March Week Three
Vagabond & Sun King.
Lethal Dose & Cross My Heart
Lethal Dose & Cross My Heart
filthy thieves
Maggie didn't know who was more excited for today's first workout: Brookson Wells or Sun King. The chestnut colt vibrated with eagerness across from her own mount Vagabond. The Native Flame horse looked eager to try on the slightly larger bay and make an enemy out of a stablemate. Maggie could discern nothing from Vagabond. The Winged Heir colt was as stonily quiet as ever, dark eyes flickering over Sun King thoughtfully, but not with keen interest. His muscles rippled underneath sparkling bright bay hide. His powerful frame only emphasized the fact that Vagabond was growing into his large body and perhaps enhancing his raw physical talent. Maggie felt a pulsing of excitement under her skin, sure that Vagabond was going to be rolling come his start in the GHF Stable Faceoff in two weeks.
Brookson Wells ran the chamomile cloth over Sun King's copper hide with nervous, jerky movements. He wanted to get this horse out on the track. The colt's workouts had been absolutely stellar since his last start, his gallops turning more into breezes than just simply gallops. Like Vagabond, Sun King was beginning to fill out. He would never come close to the heft of Vagabond nor Casualty of War, but his athleticism was undeniable. The colt's fiery eyes slipped from Vagabond to meet the blue eyes of his rider. Such ferocity echoed between them, such a desire to win and get back to the winner's circle. Brooks patted the colt's shoulder, grinning when he pinned his ears and reminded Brooks that just because they were partners on the track, didn't necessarily make them friends.
Maggie nodded as she swept one last appreciative gaze over Vagabond. The colt looked beyond incredible and more than capable of breaking his three race seconditis. "Ready when you are Brookson Wells. I'm guessing we're trying the dirt track out today since Sun King isn't a turf horse by any means." No, those Native Flame horses were best on the dirt, deep or hard as a rock they always ran better on it than the grass. Vagabond, well-bred as he was, could handle any surface, wet or dry as a bone.
"You'd be right. Ripley wants to emphasize on speed today. She thinks Vagabond might be effective if he has something to chase in his workouts. Though what better chaser is there than Spotlight Pride or Cross My Heart, I'm not sure." Maggie flashed a grin at Brooks' slightly befuddled face as she lead Vagabond by. "Because Ripley doesn't want to pit my closer against a horse he'll never catch. Your horse... Well, we definitely can catch him."
Maggie was forced to speed up when Sun King reached out irritably to bite her bay colt. Relatively easy-going, Vagabond strutted right on by without so much a flick of the ear. If Sun King wanted to tangle with him, the red colt could do it out on the track or not at all. Maggie leaped onto her colt's back, felt his dominating aura swallow her as she slid into place. The blood bay colt was full of barely muted power. It was odd that second place finishes would grow his confidence, but this was the case. Each race, the distance between himself and the winner was shrinking. Today and the next race Vagabond would get his shot to turn the tables on his foes and serve notice.
Sun King strutted after the heavier colt, his own muscles thrumming beneath his copper hide. He could taste the coming battle as sure as he could taste his grain. This was a workout Brooks had been waiting on for the entire week. When Ripley had decided to stick this workout up on the board, Brooks had known this workout would be a battle of Cross My Heart and Innocent Passion proportions. Spiteful and deadly with horrible speed. Brooks slapped his colt's neck as the chestnut stepped hoof onto the dirt, trailing Vagabond like a shadow. He was analyzing the other colt with more gusto than any other foe. He recognized a big threat, did not like the newbies attitude. Every other horse in the barn new King was the boss and no one else. The colt lifted into a gallop, bulleted by Vagabond as close as he could get.
The bay horse tossed his head, chomped on his bit as the red comet charged by stirring the hair on his hide. Maggie stood in the saddle, vowing trouble for Brookson Wells. Vagabond rolled into a long, ground eating gallop, black mane and tail flying behind him like a cape. His hooves beat loudly over the surface, faster when he realized early speed would keep him closer to the Native Flame son. Bond tucked his chin to his chest as he ran, snorting fervently through wide nostrils. No way was that arrogant sob going to beat him down today. Maggie grinned a little as the attitude wafted up the leather reins clear as day. Bond was a competitive horse when he got riled up.
King cruised three and a half lengths ahead of Vagabond, ears flicking often to keep tabs on the opponent. Brooks did not have to peak under his arm to know that King had also succeeded in riling up Maggiletti. She didn't tolerate such dangerous moves, particular with the younger horses. Brooks leaned close to the ruby red mane, his smile dimming to a concentrated grimace. Sun King was strong today and very on the bridle. Brooks muscles were sore as the colt fought to gain more rein and more speed. Brooks relented slightly, knowing that the key to getting the most out of his colt was by letting him use his natural speed. Almost instantly, King spread his long legs over the course and turned the cruising gallop into a relentless one. The half-mile warm up had gone mostly as Ripley had planned. Now there was seven furlongs of workout for his colt to run on the lead with a pursuer more than ready to fly in for the kill.
Maggie was extremely pleased with Vagabond. The blood-bay just strolled along after his stable-mate, practically galloping behind his arch-rival. Yet, for all the steady pace, he had not allowed Sun King to sneak away. The chestnut colt was still only three and a half lengths ahead of them. Vagabond was learning what it meant to race and knew he would give himself too much to do like he had in the past. His black-rimmed ears flicked backward into his mane as Sun King picked up the pace to a rapid run. He followed with tremendous strides, hugging the rail as much as he could. Maggie wound her fingers into the black mane, nodding in approval when Vagabond switched leads on the turn like a pro.
Brooks glanced under his arm now. The hoofbeats beyond them were too loud for Vagabond's usual deep closer running style. The view confirmed that somehow the colt had sharpened up. He was way closer than normal, too close for comfort. Sun King pinned his ears as the blood bay drew within two lengths of him as they headed into the far turn. Brooks faced front just in time to snatch the chestnut colt's mane and keep himself upright. The Native Flame colt surged into the turn, cornering with cold precision as he flew away from his opponent. He would beat Vagabond now or the blood-bay would engage with him. Vagabond was a fighter and Brooks agreed with King's move.
Maggied cursed when Sun King put even more separation between them. The chestnut colt had tactical speed enough for two horses. She shook the reins up, stirring Vagabond into action. The blood bay colt roared off the turn three paths wide, huge muscles in his hind end propelling him off the turn with impressive momentum. Maggie practically stood in the saddle as Vagabond launched to within a length of Sun King. He'd gotten the measure of the chestnut colt and now he was playing. His big body pulled up alongside Sun King, ears pricking as Sun King fought back with bared teeth. The chestnut horse would not lose to this newbie. He would not lose!
Together, the bay and chestnut poured it on down the stretch in a showy procession. Neither would let the other pass, but Vagabond was going easier of the two. The blood-bay colt put on a spurt of speed, digging in to get his nose down at the wire. King swept by when Vagabond pretty much pulled himself up. The mission had been completed. He pricked his ears when Sun King returned, eyes full of spite and vicious temper. The chestnut colt squealed, launched a kick that missed by a foot, but was too close for comfort. Vagabond pinned his ears, mouth agape, but Maggie's stern insistence prevented the colt from completing his self-assigned mission. The colts parted, tails slapping their haunches in annoyance and rage. Another time this matter would be settled.
Brookson Wells ran the chamomile cloth over Sun King's copper hide with nervous, jerky movements. He wanted to get this horse out on the track. The colt's workouts had been absolutely stellar since his last start, his gallops turning more into breezes than just simply gallops. Like Vagabond, Sun King was beginning to fill out. He would never come close to the heft of Vagabond nor Casualty of War, but his athleticism was undeniable. The colt's fiery eyes slipped from Vagabond to meet the blue eyes of his rider. Such ferocity echoed between them, such a desire to win and get back to the winner's circle. Brooks patted the colt's shoulder, grinning when he pinned his ears and reminded Brooks that just because they were partners on the track, didn't necessarily make them friends.
Maggie nodded as she swept one last appreciative gaze over Vagabond. The colt looked beyond incredible and more than capable of breaking his three race seconditis. "Ready when you are Brookson Wells. I'm guessing we're trying the dirt track out today since Sun King isn't a turf horse by any means." No, those Native Flame horses were best on the dirt, deep or hard as a rock they always ran better on it than the grass. Vagabond, well-bred as he was, could handle any surface, wet or dry as a bone.
"You'd be right. Ripley wants to emphasize on speed today. She thinks Vagabond might be effective if he has something to chase in his workouts. Though what better chaser is there than Spotlight Pride or Cross My Heart, I'm not sure." Maggie flashed a grin at Brooks' slightly befuddled face as she lead Vagabond by. "Because Ripley doesn't want to pit my closer against a horse he'll never catch. Your horse... Well, we definitely can catch him."
Maggie was forced to speed up when Sun King reached out irritably to bite her bay colt. Relatively easy-going, Vagabond strutted right on by without so much a flick of the ear. If Sun King wanted to tangle with him, the red colt could do it out on the track or not at all. Maggie leaped onto her colt's back, felt his dominating aura swallow her as she slid into place. The blood bay colt was full of barely muted power. It was odd that second place finishes would grow his confidence, but this was the case. Each race, the distance between himself and the winner was shrinking. Today and the next race Vagabond would get his shot to turn the tables on his foes and serve notice.
Sun King strutted after the heavier colt, his own muscles thrumming beneath his copper hide. He could taste the coming battle as sure as he could taste his grain. This was a workout Brooks had been waiting on for the entire week. When Ripley had decided to stick this workout up on the board, Brooks had known this workout would be a battle of Cross My Heart and Innocent Passion proportions. Spiteful and deadly with horrible speed. Brooks slapped his colt's neck as the chestnut stepped hoof onto the dirt, trailing Vagabond like a shadow. He was analyzing the other colt with more gusto than any other foe. He recognized a big threat, did not like the newbies attitude. Every other horse in the barn new King was the boss and no one else. The colt lifted into a gallop, bulleted by Vagabond as close as he could get.
The bay horse tossed his head, chomped on his bit as the red comet charged by stirring the hair on his hide. Maggie stood in the saddle, vowing trouble for Brookson Wells. Vagabond rolled into a long, ground eating gallop, black mane and tail flying behind him like a cape. His hooves beat loudly over the surface, faster when he realized early speed would keep him closer to the Native Flame son. Bond tucked his chin to his chest as he ran, snorting fervently through wide nostrils. No way was that arrogant sob going to beat him down today. Maggie grinned a little as the attitude wafted up the leather reins clear as day. Bond was a competitive horse when he got riled up.
King cruised three and a half lengths ahead of Vagabond, ears flicking often to keep tabs on the opponent. Brooks did not have to peak under his arm to know that King had also succeeded in riling up Maggiletti. She didn't tolerate such dangerous moves, particular with the younger horses. Brooks leaned close to the ruby red mane, his smile dimming to a concentrated grimace. Sun King was strong today and very on the bridle. Brooks muscles were sore as the colt fought to gain more rein and more speed. Brooks relented slightly, knowing that the key to getting the most out of his colt was by letting him use his natural speed. Almost instantly, King spread his long legs over the course and turned the cruising gallop into a relentless one. The half-mile warm up had gone mostly as Ripley had planned. Now there was seven furlongs of workout for his colt to run on the lead with a pursuer more than ready to fly in for the kill.
Maggie was extremely pleased with Vagabond. The blood-bay just strolled along after his stable-mate, practically galloping behind his arch-rival. Yet, for all the steady pace, he had not allowed Sun King to sneak away. The chestnut colt was still only three and a half lengths ahead of them. Vagabond was learning what it meant to race and knew he would give himself too much to do like he had in the past. His black-rimmed ears flicked backward into his mane as Sun King picked up the pace to a rapid run. He followed with tremendous strides, hugging the rail as much as he could. Maggie wound her fingers into the black mane, nodding in approval when Vagabond switched leads on the turn like a pro.
Brooks glanced under his arm now. The hoofbeats beyond them were too loud for Vagabond's usual deep closer running style. The view confirmed that somehow the colt had sharpened up. He was way closer than normal, too close for comfort. Sun King pinned his ears as the blood bay drew within two lengths of him as they headed into the far turn. Brooks faced front just in time to snatch the chestnut colt's mane and keep himself upright. The Native Flame colt surged into the turn, cornering with cold precision as he flew away from his opponent. He would beat Vagabond now or the blood-bay would engage with him. Vagabond was a fighter and Brooks agreed with King's move.
Maggied cursed when Sun King put even more separation between them. The chestnut colt had tactical speed enough for two horses. She shook the reins up, stirring Vagabond into action. The blood bay colt roared off the turn three paths wide, huge muscles in his hind end propelling him off the turn with impressive momentum. Maggie practically stood in the saddle as Vagabond launched to within a length of Sun King. He'd gotten the measure of the chestnut colt and now he was playing. His big body pulled up alongside Sun King, ears pricking as Sun King fought back with bared teeth. The chestnut horse would not lose to this newbie. He would not lose!
Together, the bay and chestnut poured it on down the stretch in a showy procession. Neither would let the other pass, but Vagabond was going easier of the two. The blood-bay colt put on a spurt of speed, digging in to get his nose down at the wire. King swept by when Vagabond pretty much pulled himself up. The mission had been completed. He pricked his ears when Sun King returned, eyes full of spite and vicious temper. The chestnut colt squealed, launched a kick that missed by a foot, but was too close for comfort. Vagabond pinned his ears, mouth agape, but Maggie's stern insistence prevented the colt from completing his self-assigned mission. The colts parted, tails slapping their haunches in annoyance and rage. Another time this matter would be settled.
obsession
Twin screams whistled through the air to touch Ripley Marsh's ears on the way back into the barn. One was high and wild, the other throaty and domineering. Touch Up and In Front were back to their full-blooded inter-generational battle again. Ripley wasn't much of a farm person, preferred to stay out on the track than at home with the mamas, papas and babies. Now, she remembered why. In Front had gained more confidence with every tremendous start he made. He was acting out on it with aggression towards his powerful sire and stirring up more than one horse and human. She heard a demanding nicker as she stepped into the shadows of the older horse barn, smiled at the gleaming coal black mare who stood proudly between the cross-ties.
Cross My Heart, glorious in person with long limbs, an elegant frame and a very attentive face, met Ripley with a trio of welcoming snorts. Ripley stepped up to the gleaming mare, rubbed the white star in the middle of her forehead. "Hello, Beautiful." The mare rolled her eyes in pleasure, glancing away from Ripley only when Kendall returned with bit and bridle. Already saddled, Cross was more than ready to get out onto the track and do some running. Ripley nodded to Kendall in appreciation. "She looks like she's behaving for a change."
"Oh that's for sure. She's a gorgeous one. I think she looks the best I've ever seen her." Ripley nodded in agreement as she pulled on her helmet and chaps. "Definitely. Just this one workout with Lee today and then she gets shipped out to Green Horse Fields until after the D.D. Memorial." Kendall smiled, rubbed her hands together. "Going to be a good race. Heard Lynara's Kingdom is going to go to that one too." Ripley smiled, winked. "And we didn't even plan it with SOPS that way. Anyway, don't worry about In Front and tell Malcolm not to fret. I'm sending him out to Brooks. He can stay at The Wire until he's needed in a workout here or race."
Kendall smiled. "Oh Malcolm is fretting. Especially when you told him Top Admiral and Bellefire were coming in from Intrepid."
"They've helped us get back on our feet. It's time to start repaying their actions." Ripley looked up, irritation flickering in her green eyes, when Laura rode into the barn aboard the fiery bay filly Lethal Dose. The Lethal Knack horse practically had flames shooting out of her eyes, sparks coming off of her hooves. She was brawny and handsome as can be for a filly. More coltish in appearance, Lethal Dose was going to start coming into her own as the season wore on. Next start would be in the Davona Dale versus top filly Battle Wings. A fight would guarantee Lee's entry into the Triple Tiara this season. Stranger things had happened, and a winner of only one race was not a strange thing these days. "She looks great."
Laura patted the filly's stout neck, flushing with the praise. Lee felt great. She felt tough and strong and mighty. Everything you wanted in a three year old filly. Ripley might want her in the Triple Tiara, but Laura saw a horse made for the Red Mile and Risorgimento Series. Lee was going to be tough in either of the three series, despite what their rivals thought of her. They weren't bringing a mule to the Triple Tiara this season. Laura turned the powerful filly back out of the barn, grinning when Lee paused between shadow and light, blinking her eyes. She let out a rough neigh, stirring up a chorus of whinnies from the excitable weanlings who charged about the paddock with their tails in the air.
Cross stepped up alongside Lethal Dose, ears pricked though her eyes were more guarded. She was not ready for motherhood in the least, more geared toward analyzing this coltish filly beside her. Ripley felt the black mare stiffen when Lethal Dose assumed the lead down the path to the dirt track. She would have bit the bay's rump if Ripley hadn't been quick enough. With spiteful eyes, Cross looked in the opposite direction, determined to pretend that Lethal Dose's youthful arrogance didn't bother her. Ripley smiled, ran a gentle hand down the long black mane. "You'll show her soon enough."
The bay filly pulsed with energy, hide glowing with good health and conditioning. She was nearly dead fit and seemed to thrive on her fierce scheduling. Laura felt like she was on top of the mountain when she galloped this filly. Lee just had a strength that made her more than just a three year old filly. Extreme promise circled her like a predator. It was going to erupt in matter of months. Laura let the filly step into a hand-gallop the second she hit the track. Her long strides covered the ground with collection, her head carried with poise. She became graceful with the movement. She was not graceful or elegant at a standstill. Laura leaned close to the filly's neck, anticipating Cross' blitzing speed and was rewarded with it in seconds. The black comet swooped by them on the first turn, dark legs blurring beneath her lean frame. The sprinter was the easiest horse to predict, but the hardest horse to catch.
Ripley kept her hands light on Cross My Heart's bit as the mare tore into the backstretch. She was a whirling tornado eating up the world beneath her. She was strong, mighty, brilliant and unbelievably terrifying. Ripley's pale hands were wrapped in the mane as adrenaline pumped through her system. Cross was her horse, heart and soul. She kept her body still as a stone, had long learned that movement would only egg on her fierce horse. Ripley peaked under her arm, noted that Lethal Dose cruised only three lengths behind. Laura was still and Ripley had to admit she was impressed. Lee wasn't a brilliant horse in the first furlong, but she had a solid cruising speed.
Lee mercilessly romped over the dirt surface, ears flicking over her classic head. Laura was shocked at how easily Lee was moving, stunned that she ran so effortlessly at a speed only slower than Cross'. It was beyond impressive. Lethal Dose rolled over the course, muscles coiling and releasing with precision. Her hoofbeats grew louder as Ripley gave the signal for the four furlong breeze to begin. Laura niggled on the reins, intending to put Lethal Dose in the game earlier than usual. It was all she could do against Cross' magnificent turn of foot.
Cross' ears pinned when she heard the wild beat of hooves just behind her. Ripley kept her poker face even though shock coursed through her veins. Laura was breaking the norm, sending Lee against Cross for a head to head four furlong battle. She was either foolish or she truly believed her horse was capable of running with Cross. Ripley's gaze hardened when the bay's stripe marked head suddenly appeared at Cross' outside shoulder. Spurred on, Cross flew forward, daring Lethal Dose to pick up the pace even more. The filly remained glued at her side, mouth agape around the bit that had gone slack with shock in her mouth. Her eyes glowed red with anger, nearly matching the loathing in Cross' dark eyes.
The muscular filly edged closer as the ripped into the far turn, slightly backing off when her larger body was forced to go wide. Cross relished in the sudden lack, drawing in a deep breath. Ripley smirked. Cross was just getting started. Ripley pulled her lenses down just as Cross pushed mightily off her hind end and launched herself into the stretch, fully extended and brilliant.
Lee roared off the turn, her unimpressive tail flying back behind her. She was furious, her muscles pumping with fury and self-righteousness. The molten bay closed the distance with great strides, swallowing three lengths, then two. Laura gave a pump of her hands, grinning from ear to ear when the Lethal Knack filly responded. She surged up to Cross' side, ears pinning as that black rival threatened to savage her with a twisted head and bared teeth.
The horses streaked under the line, air echoing the gun-shot sounds of their hoof beats. Lethal Dose galloped out past Cross My Heart, ears pricking when she went by. Laura patted the filly's neck, monstrously excited for the Davona Dale. She might not win, but perhaps she could give Battle Wings and whoever else showed up a good scare.
Cross' eyes bore into the back of the filly, gorgeous tail swinging rapidly over her rump in irritation. Next time out she would have to do better. Next time out it wouldn't just be a half-length. She wanted more. She wanted to show that she was the boss. She wanted respect. She bowed her chin to her chest, nostrils moving in and out as she drew air into her lungs. Ripley ran a hand down the mare's mane, mulling over the possibilities.
Cross My Heart, glorious in person with long limbs, an elegant frame and a very attentive face, met Ripley with a trio of welcoming snorts. Ripley stepped up to the gleaming mare, rubbed the white star in the middle of her forehead. "Hello, Beautiful." The mare rolled her eyes in pleasure, glancing away from Ripley only when Kendall returned with bit and bridle. Already saddled, Cross was more than ready to get out onto the track and do some running. Ripley nodded to Kendall in appreciation. "She looks like she's behaving for a change."
"Oh that's for sure. She's a gorgeous one. I think she looks the best I've ever seen her." Ripley nodded in agreement as she pulled on her helmet and chaps. "Definitely. Just this one workout with Lee today and then she gets shipped out to Green Horse Fields until after the D.D. Memorial." Kendall smiled, rubbed her hands together. "Going to be a good race. Heard Lynara's Kingdom is going to go to that one too." Ripley smiled, winked. "And we didn't even plan it with SOPS that way. Anyway, don't worry about In Front and tell Malcolm not to fret. I'm sending him out to Brooks. He can stay at The Wire until he's needed in a workout here or race."
Kendall smiled. "Oh Malcolm is fretting. Especially when you told him Top Admiral and Bellefire were coming in from Intrepid."
"They've helped us get back on our feet. It's time to start repaying their actions." Ripley looked up, irritation flickering in her green eyes, when Laura rode into the barn aboard the fiery bay filly Lethal Dose. The Lethal Knack horse practically had flames shooting out of her eyes, sparks coming off of her hooves. She was brawny and handsome as can be for a filly. More coltish in appearance, Lethal Dose was going to start coming into her own as the season wore on. Next start would be in the Davona Dale versus top filly Battle Wings. A fight would guarantee Lee's entry into the Triple Tiara this season. Stranger things had happened, and a winner of only one race was not a strange thing these days. "She looks great."
Laura patted the filly's stout neck, flushing with the praise. Lee felt great. She felt tough and strong and mighty. Everything you wanted in a three year old filly. Ripley might want her in the Triple Tiara, but Laura saw a horse made for the Red Mile and Risorgimento Series. Lee was going to be tough in either of the three series, despite what their rivals thought of her. They weren't bringing a mule to the Triple Tiara this season. Laura turned the powerful filly back out of the barn, grinning when Lee paused between shadow and light, blinking her eyes. She let out a rough neigh, stirring up a chorus of whinnies from the excitable weanlings who charged about the paddock with their tails in the air.
Cross stepped up alongside Lethal Dose, ears pricked though her eyes were more guarded. She was not ready for motherhood in the least, more geared toward analyzing this coltish filly beside her. Ripley felt the black mare stiffen when Lethal Dose assumed the lead down the path to the dirt track. She would have bit the bay's rump if Ripley hadn't been quick enough. With spiteful eyes, Cross looked in the opposite direction, determined to pretend that Lethal Dose's youthful arrogance didn't bother her. Ripley smiled, ran a gentle hand down the long black mane. "You'll show her soon enough."
The bay filly pulsed with energy, hide glowing with good health and conditioning. She was nearly dead fit and seemed to thrive on her fierce scheduling. Laura felt like she was on top of the mountain when she galloped this filly. Lee just had a strength that made her more than just a three year old filly. Extreme promise circled her like a predator. It was going to erupt in matter of months. Laura let the filly step into a hand-gallop the second she hit the track. Her long strides covered the ground with collection, her head carried with poise. She became graceful with the movement. She was not graceful or elegant at a standstill. Laura leaned close to the filly's neck, anticipating Cross' blitzing speed and was rewarded with it in seconds. The black comet swooped by them on the first turn, dark legs blurring beneath her lean frame. The sprinter was the easiest horse to predict, but the hardest horse to catch.
Ripley kept her hands light on Cross My Heart's bit as the mare tore into the backstretch. She was a whirling tornado eating up the world beneath her. She was strong, mighty, brilliant and unbelievably terrifying. Ripley's pale hands were wrapped in the mane as adrenaline pumped through her system. Cross was her horse, heart and soul. She kept her body still as a stone, had long learned that movement would only egg on her fierce horse. Ripley peaked under her arm, noted that Lethal Dose cruised only three lengths behind. Laura was still and Ripley had to admit she was impressed. Lee wasn't a brilliant horse in the first furlong, but she had a solid cruising speed.
Lee mercilessly romped over the dirt surface, ears flicking over her classic head. Laura was shocked at how easily Lee was moving, stunned that she ran so effortlessly at a speed only slower than Cross'. It was beyond impressive. Lethal Dose rolled over the course, muscles coiling and releasing with precision. Her hoofbeats grew louder as Ripley gave the signal for the four furlong breeze to begin. Laura niggled on the reins, intending to put Lethal Dose in the game earlier than usual. It was all she could do against Cross' magnificent turn of foot.
Cross' ears pinned when she heard the wild beat of hooves just behind her. Ripley kept her poker face even though shock coursed through her veins. Laura was breaking the norm, sending Lee against Cross for a head to head four furlong battle. She was either foolish or she truly believed her horse was capable of running with Cross. Ripley's gaze hardened when the bay's stripe marked head suddenly appeared at Cross' outside shoulder. Spurred on, Cross flew forward, daring Lethal Dose to pick up the pace even more. The filly remained glued at her side, mouth agape around the bit that had gone slack with shock in her mouth. Her eyes glowed red with anger, nearly matching the loathing in Cross' dark eyes.
The muscular filly edged closer as the ripped into the far turn, slightly backing off when her larger body was forced to go wide. Cross relished in the sudden lack, drawing in a deep breath. Ripley smirked. Cross was just getting started. Ripley pulled her lenses down just as Cross pushed mightily off her hind end and launched herself into the stretch, fully extended and brilliant.
Lee roared off the turn, her unimpressive tail flying back behind her. She was furious, her muscles pumping with fury and self-righteousness. The molten bay closed the distance with great strides, swallowing three lengths, then two. Laura gave a pump of her hands, grinning from ear to ear when the Lethal Knack filly responded. She surged up to Cross' side, ears pinning as that black rival threatened to savage her with a twisted head and bared teeth.
The horses streaked under the line, air echoing the gun-shot sounds of their hoof beats. Lethal Dose galloped out past Cross My Heart, ears pricking when she went by. Laura patted the filly's neck, monstrously excited for the Davona Dale. She might not win, but perhaps she could give Battle Wings and whoever else showed up a good scare.
Cross' eyes bore into the back of the filly, gorgeous tail swinging rapidly over her rump in irritation. Next time out she would have to do better. Next time out it wouldn't just be a half-length. She wanted more. She wanted to show that she was the boss. She wanted respect. She bowed her chin to her chest, nostrils moving in and out as she drew air into her lungs. Ripley ran a hand down the mare's mane, mulling over the possibilities.