie believed that Crook was only going to get better as she aged. She leaned close, relishing the bite of Crooks' whipping mane. Taboo was going to be coming. She had to remind herself that Crook was not going to go the extra furlong today. She relaxed her grip slightly on the reins, forced her energy to settle. "Alright Crooky. We're going to do what we're not supposed to do in a race."
Taboo was really revving the engine right now. Her classical body soared over the grass when Reese gave her the signal. Her pink-gray hide glinted in the sunlight, turned her into a mythical animal of the stories and myths. Reese let the reins fly through her hands as Taboo rolled up to Call Me Crooked's side. The tough bay pinned her ears at the sight of the elegant filly, warning her off. Reese knew that this race was sort of unfair, knew that Ripley was only doing this to bring out Crook's competitive fires, to light the fire in Taboo. It was working. Reese could feel Taboo preparing to commit the final assault. Somehow the gray knew she had this work just about wrapped up.
Crook blasted through her final furlong, accepted Maggie's guidance to go to the far outside, trusting her rider to get her the win. Crook was leading when Maggie pulled her off the main track and onto the slimmer, flatter track that ran alongside it. The Crooked Fire filly snorted, instantly suspicious, but she allowed herself to be pulled up to a hand-canter and then a jog.
Taboo, feeling triumphant that she put away the blocky sprinter, bulletted through her final third furlong, gray legs flashing beneath her sleek form. Reese's eyes blurred from the wind, but she didn't duck or avoid the it. She welcomed it. She was feeling her filly come fully into life. Taboo flew through the wire alone, sure that she had dispatched her courageous and fierce opponent. She pranced jogging back, snorted at Crooked who stood waiting beside Ripley's ATV. The auburn haired woman sent a glowing smile in Reese's direction.
"Now that was as close to perfect as it could get!"