AUGUST YEAR THIRTEEN
INNOCENT PASSION & FLEET MAJESTY.
ETERNAL PHANTOM & FIRE DANCER.
Lynara's Kingdom & Sugar Jayde.
FORBIDDEN TO FLY & AQUATIC ADDICTION.
ROYAL ASSASSIN & ROYAL CADENZA.
BATTLE WINGS & LIMITED EDITION.
In The Spotlight & Demonic Desires & ROYAL ASSASSIN.
WEEK TWO
ULTIMATE MAJESTY.
fLEET mAJESTY AND aMBER bLACK.
iNNOCENT pASSION AND kRYSTAL yHATE.
The sun rose, illuminating the pristine turf course that SOPS staked its pride and joy on. The grass glimmered a dewy green in the light, and looked nothing less than inviting to the horses that lived to run over it. Amber Black shaded her eyes and admired the view from the back of Fleet Majesty. The gray three year old filly she rode was the hardest knocking grade four on the block. She was an impressively fast racehorse for a horse of such a lower grade. Amber believed the reason she wasn't in grade two or higher right now was because she kept asking for a lot from the young training lease from Witch Creek. Fleet Majesty had long since started running against older horses and she had been giving ridiculously good accounts of herself. She had taken a leg of the Turf Triple Tiara in the Duchess Stakes and then gone on to run in the premier turf races over the Wire's course against the oldest, baddest and toughest turfers TW could give her.
Amber grinned as she recalled the filly's performance this year. They had beaten Innocent Passion for second in the Cotillion Stakes, and that was when Mage started pulling surprises. She had then given Frozen Motion a run for his money in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. And in the process of coming second, had defeated Kentucky Derby winner Born To Impress. Born To Impress had just won the Handsome Mile last out, so if that was any indication it showed that Fleet Majesty would be going in sharp to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes next week. They were getting better and better and Amber hoped they would be ready to rock and roll in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf in a little over four months. She was also hoping that their workmate today was ready to face her challengers again. Innocent Passion, the bay daughter of Passionate Class and Little Miss Innocent, had been beyond impressive in her last two races, both of which were wins.
Anna strode along beneath Krystal Yhate, and Krystal felt out the powerful filly's movements and grinned. Anna was well and truly a horse close to Krystal's heart, from the moment she had backed her as a yearling. They had seen glory last year, with nine wins to top off the season, and right now Innocent Passion was standing with six more wins this season, for an impressive fifteen total, and on a two race win streak. Anna had taken the Star Festival against her arch-rival Cross My Heart one month ago, and then just last week had defeated Turf Triple Crown winner Bella Luna and Turf Triple Tiara leg winner Calamity Queen in the Rose Mile Cup, proving her damline's power at a mile. But Anna had more than enough sprinting ability too, as shown in the Star Festival, and it was time to show the racing world that Cross My Heart would not be alone when she crossed the wire in the Daisy Stakes - or that if she was, it would be because they had left her behind.
The Daisy Stakes was six furlongs over the turf and Krystal knew one thing for sure about the race - it would be a dogfight from start to finish. Anna was fiercely competitive and so was Cross, and both were the only entrants in the race and would be on the front end. It would be a contest not of who was faster, but of who could last the longest in a speed duel. Krystal gritted her teeth. She wanted badly to keep going with Anna, to beat Cross My Heart once more. So today they weren't even working out, just galloping with Fleet Majesty. Mage had consistently proven to be a great workout partner for Anna, so it was with happiness that Amber and Krystal finally met up on the turf track and set off at a quick canter. Mage bounded along, teeming with energy and playfulness, completely at home here on the track. Anna was a picture of seamless grace, her stride flowing and smooth, light as air and effortless as she touched down and lifted off as though she weighed one pound instead of the hundreds of pounds of horse she was.
The two fillies strode out side by side, and then accelerated at the half mile pole to the gallop. Mage dropped back slightly, drifting a bit wide, her eyes bright. This was how Mage played the game. She dropped back and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt before powerfully coming forward in a sweeping drive to take what she could. Anna was a preceder. She couldn't be far from the action or the race was a no-go. She sized up Mage alongside and snorted. She recognized the gray, and also recognized that there was an edge to her that hadn't been there before. Krystal grinned and made sure Anna was as effortless as possible. They couldn't overdo it now. They needed their energy for last week. They hit the three quarter pole and then Amber let Mage go. The gray filly rumbled into a faster pace, her eyes gleaming as she passed Anna and met no resistance.
Mage blew on by in her quick gallop, legs reaching and stride powerful. Anna was furious. She dragged the reins forward, tried to march on Mage's lead. Krystal let her go just a bit, murmuring words of comfort and caution to the bay three year old. Mage crossed the wire five lengths in front, Anna very mad in behind. Krystal shook her head and promised her filly absolution on race day. Anna snorted as though to say You'd better. The majestic Fleet Majesty slowed to a canter, circled back around smugly. Amber and Krystal exchanged their signature grins, pleased as could be with the progress of their horses.
Amber grinned as she recalled the filly's performance this year. They had beaten Innocent Passion for second in the Cotillion Stakes, and that was when Mage started pulling surprises. She had then given Frozen Motion a run for his money in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. And in the process of coming second, had defeated Kentucky Derby winner Born To Impress. Born To Impress had just won the Handsome Mile last out, so if that was any indication it showed that Fleet Majesty would be going in sharp to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes next week. They were getting better and better and Amber hoped they would be ready to rock and roll in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf in a little over four months. She was also hoping that their workmate today was ready to face her challengers again. Innocent Passion, the bay daughter of Passionate Class and Little Miss Innocent, had been beyond impressive in her last two races, both of which were wins.
Anna strode along beneath Krystal Yhate, and Krystal felt out the powerful filly's movements and grinned. Anna was well and truly a horse close to Krystal's heart, from the moment she had backed her as a yearling. They had seen glory last year, with nine wins to top off the season, and right now Innocent Passion was standing with six more wins this season, for an impressive fifteen total, and on a two race win streak. Anna had taken the Star Festival against her arch-rival Cross My Heart one month ago, and then just last week had defeated Turf Triple Crown winner Bella Luna and Turf Triple Tiara leg winner Calamity Queen in the Rose Mile Cup, proving her damline's power at a mile. But Anna had more than enough sprinting ability too, as shown in the Star Festival, and it was time to show the racing world that Cross My Heart would not be alone when she crossed the wire in the Daisy Stakes - or that if she was, it would be because they had left her behind.
The Daisy Stakes was six furlongs over the turf and Krystal knew one thing for sure about the race - it would be a dogfight from start to finish. Anna was fiercely competitive and so was Cross, and both were the only entrants in the race and would be on the front end. It would be a contest not of who was faster, but of who could last the longest in a speed duel. Krystal gritted her teeth. She wanted badly to keep going with Anna, to beat Cross My Heart once more. So today they weren't even working out, just galloping with Fleet Majesty. Mage had consistently proven to be a great workout partner for Anna, so it was with happiness that Amber and Krystal finally met up on the turf track and set off at a quick canter. Mage bounded along, teeming with energy and playfulness, completely at home here on the track. Anna was a picture of seamless grace, her stride flowing and smooth, light as air and effortless as she touched down and lifted off as though she weighed one pound instead of the hundreds of pounds of horse she was.
The two fillies strode out side by side, and then accelerated at the half mile pole to the gallop. Mage dropped back slightly, drifting a bit wide, her eyes bright. This was how Mage played the game. She dropped back and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt before powerfully coming forward in a sweeping drive to take what she could. Anna was a preceder. She couldn't be far from the action or the race was a no-go. She sized up Mage alongside and snorted. She recognized the gray, and also recognized that there was an edge to her that hadn't been there before. Krystal grinned and made sure Anna was as effortless as possible. They couldn't overdo it now. They needed their energy for last week. They hit the three quarter pole and then Amber let Mage go. The gray filly rumbled into a faster pace, her eyes gleaming as she passed Anna and met no resistance.
Mage blew on by in her quick gallop, legs reaching and stride powerful. Anna was furious. She dragged the reins forward, tried to march on Mage's lead. Krystal let her go just a bit, murmuring words of comfort and caution to the bay three year old. Mage crossed the wire five lengths in front, Anna very mad in behind. Krystal shook her head and promised her filly absolution on race day. Anna snorted as though to say You'd better. The majestic Fleet Majesty slowed to a canter, circled back around smugly. Amber and Krystal exchanged their signature grins, pleased as could be with the progress of their horses.
phantom in the firelight.
Eternal Phantom and Krystal Yhate.
Fire Dancer and AMBER BLACK.
A rivalry borne of true conflict existed between the bay and black mares. They eyed each other with mutual dislike, mutual desire to crush the other permeating the air. Krystal and Amber looked at each other and grinned cheekily. Fire Dancer, daughter of Native Flame, stood with all of the height and muscle her sire had provided her, towering over the sixteen hands high daughter of Night Stalker and El Sol Del Mar. Eternal Phantom merely swished her tail and lightly stamped a hoof. Year twelve's Kentucky Derby winner and Horse of the Year was not intimidated in the least by Fire Dancer's antics. If anything, she was used to them. The two classic dirt mares had worked and raced alongside each other a lot that year. Each time they met, the air crackled with tension and, from Phantie, the barely surprised urge to take a chunk out of the other horse's neck. Phantie's teeth were already bared, her anti-social side breaking through. Krystal snorted. She always got along with the crazy ones.
She lightly steered the black four year old away. Phantie prowled, always on her guard, and Krystal was just as alert as the mare. They both needed to be on guard for the other. They had worked together since Phantie's juvenile season and had fostered a working partnership. Behind them, the intimidating Fire Dancer strode forward with Amber Black on top. Krystal had worked with Fire for longer than Amber had, but due to conflicts they were getting Fire used to other riders. It was simply not an option to do the same with Phantie, who would probably take a chunk out of her new rider even if that rider was Amber Black. The two mares were very similar to each other in attitude as well as distance and surface preferences. They were tough, strong and moved more like stallions than mares. Fire especially had the intimidating look down. Phantie's just came naturally as a trademark of Night Stalker. Krystal admired the fluid grace of her mount even as Amber admired the predatory power of Fire Dancer.
The two grade ones entered the dirt track. Both of their hooves sank into the soft surface, and both horses were suddenly more alert. Fire snorted and pranced sideways, suddenly eager to get going and losing her serious facade. Krystal snorted and guided the mare to the rail, where they joined the already working Phantie for warm-up. Phantie looked at Fire and her enthusiasm with all the disdain a horse could show before focusing only on herself. Both mares were amazingly fluid movers. They touched down lightly and lifted off with sure confidence, muscles tweaking as they warmed. There was no doubt that the two were impressive, nose to nose and brimming with the desire inherent to a true racehorse - the desire to win. The classic mares pushed off now as their riders urged them faster. They passed the quarter pole and began to gallop.
Phantie elected to take a quieter spot and held back as Fire swept right past her. The usually mid-packing mare had no pack to take part in today, so had formed her own. She swept in front by a length and a half and then cut in sharply, breaking off Phantie's running room. Krystal smirked as Phantie didn't bat an eyelash, instead continuing her cruising gallop down the backstretch. They weren't amateur enough to be unsettled by a trick like that. Amber hadn't expected them to be, but it had been worth a shot. She felt like she was aboard a machine as she rode Fire. She had never truly appreciated the way Fire moved so easily and covered the ground so tirelessly. She was a born marathoner. Eternal Phantom was no marathon horse - she was a true classic mare. But that didn't mean she couldn't move as fluidly or easily as Fire. Her strides were smaller, but swept over the dirt beautifully and Krystal grinned. Fire wouldn't know what hit her.
The two mares swept around the turn and into the stretch with all the ease of experts. Now Phantie pounced, the black mare becoming a roiling mass of speed and wind as she set off after Fire. She came screaming up on the outside, ears flat and eyes dangerous. Fire reacted quickly. Amber reminded herself to hold on as the bay mare flattened her massive body and reached with mighty strides. Big as she was, she had to work to accelerate to match Phantie's pace, but match she did as they rallied into the homestretch. Neck to neck, the two rivals refused to yield and give in to each other. Their riders didn't move a muscle, letting the horses do it all on their own as they flashed under the wire. Grinning, Krystal and Amber saluted each other and rode off. There were new horses to be conditioned, after all.
She lightly steered the black four year old away. Phantie prowled, always on her guard, and Krystal was just as alert as the mare. They both needed to be on guard for the other. They had worked together since Phantie's juvenile season and had fostered a working partnership. Behind them, the intimidating Fire Dancer strode forward with Amber Black on top. Krystal had worked with Fire for longer than Amber had, but due to conflicts they were getting Fire used to other riders. It was simply not an option to do the same with Phantie, who would probably take a chunk out of her new rider even if that rider was Amber Black. The two mares were very similar to each other in attitude as well as distance and surface preferences. They were tough, strong and moved more like stallions than mares. Fire especially had the intimidating look down. Phantie's just came naturally as a trademark of Night Stalker. Krystal admired the fluid grace of her mount even as Amber admired the predatory power of Fire Dancer.
The two grade ones entered the dirt track. Both of their hooves sank into the soft surface, and both horses were suddenly more alert. Fire snorted and pranced sideways, suddenly eager to get going and losing her serious facade. Krystal snorted and guided the mare to the rail, where they joined the already working Phantie for warm-up. Phantie looked at Fire and her enthusiasm with all the disdain a horse could show before focusing only on herself. Both mares were amazingly fluid movers. They touched down lightly and lifted off with sure confidence, muscles tweaking as they warmed. There was no doubt that the two were impressive, nose to nose and brimming with the desire inherent to a true racehorse - the desire to win. The classic mares pushed off now as their riders urged them faster. They passed the quarter pole and began to gallop.
Phantie elected to take a quieter spot and held back as Fire swept right past her. The usually mid-packing mare had no pack to take part in today, so had formed her own. She swept in front by a length and a half and then cut in sharply, breaking off Phantie's running room. Krystal smirked as Phantie didn't bat an eyelash, instead continuing her cruising gallop down the backstretch. They weren't amateur enough to be unsettled by a trick like that. Amber hadn't expected them to be, but it had been worth a shot. She felt like she was aboard a machine as she rode Fire. She had never truly appreciated the way Fire moved so easily and covered the ground so tirelessly. She was a born marathoner. Eternal Phantom was no marathon horse - she was a true classic mare. But that didn't mean she couldn't move as fluidly or easily as Fire. Her strides were smaller, but swept over the dirt beautifully and Krystal grinned. Fire wouldn't know what hit her.
The two mares swept around the turn and into the stretch with all the ease of experts. Now Phantie pounced, the black mare becoming a roiling mass of speed and wind as she set off after Fire. She came screaming up on the outside, ears flat and eyes dangerous. Fire reacted quickly. Amber reminded herself to hold on as the bay mare flattened her massive body and reached with mighty strides. Big as she was, she had to work to accelerate to match Phantie's pace, but match she did as they rallied into the homestretch. Neck to neck, the two rivals refused to yield and give in to each other. Their riders didn't move a muscle, letting the horses do it all on their own as they flashed under the wire. Grinning, Krystal and Amber saluted each other and rode off. There were new horses to be conditioned, after all.
WEEK THREE
jayded kingdom.
Lynara's Kingdom and Amber Black.
Sugar Jayde and Henna Turath.
Henna patted Sugar Jayde's nose gently as she awaited the command to mount up and get her butt over to the track for today's workout. Sugar Jayde, truly sweet as sugar, sniffed her gently before lightly batting her with said nose in the face. Her whiskers tickled Henna's cheeks and the woman of thirty laughed before leaning in to plant a kiss on her pink nose. Jayde lovingly responded with another snort. This was the woman who had ridden Jayde to two Breeders Cup victories among countless others. The four year old gray mare knew and loved Henna Turath with a burning passion. Henna glanced down the aisleway, saw a gray shape making its way towards them and quickly made to lead Jayde outside and mount up. She didn't want to mess with the gray beast that was a sulking Lynara's Kingdom until they reached the turf track.
Jayde snorted with excitement and danced sideways like a green yearling as Henna finally landed in the saddle. The thoroughbred was going to be facing Cross My Heart in her next start, the Autumn Cup Grade One Turf Sprint, among others. Said filly was the bane of Innocent Passion's existence. Last time they had met, Jayde had come out on top. Henna wanted to continue the trend and continue letting Jayde dominate. She couldn't stand to lose to said filly as well. Jayde was absolutely burning after placing second in her last start, the Brigadier Stakes at The Wire. It had been only her third loss of the season and the first in one month. Jayde was back out to blood and even Lynara's Kingdom wasn't going to put Jayde down today. Henna glanced at the temperamental champion mare who was giving off a distinct pissed-off vibe today. The mare's last start had ended in a fourth, and it had royally pissed her off. She had been nearly uncontrollable and was still shaking with wild rage. She had had to be taken back to the track for daily blitzes since then, and was fit as a fiddle and ready for more. She would get more in the Autumn Cup Grade One Dirt Sprint, but first there was her prep for the race in the Cataclysm Stakes.
Amber Black's eyes gleamed with excitement as she rode astride Lynara alongside Jayde. Lynara had been an absolute powerhouse to ride since the Sunshine Millions, turning in the fastest workout times in the barn. She pitied the horses in the mare's next race. With the way Lynara was feeling and the way she was training, Amber thought she was highly capable of burying whoever they decided to put in her path. She was that incredibly furious and conditioned right now. And the minute Lynara caught sight of Jayde, she stiffened before loosening again into dangerous grace and prowling to her workmate for the day. Jayde was a known competitor to the gray mare, one she grew to detest when they met up. Even sweet Sugar Jayde turned hostile as Lynara approached, stiffening her stride and eyes flashing with a dangerous light. The friendly filly never got that way with anybody but Lynara.
You know, we might just bury you this workout. I know Jayde's in shape, but Lynara is indescribable right now. We're going to have to warm up separately. Canter a half, gallop a half. Be really warm. We'll meet back here at the wire for a three furlong blitz. That's right, only three. Any longer and I'm worried Lynara will run herself into oblivion. Besides, neither horse needs the extra edge. Lynara's not the only one training spectacularly lately. Henna glowed with Amber's brief acknowledgment of Jayde's own morning blitzes before nodding and wheeling away aboard Jayde. As they trotted and then cantered, the fifteen point three hand high daughter of Queen Of Hearts relaxed. Her eyes lost their furious gleam and softened, became neutral. Henna sat to the mare's smooth strides, happily accelerating as the time called for a gallop, turning some circles before slowing to a trot and trotting in circles at the wire, waiting for their competition. Jayde was ready to go.
Amber felt like her arms were being pulled out of her sockets as she tried to moderate Lynara's pace. The sprinter-miler wasn't having any of the slow stuff today. Her canter was more like a gallop, long, powerful and fast. When Amber cued for the actual gallop, Lynara sprinted forward, practically bolting. Amber breathed in and out, concentrated and managed to slow Lynara to her slow gallop with one furlong left to go in the warm up. They swept under the wire and did an extra furlong for good measure before Amber collected the gray mare. Lynara didn't want to slow down. She didn't want to be collected. And now that Amber was conflicting with what the mare wanted, she ripped a buck, then another, ears flat to her head. Amber sat it smoothly, well used to it and expecting it from the temperamental mare. She wouldn't have stayed Lynara's rider for long if she couldn't handle the craziness. Henna whistled at Lynara's bucks. We're facing a firecracker today girl.
The mares toed the line and were then off and running in a blitz. Lynara, to nobody's surprise, swept right into the lead. Her monstrously fast strides carried her right out into it, and her eyes burned with fury as she rattled off times no horse should have run for this distance. Jayde was off half a beat later than Lynara. The other gray settled into her quick stride, eyes gleaming with enjoyment as she lost herself in love of the sprint. That was why Jayde raced - because she loved to sprint. And now she narrowed her gaze at Lynara five lengths ahead and still pouring it on. Lynara had run the first furlong in a little over ten or eleven seconds. Jayde was coming in at an even twelve seconds, and now she accelerated. Her legs blurred as she sought a higher speed. Lynara didn't seem to be aware of the oncoming freight train as she took out her furies on the track. She rattled off the quarter in barely twenty one seconds. Jayde came down in twenty two point five and gaining in speed.
The final furlong upon them, the two monstrous mares raced their way to oblivion. Lynara blazed the track with the fire of her fury, Jayde with her desire to catch up. She was just coming up alongside as the third furlong ended and she was pulled up. Jayde complied immediately, slowing down and snorting. Henna snorted with her. Their time for three furlongs was beyond impressive, and she was willing to bet that Lynara had equaled or beaten the track record just to be a length in front. Amber worked to shut Lynara down for two furlongs. By the time they came back, Jayde was practically walking and Amber was lathered in sweat. She grinned tiredly at Henna, motioned to some stunned clockers at the rail with her head. Henna laughed, enjoying the spotlight. The two mares were ready to blitz the competition off of their feet in their next starts. Beyond a doubt.
Jayde snorted with excitement and danced sideways like a green yearling as Henna finally landed in the saddle. The thoroughbred was going to be facing Cross My Heart in her next start, the Autumn Cup Grade One Turf Sprint, among others. Said filly was the bane of Innocent Passion's existence. Last time they had met, Jayde had come out on top. Henna wanted to continue the trend and continue letting Jayde dominate. She couldn't stand to lose to said filly as well. Jayde was absolutely burning after placing second in her last start, the Brigadier Stakes at The Wire. It had been only her third loss of the season and the first in one month. Jayde was back out to blood and even Lynara's Kingdom wasn't going to put Jayde down today. Henna glanced at the temperamental champion mare who was giving off a distinct pissed-off vibe today. The mare's last start had ended in a fourth, and it had royally pissed her off. She had been nearly uncontrollable and was still shaking with wild rage. She had had to be taken back to the track for daily blitzes since then, and was fit as a fiddle and ready for more. She would get more in the Autumn Cup Grade One Dirt Sprint, but first there was her prep for the race in the Cataclysm Stakes.
Amber Black's eyes gleamed with excitement as she rode astride Lynara alongside Jayde. Lynara had been an absolute powerhouse to ride since the Sunshine Millions, turning in the fastest workout times in the barn. She pitied the horses in the mare's next race. With the way Lynara was feeling and the way she was training, Amber thought she was highly capable of burying whoever they decided to put in her path. She was that incredibly furious and conditioned right now. And the minute Lynara caught sight of Jayde, she stiffened before loosening again into dangerous grace and prowling to her workmate for the day. Jayde was a known competitor to the gray mare, one she grew to detest when they met up. Even sweet Sugar Jayde turned hostile as Lynara approached, stiffening her stride and eyes flashing with a dangerous light. The friendly filly never got that way with anybody but Lynara.
You know, we might just bury you this workout. I know Jayde's in shape, but Lynara is indescribable right now. We're going to have to warm up separately. Canter a half, gallop a half. Be really warm. We'll meet back here at the wire for a three furlong blitz. That's right, only three. Any longer and I'm worried Lynara will run herself into oblivion. Besides, neither horse needs the extra edge. Lynara's not the only one training spectacularly lately. Henna glowed with Amber's brief acknowledgment of Jayde's own morning blitzes before nodding and wheeling away aboard Jayde. As they trotted and then cantered, the fifteen point three hand high daughter of Queen Of Hearts relaxed. Her eyes lost their furious gleam and softened, became neutral. Henna sat to the mare's smooth strides, happily accelerating as the time called for a gallop, turning some circles before slowing to a trot and trotting in circles at the wire, waiting for their competition. Jayde was ready to go.
Amber felt like her arms were being pulled out of her sockets as she tried to moderate Lynara's pace. The sprinter-miler wasn't having any of the slow stuff today. Her canter was more like a gallop, long, powerful and fast. When Amber cued for the actual gallop, Lynara sprinted forward, practically bolting. Amber breathed in and out, concentrated and managed to slow Lynara to her slow gallop with one furlong left to go in the warm up. They swept under the wire and did an extra furlong for good measure before Amber collected the gray mare. Lynara didn't want to slow down. She didn't want to be collected. And now that Amber was conflicting with what the mare wanted, she ripped a buck, then another, ears flat to her head. Amber sat it smoothly, well used to it and expecting it from the temperamental mare. She wouldn't have stayed Lynara's rider for long if she couldn't handle the craziness. Henna whistled at Lynara's bucks. We're facing a firecracker today girl.
The mares toed the line and were then off and running in a blitz. Lynara, to nobody's surprise, swept right into the lead. Her monstrously fast strides carried her right out into it, and her eyes burned with fury as she rattled off times no horse should have run for this distance. Jayde was off half a beat later than Lynara. The other gray settled into her quick stride, eyes gleaming with enjoyment as she lost herself in love of the sprint. That was why Jayde raced - because she loved to sprint. And now she narrowed her gaze at Lynara five lengths ahead and still pouring it on. Lynara had run the first furlong in a little over ten or eleven seconds. Jayde was coming in at an even twelve seconds, and now she accelerated. Her legs blurred as she sought a higher speed. Lynara didn't seem to be aware of the oncoming freight train as she took out her furies on the track. She rattled off the quarter in barely twenty one seconds. Jayde came down in twenty two point five and gaining in speed.
The final furlong upon them, the two monstrous mares raced their way to oblivion. Lynara blazed the track with the fire of her fury, Jayde with her desire to catch up. She was just coming up alongside as the third furlong ended and she was pulled up. Jayde complied immediately, slowing down and snorting. Henna snorted with her. Their time for three furlongs was beyond impressive, and she was willing to bet that Lynara had equaled or beaten the track record just to be a length in front. Amber worked to shut Lynara down for two furlongs. By the time they came back, Jayde was practically walking and Amber was lathered in sweat. She grinned tiredly at Henna, motioned to some stunned clockers at the rail with her head. Henna laughed, enjoying the spotlight. The two mares were ready to blitz the competition off of their feet in their next starts. Beyond a doubt.
Addicted To Flight.
Forbidden To Fly and Henna Turath.
Aquatic Addiction and Valencia Andrews.
Valencia leaned against the stall door of Aquatic Addiction, playing with the young colt's forelock as he sniffed her gently and looked at her with all of the affection in the world. She grinned, happy to have Theo back at Stride of Perfection instead of at the ever-dwindling New Flight Stable. Theo had finally won his way back to SOPS when he was victorious in the Fleur de Lis Derby. It had been his sixth win of the season and had catapulted him to grade two. The three year old had been catching some more eyes this season, flashing some speed and becoming a backstretch favorite with the staff. He was gentle and kind, obedient and non-violent, and very loving of human affection. Almost more like a pet than a thoroughbred racehorse. But out on the track, Theo was also nurturing a more competitive side, and that was what Valencia liked to see.
Today they were prepping for the Red Wine Sprint, the second leg of the Triple Sprinter Crown. Valencia snorted. Their only competition was Mastermind, and when it came to her and Theo she couldn't stand the colt. Sure, he was grade one and really fast and all, but it was his vanity and arrogance that she couldn't stand. Despite the fact that she was rather arrogant herself, she didn't like to have such an attitude directed at her and her horses. Especially from that chestnut. He probably wasn't expecting much of a fight in the Red Wine Sprint. Aquatic Addiction had been the colt he had defeated with ease in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint, after all. But what they all didn't know - the entire racing world didn't know - was that Theo had improved in leaps and bounds. And what the racing world didn't know was that on the surface, Theo had been just as successful as Mastermind this season. He had seen the winners' circle more times and had absolutely ripped up the Wire's dirt track. And they were going into that race to win. Mastermind would have his hooves full, and he would be defeated. Such was the prophecy of the race as told by Valencia Andrews.
Completely usurping the seriousness of Valencia's sudden mood came the piercing, joyful neighs of non other than the barn alarm clock. Forbidden To Fly, son of Flying Colours and Forbidden Wings, absolutely bred to storm the tracks as a sprinter and miler, was prancing down the barn aisle towards them. A smile graced Henna's face as she guided the light hearted four year old down the aisle and set about tacking him up. Valencia snorted. For such a non-serious horse, Fly was wickedly fast and capable of pulling off surprises. He had only lost three times this year, that last loss occurring in late June - two months ago. And he had picked up lots of wins since then in the sprints. All leading up to his attempt at taking the Breeders Cup Sprint again. As a juvenile he had surprised the world and taken the Breeders Cup Juvenile against the top dirt horses in his division. And while those horses had gone off attempting to win the Triple Crown, he had sprinted. While he was much loved by Henna Turath and the press, the SOPS staff, for the most part, couldn't really stand him. He was too loud and unfocused. Definitely not Valencia's type of horse for sure.
Within fifteen minutes the four year old and three year old were out on the dirt track. Theo toed the dirt with his hoof, eyes alight with eagerness. He pulled like a train, boisterously excited, and Valencia laughed. She leaned forward, and light as air Theo pranced into a strong canter. He suddenly focused now, eyes darkening just as Valencia's did. They were off and running at their sedate pace, just waiting for their competition to catch up. And catch up Fly did. The sudden motion of Theo focused the scatter-brained stallion just enough for him to accelerate and set off after the pair. Treating it just like a game, Fly came up alongside and stayed there, as though waiting for Theo's next move. He was bouncy, but exuded class just by being there. He was already a champion racehorse. Could Theo match him stride for stride?
Valencia smirked. Sent Theo ahead flying into a gallop. Fly kept up with them easily, but now he suddenly took measure of the horse he was running against. A burst of seriousness, there and gone before Fly settled again into his playful attitude. Henna was smiling gently aboard Fly. This was a game they loved to play and did play whenever possible - catch up and pass the horse in front before they even know what had hit them. But Valencia was smart and what Henna could tell was that Theo had improved a lot. He wasn't shirking from this challenge and was remaining focused right along the backstretch. His strides swept like liquid fire along the track, powerful and threatening more. And why shouldn't they go just a bit faster? Show Fly and Henna just how serious they were. Valencia let the reins go and Theo swooshed forward, barreling like a comet through the sky to a three length lead in the blink of an eye. Henna blinked, gasped in surprise, got Fly going. Fly was interested now, a horse in front of him when he was used to having his way. He pulled forward now, still playing and not seriously responding to the challenge. But he would soon. Of that, Henna was certain.
The pair rolled into the backstretch and now Valencia let Theo go. But Henna was already letting Fly go, and the gray winner of twenty-two races zipped up the track. He ate away Theo's lead just as Theo managed to get going again. Head to head, the stallions burned their way to the wire. Theo searched within himself as Valencia asked, prodded, begged. They needed to have more. The response was a sudden burst of speed, completely surprising, that left a mind-boggled Henna and a very surprised Forbidden To Fly behind them by no less than three increasing lengths. Roaring under the wire, Valencia cheered and slapped Theo's neck appreciatively. Henna let Fly catch up to them in the gallop out, shaking her head in a mixture of surprise and excitement. Something has really clicked for Theo lately, hmm? Valencia grinned with wicked excitement shining from her eyes. They're going to get a show in the Red Wine Sprint. And the star will be Aquatic Addiction, not Mastermind. Mark my words, those handicappers and bettors and everybody involved are in for a surprise. Introducing - the new and improved Theo!
Today they were prepping for the Red Wine Sprint, the second leg of the Triple Sprinter Crown. Valencia snorted. Their only competition was Mastermind, and when it came to her and Theo she couldn't stand the colt. Sure, he was grade one and really fast and all, but it was his vanity and arrogance that she couldn't stand. Despite the fact that she was rather arrogant herself, she didn't like to have such an attitude directed at her and her horses. Especially from that chestnut. He probably wasn't expecting much of a fight in the Red Wine Sprint. Aquatic Addiction had been the colt he had defeated with ease in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint, after all. But what they all didn't know - the entire racing world didn't know - was that Theo had improved in leaps and bounds. And what the racing world didn't know was that on the surface, Theo had been just as successful as Mastermind this season. He had seen the winners' circle more times and had absolutely ripped up the Wire's dirt track. And they were going into that race to win. Mastermind would have his hooves full, and he would be defeated. Such was the prophecy of the race as told by Valencia Andrews.
Completely usurping the seriousness of Valencia's sudden mood came the piercing, joyful neighs of non other than the barn alarm clock. Forbidden To Fly, son of Flying Colours and Forbidden Wings, absolutely bred to storm the tracks as a sprinter and miler, was prancing down the barn aisle towards them. A smile graced Henna's face as she guided the light hearted four year old down the aisle and set about tacking him up. Valencia snorted. For such a non-serious horse, Fly was wickedly fast and capable of pulling off surprises. He had only lost three times this year, that last loss occurring in late June - two months ago. And he had picked up lots of wins since then in the sprints. All leading up to his attempt at taking the Breeders Cup Sprint again. As a juvenile he had surprised the world and taken the Breeders Cup Juvenile against the top dirt horses in his division. And while those horses had gone off attempting to win the Triple Crown, he had sprinted. While he was much loved by Henna Turath and the press, the SOPS staff, for the most part, couldn't really stand him. He was too loud and unfocused. Definitely not Valencia's type of horse for sure.
Within fifteen minutes the four year old and three year old were out on the dirt track. Theo toed the dirt with his hoof, eyes alight with eagerness. He pulled like a train, boisterously excited, and Valencia laughed. She leaned forward, and light as air Theo pranced into a strong canter. He suddenly focused now, eyes darkening just as Valencia's did. They were off and running at their sedate pace, just waiting for their competition to catch up. And catch up Fly did. The sudden motion of Theo focused the scatter-brained stallion just enough for him to accelerate and set off after the pair. Treating it just like a game, Fly came up alongside and stayed there, as though waiting for Theo's next move. He was bouncy, but exuded class just by being there. He was already a champion racehorse. Could Theo match him stride for stride?
Valencia smirked. Sent Theo ahead flying into a gallop. Fly kept up with them easily, but now he suddenly took measure of the horse he was running against. A burst of seriousness, there and gone before Fly settled again into his playful attitude. Henna was smiling gently aboard Fly. This was a game they loved to play and did play whenever possible - catch up and pass the horse in front before they even know what had hit them. But Valencia was smart and what Henna could tell was that Theo had improved a lot. He wasn't shirking from this challenge and was remaining focused right along the backstretch. His strides swept like liquid fire along the track, powerful and threatening more. And why shouldn't they go just a bit faster? Show Fly and Henna just how serious they were. Valencia let the reins go and Theo swooshed forward, barreling like a comet through the sky to a three length lead in the blink of an eye. Henna blinked, gasped in surprise, got Fly going. Fly was interested now, a horse in front of him when he was used to having his way. He pulled forward now, still playing and not seriously responding to the challenge. But he would soon. Of that, Henna was certain.
The pair rolled into the backstretch and now Valencia let Theo go. But Henna was already letting Fly go, and the gray winner of twenty-two races zipped up the track. He ate away Theo's lead just as Theo managed to get going again. Head to head, the stallions burned their way to the wire. Theo searched within himself as Valencia asked, prodded, begged. They needed to have more. The response was a sudden burst of speed, completely surprising, that left a mind-boggled Henna and a very surprised Forbidden To Fly behind them by no less than three increasing lengths. Roaring under the wire, Valencia cheered and slapped Theo's neck appreciatively. Henna let Fly catch up to them in the gallop out, shaking her head in a mixture of surprise and excitement. Something has really clicked for Theo lately, hmm? Valencia grinned with wicked excitement shining from her eyes. They're going to get a show in the Red Wine Sprint. And the star will be Aquatic Addiction, not Mastermind. Mark my words, those handicappers and bettors and everybody involved are in for a surprise. Introducing - the new and improved Theo!
BECOMING ROYALTY.
Royal Assassin and Henna Turath.
Royal Cadenza and Valencia Andrews.
Royal Assassin was quickly becoming the most prince-like horse Henna Turath had ever ridden. He was energetic and willful, unable to take losses and always confident in his abilities. His one track mind consisted solely of finishing or accomplishing exactly what he had set out to do, every time. The stallion took no prisoners when it came to accomplishments. And the stallion was bloody fast, too. He was the son of Royal Red Richard and Fatal Attraction, and was loaded with talent for the sprints. It had shown early on when he won the Azalea Cup Colts, but now Prince was rated as merely average. He was grade four and his three year old season had been neglected and sucked. So far, this year was only moderately better. Henna had plans to change that. She was already getting along with Prince really well due to something they shared - a love for all things speed.
Royal Cadenza had been assigned to Valencia Andrews. The son of Hail To Prince and Bluebell Sonnet was Valencia's oldest turf horse project, and she loved him to pieces. Primarily because Caden thought he was number one, arrogant right down to the core and a certain relish in defending the claim he had made to that title. He was selfish, high maintenance and a true show-off. At grade four with no major wins and a lackluster past two seasons, Caden was a true project horse. She just hoped she'd be able to turn him around better than she had turned Mercurial Magic - a project that was still a work-in-progress. Valencia and Henna had both galloped their horses solo for the past week since they had arrived from Star Thoroughbreds. They had a good level of conditioning and obviously knew the track, but now it was time to prime them and make them better for their first starts in SOPS silks. Amber Black lounged against the rail, fresh from her own workouts before this pair. Her eyes were bright with interest as she inspected the two new additions to SOPS. Their bloodlines were good and their records this season indicated true talent. Now just to polish them to discover the talent underneath and bring them to fruition. She had taken on a new horse herself, Restricted Access, and was excited to show her staff members what all these new purchases could mean for the stable.
Prince was like a horse with jet boosters as Henna asked him to canter down the turf track. The bay complied with all speed. Henna could practically hear a royal Yes my lady being neighed from him as they commenced the workout. Prince turned his nose up as Caden followed him. The black had obeyed Valencia instantly, as he was wont to be obedient under saddle. Valencia sat to his now familiar rhythm with a smile on her face. Caden flowed like water over the turf. He was an absolutely smooth and light mover, really good on his hooves and focused on the track. But still with that number one attitude that Valencia shared and loved. She was thrilled to have yet another horse to ride that was so much like her. Before this she thought her closest bond had been with Italian Ice's prodigious talent, but now she felt like Caden could eventually work his way to the top spot.
Prince and Caden were similar in their arrogance and absolute ignorance of each other. Each stallion acted as though he was too good for the other, despite the fact that they had been stablemates and had probably met, if not worked together, before. Henna and Valencia felt out their movements, nodded and began to gallop. Henna laughed openly at Prince's lightning fast transition to the new gait. The stallion was built to lead races wire to wire and that was exactly what he did, every time he could. It was a strategy Henna was well used to due to Pegasus Wings, and that was exactly why she was the perfect rider for Prince. Valencia let Caden run at his own speed and in his own position, noting with interest that he preferred not to stray too far from the company of his workmate. It seemed Caden was definitely one of those types that liked to be surrounded by others during a race. He was definitely some type of mid-packer specialist.
Prince led by one over Caden as they swept through some quick fractions. Amber eyed the stopwatch in her hand and grinned. For grade four older horses, those two were pretty quick, clocking off a twenty three point five first quarter and seeming capable of going even faster. Henna let Prince fly, cackling as the Royal Red Richard colt responded as she knew he would. Prince didn't stretch out. His legs merely blurred in compliance with Henna's wishes. They widened their lead, pulling to three lengths in front. stopping the clock for the quarter in forty six seconds and change. Caden strolled by in forty seven, nearly forty eight. Valencia felt as though the black had yet to hit his best stride and held on tightly as they continued during the last part of the race. Prince was still strongly sprinting, now four in front, but Caden was beginning to close now. Valencia asked him to pick it up and pick it up he did. His eyes were dark as he focused on Prince. Valencia could feel that Caden was going to relish the upcoming challenge and laughed jubilantly, slapping one hand on his neck even as they galloped.
They entered the last part of the race. Prince had run the six furlongs in one twelve, slowing down. Caden made his move. He had run the last quarter faster than Prince and now came swinging into the final quarter. His black legs blurred as he gained on his competitor, drew up alongside and then bounded away to open up a two length lead. Valencia grinned, wondering if Prince could get up to them. Henna was wondering the same thing, but before she could find out Prince was already gamely fighting back, searching for that other gear, finding it and then truly pouring it on to go even-even with Caden at the wire. Valencia and Henna grinned, beginning to fall in love with their new mounts. And Amber gazed at the stopwatch in her hand and laughed. Things were going to turn around for these two now. There was a lot of potential in both of them.
Royal Cadenza had been assigned to Valencia Andrews. The son of Hail To Prince and Bluebell Sonnet was Valencia's oldest turf horse project, and she loved him to pieces. Primarily because Caden thought he was number one, arrogant right down to the core and a certain relish in defending the claim he had made to that title. He was selfish, high maintenance and a true show-off. At grade four with no major wins and a lackluster past two seasons, Caden was a true project horse. She just hoped she'd be able to turn him around better than she had turned Mercurial Magic - a project that was still a work-in-progress. Valencia and Henna had both galloped their horses solo for the past week since they had arrived from Star Thoroughbreds. They had a good level of conditioning and obviously knew the track, but now it was time to prime them and make them better for their first starts in SOPS silks. Amber Black lounged against the rail, fresh from her own workouts before this pair. Her eyes were bright with interest as she inspected the two new additions to SOPS. Their bloodlines were good and their records this season indicated true talent. Now just to polish them to discover the talent underneath and bring them to fruition. She had taken on a new horse herself, Restricted Access, and was excited to show her staff members what all these new purchases could mean for the stable.
Prince was like a horse with jet boosters as Henna asked him to canter down the turf track. The bay complied with all speed. Henna could practically hear a royal Yes my lady being neighed from him as they commenced the workout. Prince turned his nose up as Caden followed him. The black had obeyed Valencia instantly, as he was wont to be obedient under saddle. Valencia sat to his now familiar rhythm with a smile on her face. Caden flowed like water over the turf. He was an absolutely smooth and light mover, really good on his hooves and focused on the track. But still with that number one attitude that Valencia shared and loved. She was thrilled to have yet another horse to ride that was so much like her. Before this she thought her closest bond had been with Italian Ice's prodigious talent, but now she felt like Caden could eventually work his way to the top spot.
Prince and Caden were similar in their arrogance and absolute ignorance of each other. Each stallion acted as though he was too good for the other, despite the fact that they had been stablemates and had probably met, if not worked together, before. Henna and Valencia felt out their movements, nodded and began to gallop. Henna laughed openly at Prince's lightning fast transition to the new gait. The stallion was built to lead races wire to wire and that was exactly what he did, every time he could. It was a strategy Henna was well used to due to Pegasus Wings, and that was exactly why she was the perfect rider for Prince. Valencia let Caden run at his own speed and in his own position, noting with interest that he preferred not to stray too far from the company of his workmate. It seemed Caden was definitely one of those types that liked to be surrounded by others during a race. He was definitely some type of mid-packer specialist.
Prince led by one over Caden as they swept through some quick fractions. Amber eyed the stopwatch in her hand and grinned. For grade four older horses, those two were pretty quick, clocking off a twenty three point five first quarter and seeming capable of going even faster. Henna let Prince fly, cackling as the Royal Red Richard colt responded as she knew he would. Prince didn't stretch out. His legs merely blurred in compliance with Henna's wishes. They widened their lead, pulling to three lengths in front. stopping the clock for the quarter in forty six seconds and change. Caden strolled by in forty seven, nearly forty eight. Valencia felt as though the black had yet to hit his best stride and held on tightly as they continued during the last part of the race. Prince was still strongly sprinting, now four in front, but Caden was beginning to close now. Valencia asked him to pick it up and pick it up he did. His eyes were dark as he focused on Prince. Valencia could feel that Caden was going to relish the upcoming challenge and laughed jubilantly, slapping one hand on his neck even as they galloped.
They entered the last part of the race. Prince had run the six furlongs in one twelve, slowing down. Caden made his move. He had run the last quarter faster than Prince and now came swinging into the final quarter. His black legs blurred as he gained on his competitor, drew up alongside and then bounded away to open up a two length lead. Valencia grinned, wondering if Prince could get up to them. Henna was wondering the same thing, but before she could find out Prince was already gamely fighting back, searching for that other gear, finding it and then truly pouring it on to go even-even with Caden at the wire. Valencia and Henna grinned, beginning to fall in love with their new mounts. And Amber gazed at the stopwatch in her hand and laughed. Things were going to turn around for these two now. There was a lot of potential in both of them.
WEEK FOUR
testing your mettle.
limited edition and valencia andrews.
battle wings and krystal yhate.
The filly was deadly cold. Her eyes were completely expressionless as she gazed at the rider who had trained her since a yearling. Her frame rippled with muscle and repressed fury. Battle Wings was dying to do battle. The daughter of Akuma Battlecry and Silent Wings, granddaughter of Admiral's Revenge and Forbidden Wings, hadn't won a race since mid May. She was a grade four, which was excellent for a juvenile, but she needed more, wanted more. She was the stable's contender for the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies, a race SOPS had never ever won. SOPS generally didn't have standout juvenile dirt fillies. Or if they did, they tackled the Juvenile, like Eternal Phantom had. Krystal stared into Battle's eyes and frowned herself. They were preparing for a start in the Antarctic Derby at the Wire. And they were going to need another workout against Battle's stable rival to kindle her desire for the win.
Limited Edition was the most gorgeous horse in the barn to Valencia Andrews. The chestnut two year old exuded masculinity and age, from his confident stature right down to his bulging muscles. He was working out for the Futurity Stakes, also at the Wire, and he was the stable's Juvenile contender. He was also a more successful horse than Battle, with five wins to his name including the Wire Finish Cup Juvenile Dirt and the Humana Stakes. Every inch of him belonged to Valencia, and she loved the colt dearly. He was every horse's nightmare, but he was her sweetheart. And as he tensed in excitement, flexing his muscles and glowing like a chestnut flame in the light upon seeing Battle Wings, Valencia grinned and then laughed. He was faced with his favorite playmate now, the horse he loved irritating the most. Battle Wings, for her cold demeanor, was the perfect prey for Ed's antics. She always played at not falling for his antagonistic actions, but in the end Ed was very satisfactorily rewarded with a reaction from the typically emotionless filly.
Valencia didn't even try to hold Ed back. The gorgeous chestnut was flashy and exuded class as he picked up an effortless canter with the barest of urgings from Valencia. Valencia smirked widely and settled right in to his rocking gait. He was beautiful, Ed, and he would be yet another horse that took her to the top. It was hard to pick favorites from the gorgeous horses Valencia got put on for SOPS. Based on age, Valencia could say that Royal Cadenza was her favorite older horse, Italian Ice her favorite three year old and Limited Edition her favorite juvenile. And next year, her favorite would be Devil's Flair - she could tell already from having ridden the daredevil through workouts. And speaking of the devil, her likely favorite from the weanlings was Incognito - he just had that daring attitude and already exuded class despite his young age. But for now, she was at home and coasting here aboard her juvenile dirt colt, enjoying the view and looking forward to crushing Battle in the homestretch. Battle was likely to take the lead from the get go, with Ed hunting in behind - their preferred approach. They gloried in the hunt.
Krystal and Battle picked up a coldly precise canter and stayed toe to toe with the brawny chestnut. Ed snorted in excitement and crowded them on the rail. Battle was not to be intimidated. She stood her ground and this time even crowded him right back. Krystal and Valencia scraped irons as the two juveniles ran. They grinned at each other in lightning amusement. Getting down and dirty during a workout between these two juveniles who dueled for top contender over the dirt was not minded by either one of them. Especially when neither horse was backing down from the challenge. Ed and Battle stuck it to each other for the entire mile and a half gallop that precluded their speedy five furlong workout. They were not letting up and were feeling amazing. The two riders glanced at each other, impressed with the development they were feeling from these two juveniles, and then dropped the reins.
Battle exploded out from beneath Krystal. The filly's nearly muted feelings regarding Ed's antagonism throughout the gallop were suddenly not muted anymore. Any horse watching the filly gallop would know that she was enraged. Her eyes exploded with sparks and her stride was quick as lightning as she pulled away from Ed. Valencia and her chestnut colt settled down for the hunt. Their eyes, though of different looks physically, glimmered with the same intent as they settled and ran on behind. They would be ready to go shortly. They trailed off by four lengths, intent and focused. Five furlongs was not a long distance and Valencia got Ed ready by slowly unleashing the reins when the first furlong ended. Battle was blazing the trail, but Ed was coming quickly. With steely determination Ed and Valencia crept up on Battle and then burst into full assault at the end of the fourth furlong.
Battle and Krystal waited for Ed before responding in kind. As Ed swept up alongside Battle increased her pace dramatically. She did not want to lose to such a colt as Ed. She didn't want to lose to anyone for that matter. She stuck her nose stubbornly done and was actually giving the chestnut some trouble. Valencia frowned, leaned down farther and asked for more. Ed tried his best to respond, put in another burst of speed and coasted under the wire a neck in front. Pulling up their horses, both Valencia and Krystal were satisfied with their respective mounts and eager for their next races over at the Wire.
Limited Edition was the most gorgeous horse in the barn to Valencia Andrews. The chestnut two year old exuded masculinity and age, from his confident stature right down to his bulging muscles. He was working out for the Futurity Stakes, also at the Wire, and he was the stable's Juvenile contender. He was also a more successful horse than Battle, with five wins to his name including the Wire Finish Cup Juvenile Dirt and the Humana Stakes. Every inch of him belonged to Valencia, and she loved the colt dearly. He was every horse's nightmare, but he was her sweetheart. And as he tensed in excitement, flexing his muscles and glowing like a chestnut flame in the light upon seeing Battle Wings, Valencia grinned and then laughed. He was faced with his favorite playmate now, the horse he loved irritating the most. Battle Wings, for her cold demeanor, was the perfect prey for Ed's antics. She always played at not falling for his antagonistic actions, but in the end Ed was very satisfactorily rewarded with a reaction from the typically emotionless filly.
Valencia didn't even try to hold Ed back. The gorgeous chestnut was flashy and exuded class as he picked up an effortless canter with the barest of urgings from Valencia. Valencia smirked widely and settled right in to his rocking gait. He was beautiful, Ed, and he would be yet another horse that took her to the top. It was hard to pick favorites from the gorgeous horses Valencia got put on for SOPS. Based on age, Valencia could say that Royal Cadenza was her favorite older horse, Italian Ice her favorite three year old and Limited Edition her favorite juvenile. And next year, her favorite would be Devil's Flair - she could tell already from having ridden the daredevil through workouts. And speaking of the devil, her likely favorite from the weanlings was Incognito - he just had that daring attitude and already exuded class despite his young age. But for now, she was at home and coasting here aboard her juvenile dirt colt, enjoying the view and looking forward to crushing Battle in the homestretch. Battle was likely to take the lead from the get go, with Ed hunting in behind - their preferred approach. They gloried in the hunt.
Krystal and Battle picked up a coldly precise canter and stayed toe to toe with the brawny chestnut. Ed snorted in excitement and crowded them on the rail. Battle was not to be intimidated. She stood her ground and this time even crowded him right back. Krystal and Valencia scraped irons as the two juveniles ran. They grinned at each other in lightning amusement. Getting down and dirty during a workout between these two juveniles who dueled for top contender over the dirt was not minded by either one of them. Especially when neither horse was backing down from the challenge. Ed and Battle stuck it to each other for the entire mile and a half gallop that precluded their speedy five furlong workout. They were not letting up and were feeling amazing. The two riders glanced at each other, impressed with the development they were feeling from these two juveniles, and then dropped the reins.
Battle exploded out from beneath Krystal. The filly's nearly muted feelings regarding Ed's antagonism throughout the gallop were suddenly not muted anymore. Any horse watching the filly gallop would know that she was enraged. Her eyes exploded with sparks and her stride was quick as lightning as she pulled away from Ed. Valencia and her chestnut colt settled down for the hunt. Their eyes, though of different looks physically, glimmered with the same intent as they settled and ran on behind. They would be ready to go shortly. They trailed off by four lengths, intent and focused. Five furlongs was not a long distance and Valencia got Ed ready by slowly unleashing the reins when the first furlong ended. Battle was blazing the trail, but Ed was coming quickly. With steely determination Ed and Valencia crept up on Battle and then burst into full assault at the end of the fourth furlong.
Battle and Krystal waited for Ed before responding in kind. As Ed swept up alongside Battle increased her pace dramatically. She did not want to lose to such a colt as Ed. She didn't want to lose to anyone for that matter. She stuck her nose stubbornly done and was actually giving the chestnut some trouble. Valencia frowned, leaned down farther and asked for more. Ed tried his best to respond, put in another burst of speed and coasted under the wire a neck in front. Pulling up their horses, both Valencia and Krystal were satisfied with their respective mounts and eager for their next races over at the Wire.
The Edge.
In The Spotlight and Valencia Andrews.
Demonic Desires and Amber Black.
ROYAL ASSASSIN AND HENNA TURATH.
The true jewels of the racing season were nearly upon them and there were workouts to be completed. Amber mused over the lineup she had selected for a fun turf workout and grinned. She would have her deadly good sprinter Demonic Desires go up against the equally talented turf router In The Spotlight and the new boy in the barns Royal Assassin. It would polish up Innie's speed and give Prince an edge. As for Demon...who knew what the effect of such a workout would be. No doubt something to puff up the sometimes aggressive colt's ego. Amber smirked and looked forward to it. She swung to Demon's stall and had the royal black son of Speed Demon and Deadly Desires tacked up and ready within minutes. She swung onto the champion's back and he started to walk. It was no ordinary walk. Demon exuded power, class and ease with every step. Just as the top juvenile turf sprinter in the country should.
He was met on the way there by the annoying chestnut filly who was usually his workmate. In The Spotlight was Valencia's juvenile turf router champion here to work out for the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes. She had suffered a series of losses that Valencia had considered unacceptable and was looking for redemption in the Kentucky Juvenile. She was out to prove that she was the top turf router among the juvenile class, and she had plenty of competition for the title. Valencia snorted. The attention hogger that was Innie practically dripped with talent. She ran her races wire to wire and usually won with an extra burst of speed that took her away from the oncoming rush of horses desperate to catch her. Valencia knew talent when she felt it and Innie was dripping with it. Her older brother Ode To Glory had won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf. Perhaps Innie would win the female version of the acclaimed race. If they worked hard...they could get there.
Last to arrive was Henna Turath. Royal Assassin, the successful juvenile sprinter, strode forward with his usual princelike attitude. He had an inability to accept losses, and after losing to his stablemate was in a complete rage. Henna knew she was sitting on a ticking time bomb. Prince was the older horse, but he was facing champion juveniles. But with the way he was feeling, anything was possible today, and Prince might even give the other two a run for their money. She grinned and then changed the grin to a smirk, courtesy of learning from Valencia, and then walked him out to the turf track. She nodded at Valencia and Amber, waited for instructions and inspected the horses her workmates today rode. Demonic Desires looked every inch the son of two Hall Of Famers and champion himself. He just had a presence about him. Not to mention the arrogance bleeding from his eyes. Henna found Prince met the match and would have said so if she didn't think it wasn't the right thing to do. Her eyes found Innie. The chestnut was giving Valencia a really hard time. She was pulling at the reins and all spitting fire today. No doubt wanting the win. She gleamed like a coal in the sunlight.
Henna felt out Royal Assassin. Prince had won the Blast Off Stakes two weeks ago and then taken second in the Chimera Stakes. He was now prepping for a prestigious race in the Skip Away over at the Wire again. Notching the win would land them in grade three and open up more opportunities for them. Provided other horses showed up. She frowned in brief frustration but then refocused as Amber started speaking. I want a mile gallop and three furlong workout. Nothing big. They don't need it. Demon's pissed after losing in that two horse field last time out and wants to win, Innie's lost two straight and wants to win and Prince hated losing to Caden. They'll have plenty of fire in the tank for their next races so I'm not worried about prepping them further. Amber's jockeys nodded and then they were off down the famed SOPS turf track.
The two horses started out at a canter that quickly became a gallop. Innie and Prince quickly began to battle for the lead. Innie wanted the attention and Prince wanted the dominance. Demon and Amber quietly took a spot right behind the dueling pair and waited it out. Demon was all unconcealed brilliance as he rolled over the turf track. He had so much left in the tank and made every move he made ridiculously smooth and classy. Innie and Prince weren't bad themselves. They kept up a great pace for the mile gallop, and their riders settled them down to wait for the actual sprinting portion of the workout before completely tearing off into the distance aboard their mounts. They waited with bated breath as the furlongs ticked off, and as they finally did all three dropped their reins and were rewarded with bursts of speed.
Demon was absolutely brilliant. The black two year old wheeled to the outside and then took off. His black legs blurred as he passed the two other equines as though they were standing still, leaving them in his dust and practically screaming Catch me if you can! Prince and Innie reacted with outrage. Being a bit more highly strung and suited to sprinting, Henna and Prince caught on to Demon's slipstream and set off in pursuit, leaving Innie in the dust. Valencia and Innie stiffened in outrage before snapping into action. They doubled their pace, the chestnut filly snapping into focus and taking off after her new rivals. Her eyes rolled with fire as she caught up to Prince and together the two hunted down Demon.
The black son of Speed Demon and Deadly Desires was well and truly soaring. He felt amazing and Amber thought she had never ridden a faster juvenile. Except maybe for Pegasus Wings. She grinned and laughed as Demon held off his two rivals to win by two lengths at the end. Pulling him up was easy - the colt was too smug to care about his rivals catching him now. Prince was trembling in outright fury and Innie wasn't too happy about losing the spotlight either. In short - every horse had the edge that came from losing and from winning in Demon's case, and they would be ready to tackle their next races with gusto.
He was met on the way there by the annoying chestnut filly who was usually his workmate. In The Spotlight was Valencia's juvenile turf router champion here to work out for the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes. She had suffered a series of losses that Valencia had considered unacceptable and was looking for redemption in the Kentucky Juvenile. She was out to prove that she was the top turf router among the juvenile class, and she had plenty of competition for the title. Valencia snorted. The attention hogger that was Innie practically dripped with talent. She ran her races wire to wire and usually won with an extra burst of speed that took her away from the oncoming rush of horses desperate to catch her. Valencia knew talent when she felt it and Innie was dripping with it. Her older brother Ode To Glory had won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf. Perhaps Innie would win the female version of the acclaimed race. If they worked hard...they could get there.
Last to arrive was Henna Turath. Royal Assassin, the successful juvenile sprinter, strode forward with his usual princelike attitude. He had an inability to accept losses, and after losing to his stablemate was in a complete rage. Henna knew she was sitting on a ticking time bomb. Prince was the older horse, but he was facing champion juveniles. But with the way he was feeling, anything was possible today, and Prince might even give the other two a run for their money. She grinned and then changed the grin to a smirk, courtesy of learning from Valencia, and then walked him out to the turf track. She nodded at Valencia and Amber, waited for instructions and inspected the horses her workmates today rode. Demonic Desires looked every inch the son of two Hall Of Famers and champion himself. He just had a presence about him. Not to mention the arrogance bleeding from his eyes. Henna found Prince met the match and would have said so if she didn't think it wasn't the right thing to do. Her eyes found Innie. The chestnut was giving Valencia a really hard time. She was pulling at the reins and all spitting fire today. No doubt wanting the win. She gleamed like a coal in the sunlight.
Henna felt out Royal Assassin. Prince had won the Blast Off Stakes two weeks ago and then taken second in the Chimera Stakes. He was now prepping for a prestigious race in the Skip Away over at the Wire again. Notching the win would land them in grade three and open up more opportunities for them. Provided other horses showed up. She frowned in brief frustration but then refocused as Amber started speaking. I want a mile gallop and three furlong workout. Nothing big. They don't need it. Demon's pissed after losing in that two horse field last time out and wants to win, Innie's lost two straight and wants to win and Prince hated losing to Caden. They'll have plenty of fire in the tank for their next races so I'm not worried about prepping them further. Amber's jockeys nodded and then they were off down the famed SOPS turf track.
The two horses started out at a canter that quickly became a gallop. Innie and Prince quickly began to battle for the lead. Innie wanted the attention and Prince wanted the dominance. Demon and Amber quietly took a spot right behind the dueling pair and waited it out. Demon was all unconcealed brilliance as he rolled over the turf track. He had so much left in the tank and made every move he made ridiculously smooth and classy. Innie and Prince weren't bad themselves. They kept up a great pace for the mile gallop, and their riders settled them down to wait for the actual sprinting portion of the workout before completely tearing off into the distance aboard their mounts. They waited with bated breath as the furlongs ticked off, and as they finally did all three dropped their reins and were rewarded with bursts of speed.
Demon was absolutely brilliant. The black two year old wheeled to the outside and then took off. His black legs blurred as he passed the two other equines as though they were standing still, leaving them in his dust and practically screaming Catch me if you can! Prince and Innie reacted with outrage. Being a bit more highly strung and suited to sprinting, Henna and Prince caught on to Demon's slipstream and set off in pursuit, leaving Innie in the dust. Valencia and Innie stiffened in outrage before snapping into action. They doubled their pace, the chestnut filly snapping into focus and taking off after her new rivals. Her eyes rolled with fire as she caught up to Prince and together the two hunted down Demon.
The black son of Speed Demon and Deadly Desires was well and truly soaring. He felt amazing and Amber thought she had never ridden a faster juvenile. Except maybe for Pegasus Wings. She grinned and laughed as Demon held off his two rivals to win by two lengths at the end. Pulling him up was easy - the colt was too smug to care about his rivals catching him now. Prince was trembling in outright fury and Innie wasn't too happy about losing the spotlight either. In short - every horse had the edge that came from losing and from winning in Demon's case, and they would be ready to tackle their next races with gusto.