January Year Fourteen
Week Three Workouts
Sizzling Dawn & Silent Snap.
Royal Cadenza & Demonic Desires & Ode To Glory
In The Spotlight & Innocent Passion.
Devil's Flair & Athena's Desires & Pandora.
Alucard & Trinity & Aquatic Addiction.
ELECTRICITY.
SIZZLING DAWN & HENNA TURATH.
SILENT SNAP & AMBER BLACK.
It had been about three weeks since last Sizzling Dawn had stepped foot onto the track in preparation for a race. Three whole weeks, one of relaxation and two of hard workouts, and the burly bay mare's coat gleamed with improved shine and condition. Sizzling Dawn had finally grown into herself, all fifteen and a half hands. She prowled forward with attitude and will that had been lacking for the majority of December. After her fantastic win in the Careless Jewel Stakes following her stupendous victories in the Consumato and Risorgimento Derbies, Dawn had lost some form. She had finished third in the Dubai Filly Cup and then fourth in the Honorable Stakes the week before the Breeders Cup Distaff. Her effort in the Distaff had been sub-par. Dawn had just been too off form to provide a challenge to her competition that day. She had finished fourth and last. Coming out of the race, Dawn had taken the week off in full stride and had come out guns blazing the week after. There had been no stopping Dawn recently in her workouts. She had been ridiculously on form and ready to go. She was going to get a tune-up in the Impressionante Derby against rivals Red Herring, Hokum and Arachne before going in guns firing to the Belle Victoire the week after. The focus was on winning both races to give Dawn a strong start to the season.
Sizzling Dawn muscled her way out of the barn and out to the dirt track. Each stride was powerful and revealed her readiness to fire. Henna felt like she was sitting on a ticking time bomb. She grinned widely. This was the mare she had missed for so long. It was time to get out and show the world that they were still among the best in the division. The Preakness Stakes winner picked up the gallop on Henna's cue and loped over the dirt track, warming up. Henna looked around as she warmed the muscular bay up. They weren't waiting around for their workout partner today. They were too ready to go to waste time waiting. Henna looped around the first turn and then turned and looped back around to the stretch. She was finally met by the sight of yet another muscular horse. This was the chestnut horse made of gold, Silent Snap, the biggest bully in the barn and one of the few bullies able to back his threats up. Amber Black rode Lynara's Kingdom's half brother with half the caution and twice the muscle. Snapper didn't respond to gentleness; he needed to be firmly told what to do or else he would disregard it.
Snapper was powerful. Almost as powerful as Dawn. Perhaps even worthy enough of this mare's respect. Henna and Dawn gauged Snapper as a pair, evaluating his strides as he raced towards them, fast even at the canter. He moved snappily and with a lust for nothing but speed. Amber looked like she was hanging on to ten horses as she kept a strong hold and contact with the colt's mouth. This was a juvenile who could break his maiden at any moment. He had been a good third in the Cup and Saucer Stakes and was racing at nine furlongs this week in the Norman Hall Stakes. Amber had had a sneaking suspicion that it could be third time's the charm with the colt and had slotted him for the Golden Start Stakes and February Juvenile Dirt Faceoff in two and three weeks respectively. Snapper didn't seem to be taking too well to the Wire's dirt track so far, and Amber just wanted one more race to confirm it. He looked ready for the challenge of the front running Sizzling Dawn, and Amber looked confident under saddle.
We're going to try a mile gallop, two furlong tune-up. My personal favorite she declared with a grin. Henna nodded. She loved the two furlong sprint at the end. Being one of those speed-crazed jockeys meant enjoying every moment of crazy speed, and Dawn had quite a bit. Snapper was speed crazy himself. He liked to break fast and then roll away in the final furlongs if possible. He would get better with experience, and deadlier as he ran more races. Amber looked forward to their maiden victory. Snapper took the lead as she gave the command, imposing his larger bulk on the older mare as he attempted to take command. Sizzling Dawn appeared ready to snap. Her eyes blazed and intensity poured off of her in waves as she fought right back, not shifting a hoof as Snapper invaded her personal space. Dawn was not the mare that got bullied around and she made Snapper fully aware of that fact as she stood up to him. Snapper snorted, probably intrigued by the strength of this particular stablemate, but didn't back down.
Knee to knee, hoof to hoof, eye to eye. That was how the entirety of the mile gallop went. Both horses were very similar, albeit Dawn was a successful grade one horse and Snapper an unproven juvenile. Their similarities were drawn in form and power. They had similar mindsets and even now they were gearing up to pound the other into the dust. Electricity snapped between these two, and not the good kind - indeed, it was the kind rivals created. The horses were forthright as they raced down the backstretch and neither gave an inch. Their willpower and ferociousness were on full display as they tracked a path towards their two furlong blitz. Amber and Henna readied themselves, Henna with a fierce grin and Amber almost expressionless as she concentrated. They curved around the final turn and hit the stretch. Henna and Snapper were off a touch faster than Amber and Dawn. Amber frowned and didn't have to encourage Dawn as the mare angrily swept after the sprinting juvenile. There was a reason why Henna was a great sprint jockey. Her reflexes were second to none.
Dawn was not some horse that Snapper could put in the dirt and then roll around as the race got along. Snapper was fast, but Dawn was furious. The bay daughter of Barely A Moment showed every ounce of how ready she was by digging in, suddenly shooting up the inside rail and up to Snapper's shoulder. The chestnut colt snorted in surprise and dug down, but not before Dawn flicked her ear and shot forward with renewed speed, opening up a length before the end of the workout. The pair slowed, breathing heavier but not out of shape heavier. Dawn looked absurdly pleased with herself, and Snapper looked as though he had learned something about underestimating his opponents. Amber and Henna grinned at each other, pleased. Both horses were ready for their next starts!
Sizzling Dawn muscled her way out of the barn and out to the dirt track. Each stride was powerful and revealed her readiness to fire. Henna felt like she was sitting on a ticking time bomb. She grinned widely. This was the mare she had missed for so long. It was time to get out and show the world that they were still among the best in the division. The Preakness Stakes winner picked up the gallop on Henna's cue and loped over the dirt track, warming up. Henna looked around as she warmed the muscular bay up. They weren't waiting around for their workout partner today. They were too ready to go to waste time waiting. Henna looped around the first turn and then turned and looped back around to the stretch. She was finally met by the sight of yet another muscular horse. This was the chestnut horse made of gold, Silent Snap, the biggest bully in the barn and one of the few bullies able to back his threats up. Amber Black rode Lynara's Kingdom's half brother with half the caution and twice the muscle. Snapper didn't respond to gentleness; he needed to be firmly told what to do or else he would disregard it.
Snapper was powerful. Almost as powerful as Dawn. Perhaps even worthy enough of this mare's respect. Henna and Dawn gauged Snapper as a pair, evaluating his strides as he raced towards them, fast even at the canter. He moved snappily and with a lust for nothing but speed. Amber looked like she was hanging on to ten horses as she kept a strong hold and contact with the colt's mouth. This was a juvenile who could break his maiden at any moment. He had been a good third in the Cup and Saucer Stakes and was racing at nine furlongs this week in the Norman Hall Stakes. Amber had had a sneaking suspicion that it could be third time's the charm with the colt and had slotted him for the Golden Start Stakes and February Juvenile Dirt Faceoff in two and three weeks respectively. Snapper didn't seem to be taking too well to the Wire's dirt track so far, and Amber just wanted one more race to confirm it. He looked ready for the challenge of the front running Sizzling Dawn, and Amber looked confident under saddle.
We're going to try a mile gallop, two furlong tune-up. My personal favorite she declared with a grin. Henna nodded. She loved the two furlong sprint at the end. Being one of those speed-crazed jockeys meant enjoying every moment of crazy speed, and Dawn had quite a bit. Snapper was speed crazy himself. He liked to break fast and then roll away in the final furlongs if possible. He would get better with experience, and deadlier as he ran more races. Amber looked forward to their maiden victory. Snapper took the lead as she gave the command, imposing his larger bulk on the older mare as he attempted to take command. Sizzling Dawn appeared ready to snap. Her eyes blazed and intensity poured off of her in waves as she fought right back, not shifting a hoof as Snapper invaded her personal space. Dawn was not the mare that got bullied around and she made Snapper fully aware of that fact as she stood up to him. Snapper snorted, probably intrigued by the strength of this particular stablemate, but didn't back down.
Knee to knee, hoof to hoof, eye to eye. That was how the entirety of the mile gallop went. Both horses were very similar, albeit Dawn was a successful grade one horse and Snapper an unproven juvenile. Their similarities were drawn in form and power. They had similar mindsets and even now they were gearing up to pound the other into the dust. Electricity snapped between these two, and not the good kind - indeed, it was the kind rivals created. The horses were forthright as they raced down the backstretch and neither gave an inch. Their willpower and ferociousness were on full display as they tracked a path towards their two furlong blitz. Amber and Henna readied themselves, Henna with a fierce grin and Amber almost expressionless as she concentrated. They curved around the final turn and hit the stretch. Henna and Snapper were off a touch faster than Amber and Dawn. Amber frowned and didn't have to encourage Dawn as the mare angrily swept after the sprinting juvenile. There was a reason why Henna was a great sprint jockey. Her reflexes were second to none.
Dawn was not some horse that Snapper could put in the dirt and then roll around as the race got along. Snapper was fast, but Dawn was furious. The bay daughter of Barely A Moment showed every ounce of how ready she was by digging in, suddenly shooting up the inside rail and up to Snapper's shoulder. The chestnut colt snorted in surprise and dug down, but not before Dawn flicked her ear and shot forward with renewed speed, opening up a length before the end of the workout. The pair slowed, breathing heavier but not out of shape heavier. Dawn looked absurdly pleased with herself, and Snapper looked as though he had learned something about underestimating his opponents. Amber and Henna grinned at each other, pleased. Both horses were ready for their next starts!
ROYAL GLORY.
ROYAL CADENZA & VALENCIA ANDREWS.
DEMONIC DESIRES & AMBER BLACK.
ODE TO GLORY & KRYSTAL YHATE.
Valencia wondered if this would be Royal Cadenza's year. He had burned through grades four and three to hit the heights of grade two late last season and was still in top form despite his fourth place finish in the Breeders Cup Turf. He was strong and tough and arrogant to the core, just like her. And he was talented and flexible. He was facing a stiff test in the Green Horse Turf but she had confidence in the five year old's ability to defeat his rivals. He was off a pretty high grade and he had her on board. She smirked at the thought and vaulted on board. Caden snorted and was all afire as they went to the turf track, off to meet with their workmates for today. They ran into Ode To Glory halfway there. The gray four year old was fully healed from his injury and gleamed with health. He had faced experienced foes in the Top Notch Stakes to finish third, and was now slotted for the Eclipse against only Bella Luna. Krystal figured the second place finish would look good on their records, but couldn't help the hope for a miracle that soared in her, however unlikely it may have been that they would actually win.
Amber surveyed the two turf hopefuls and wondered to what heights they would soar this season. Would they attain grade one and fulfill their dreams? She looked down at her own mount, the ever silent and deadly Demonic Desires. He still retained his juvenile arrogance, but it was tempered by experience now. He had grown even more powerful after winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. His first start of the year was tentatively scheduled in the Unicorn Horn Turf Sprint, potentially bringing him into contact with older horses for the first time. Amber would relish the challenge, she felt. She grinned at the thought and eyed up the two older horses in front of them. It was time to rock and roll. Demon strode out with the confidence belonging to a different type of horse, eyeing up his competition with a steely gaze. He was not intimidated in the least, and as Amber called out the workout schedule - Classic - and turned away his motions were powerful and strong. Krystal admired it even as she planned to crush the pair on Ode. Ode and Caden took after Demon as they swept up the turf with powerful strides.
Caden lengthened his stride to shadow Demon even as Ode took command at the back, a looming threat into the one mile gallop. He was not going to let go of these two. Demon was confident and strong in his position and met Caden eye to eye. He wouldn't be a good racehorse if he headed to a challenge. Caden snorted and Valencia smirked. Challenge accepted. They wouldn't be backing down easily. Ode was comfortable and Krystal smiling as she traced a path on their outside down the backstretch. Their legs were flying and their times were fast, fueled by competitive fire and need. Amber glanced down at her stopwatch and grinned. Oh yes. Demon was matching up well with these older foes. Caden was tough and ready to be challenged. And Ode was patient and ready to go. He was so patient, and Krystal so willing to be patient, for the glory to come back that had eluded them for so long. Ode was a different horse now. They were patient, but as the mile gallop ended they were officially done waiting for victory to come for them.
Ode surged forward with a sudden burst of speed that left the other two behind. He was driving for the victory now, driving for the honors that had eluded him for so long. He was leaving these two behind. Demon snorted and accelerated fast. He made it seem easily as he drove after Ode, and Caden stuck with him like glue. Together the trio struck out for the wire and none of them gave an inch. The time was fast and the desire was strong as they blurred under the wire, and Amber smiled widely as they finished in an even line. Nice job ladies. She gave each of them a high five and an approving nod. They were ready to go!
Amber surveyed the two turf hopefuls and wondered to what heights they would soar this season. Would they attain grade one and fulfill their dreams? She looked down at her own mount, the ever silent and deadly Demonic Desires. He still retained his juvenile arrogance, but it was tempered by experience now. He had grown even more powerful after winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. His first start of the year was tentatively scheduled in the Unicorn Horn Turf Sprint, potentially bringing him into contact with older horses for the first time. Amber would relish the challenge, she felt. She grinned at the thought and eyed up the two older horses in front of them. It was time to rock and roll. Demon strode out with the confidence belonging to a different type of horse, eyeing up his competition with a steely gaze. He was not intimidated in the least, and as Amber called out the workout schedule - Classic - and turned away his motions were powerful and strong. Krystal admired it even as she planned to crush the pair on Ode. Ode and Caden took after Demon as they swept up the turf with powerful strides.
Caden lengthened his stride to shadow Demon even as Ode took command at the back, a looming threat into the one mile gallop. He was not going to let go of these two. Demon was confident and strong in his position and met Caden eye to eye. He wouldn't be a good racehorse if he headed to a challenge. Caden snorted and Valencia smirked. Challenge accepted. They wouldn't be backing down easily. Ode was comfortable and Krystal smiling as she traced a path on their outside down the backstretch. Their legs were flying and their times were fast, fueled by competitive fire and need. Amber glanced down at her stopwatch and grinned. Oh yes. Demon was matching up well with these older foes. Caden was tough and ready to be challenged. And Ode was patient and ready to go. He was so patient, and Krystal so willing to be patient, for the glory to come back that had eluded them for so long. Ode was a different horse now. They were patient, but as the mile gallop ended they were officially done waiting for victory to come for them.
Ode surged forward with a sudden burst of speed that left the other two behind. He was driving for the victory now, driving for the honors that had eluded him for so long. He was leaving these two behind. Demon snorted and accelerated fast. He made it seem easily as he drove after Ode, and Caden stuck with him like glue. Together the trio struck out for the wire and none of them gave an inch. The time was fast and the desire was strong as they blurred under the wire, and Amber smiled widely as they finished in an even line. Nice job ladies. She gave each of them a high five and an approving nod. They were ready to go!
INNATE PASSION.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT & VALENCIA ANDREWS.
INNOCENT PASSION & KRYSTAL YHATE.
Innocent Passion was perhaps the most fierce mare in the barn at the moment, outdoing even Sizzling Dawn though Henna would never admit it. The bay mare had been training out of this world good ever since the Breeders Cup, and Krystal had not had to look far in order to know why. Cross My Heart. They were so sick of losing to that black filly that Krystal had decided their time would come. They would follow Cross to whatever Breeders Cup race she trudged off to at the end of Year Fourteen and end her. They were sick of finishing second to that black filly and even sicker at hearing her touted as the undoubtedly the best sprinter in the three year old crop. Didn't they know that Anna had been with Cross every single step of the way? Didn't they know that Cross had won by inches every single time? They were every bit that mare's equal and it was time to prove it in a big way. All these fierce thoughts rolled through the normally calm and level headed Krystal Yhate as she rode Anna down to the turf track. Anna was deadly silent as she made her way. She was focused and ready to explode. Four weeks off was enough before another race for Anna. She was ready to kill.
In The Spotlight, on the other hand, seemed to be as shallow as ever. The beautiful chestnut filly had won four in a row before her peers had caught up to her as a juvenile. She had ascended to grade three status before the end of the season, had even taken the Golden Slipper Stakes before seemingly fading out of contention. Oh, she was still respected, but she hadn't won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and for that her competitors overlooked her. Valencia smirked. It would be the worst mistakes of their lives. Innie had developed so much as a three year old that it was shocking. She had grown more into herself and been so determined to rule that she had developed a liking for seven furlongs and the mile distance, putting her squarely in contention for either the Turf Triple Crown or Turf Triple Tiara and the Green Mile series later on in the season. But before getting to that point they would build back up to form. Innie would race in the Brilliant Finish Stakes against older horses Flying Solo and Immortal Flight as well as same age Paranormal Hunter. Every horse would be fierce competition, but the new mile distance was straight in Innie's preferences, and her stamina from running twelve furlong races would only benefit her in her first race at eight furlongs. Valencia fervently looked forward to it.
Innie danced onto the turf track with none of the fierce seriousness of Anna. She was still an attention-hog, ever the camera ham, always ready to have pictures taken and demanding attention from all who saw her. Valencia liked how the filly sought such attention and would go to such lengths to have it. She liked taking the lead with this filly and seeing if they were still there by the end of the race. Anna would provide perfect competition for them. Anna was a pure sprinter miler who would stalk them and push them if they needed to be pushed. That was why Amber had slotted this as a very important workout. Valencia shot a smirk at the eerily silent Krystal, who nodded back in greeting before launching into the workout plan. This is a short one. Five furlong gallop, three furlong blowout. I guess Amber thinks Anna's too much on her toes already to need some bottoming and that Innie could just use some speed. Valencia smirked. We're going to bury you Krystal. Innie is completely ready to go. I'm throwing that Breeders Cup performance out the window. This is a fantastic filly and one of the best in her crop. Krystal shrugged, said in a dead pan voice Let me know when you beat The Devil's Hourglass and immediately cantered off on Anna. Hey! That wasn't nice! Valencia yelled after her, frowning slightly, but then decided that the moment such an event occurred Krystal would be the first to know. And she looked forward to rubbing it in her face.
Anna took the lead during the five furlong gallop which was definitely unusual. Innie snorted unhappily and accelerated slightly, trying to get Anna to give it up, but the typical stalker horse made the rare decision of not budging. She wasn't giving an inch and didn't intend to for the entirety of the workout, Anna finally managed to settle two furlongs in, but she was obviously not happy. Valencia kept a light but focused hand on her, always keeping the lead within reach in order to satisfy the filly. We'll get her soon Innie she muttered, but she was definitely worried. Four year old Anna was nothing like three year old Anna. Four year old Anna seemed untouchable and unstoppable and full of deadly determination. Three year old Innie could prove to be a little overmatched in the workout and that meant they needed to get the jump on the other pair.
The two horses galloped somewhat comfortably for the first five furlongs and then hit the three furlong workout. Valencia urged Innie forward and the chestnut filly accelerated rapidly, snorting eagerly as she discovered the lead and attempted to run away with it. But Anna was not to be denied. The bay mare was done with losing to Cross My Heart. She exploded and Krystal had never felt such speed from the mare. Anna was undeniably the best as she coasted forward, leaving a stunned Innie behind. And Innie was not running slowly. Valencia felt speed and class emanating from the chestnut filly, but they were simply no match at the present moment for the monstrous Anna who crossed the wire a comfortable five lengths in front. Anna slowed down, completely in control, eerily so, with a smirking Krystal aboard. They won't know what hit them in the Unicorn Horn my dear. That was your best workout yet she whispered. And Innie was so riled up by the loss that there was no doubt she would not go down easy in her next start. Both were ready as could be to make strong statements about SOPS's turf division in Year Fourteen.
In The Spotlight, on the other hand, seemed to be as shallow as ever. The beautiful chestnut filly had won four in a row before her peers had caught up to her as a juvenile. She had ascended to grade three status before the end of the season, had even taken the Golden Slipper Stakes before seemingly fading out of contention. Oh, she was still respected, but she hadn't won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and for that her competitors overlooked her. Valencia smirked. It would be the worst mistakes of their lives. Innie had developed so much as a three year old that it was shocking. She had grown more into herself and been so determined to rule that she had developed a liking for seven furlongs and the mile distance, putting her squarely in contention for either the Turf Triple Crown or Turf Triple Tiara and the Green Mile series later on in the season. But before getting to that point they would build back up to form. Innie would race in the Brilliant Finish Stakes against older horses Flying Solo and Immortal Flight as well as same age Paranormal Hunter. Every horse would be fierce competition, but the new mile distance was straight in Innie's preferences, and her stamina from running twelve furlong races would only benefit her in her first race at eight furlongs. Valencia fervently looked forward to it.
Innie danced onto the turf track with none of the fierce seriousness of Anna. She was still an attention-hog, ever the camera ham, always ready to have pictures taken and demanding attention from all who saw her. Valencia liked how the filly sought such attention and would go to such lengths to have it. She liked taking the lead with this filly and seeing if they were still there by the end of the race. Anna would provide perfect competition for them. Anna was a pure sprinter miler who would stalk them and push them if they needed to be pushed. That was why Amber had slotted this as a very important workout. Valencia shot a smirk at the eerily silent Krystal, who nodded back in greeting before launching into the workout plan. This is a short one. Five furlong gallop, three furlong blowout. I guess Amber thinks Anna's too much on her toes already to need some bottoming and that Innie could just use some speed. Valencia smirked. We're going to bury you Krystal. Innie is completely ready to go. I'm throwing that Breeders Cup performance out the window. This is a fantastic filly and one of the best in her crop. Krystal shrugged, said in a dead pan voice Let me know when you beat The Devil's Hourglass and immediately cantered off on Anna. Hey! That wasn't nice! Valencia yelled after her, frowning slightly, but then decided that the moment such an event occurred Krystal would be the first to know. And she looked forward to rubbing it in her face.
Anna took the lead during the five furlong gallop which was definitely unusual. Innie snorted unhappily and accelerated slightly, trying to get Anna to give it up, but the typical stalker horse made the rare decision of not budging. She wasn't giving an inch and didn't intend to for the entirety of the workout, Anna finally managed to settle two furlongs in, but she was obviously not happy. Valencia kept a light but focused hand on her, always keeping the lead within reach in order to satisfy the filly. We'll get her soon Innie she muttered, but she was definitely worried. Four year old Anna was nothing like three year old Anna. Four year old Anna seemed untouchable and unstoppable and full of deadly determination. Three year old Innie could prove to be a little overmatched in the workout and that meant they needed to get the jump on the other pair.
The two horses galloped somewhat comfortably for the first five furlongs and then hit the three furlong workout. Valencia urged Innie forward and the chestnut filly accelerated rapidly, snorting eagerly as she discovered the lead and attempted to run away with it. But Anna was not to be denied. The bay mare was done with losing to Cross My Heart. She exploded and Krystal had never felt such speed from the mare. Anna was undeniably the best as she coasted forward, leaving a stunned Innie behind. And Innie was not running slowly. Valencia felt speed and class emanating from the chestnut filly, but they were simply no match at the present moment for the monstrous Anna who crossed the wire a comfortable five lengths in front. Anna slowed down, completely in control, eerily so, with a smirking Krystal aboard. They won't know what hit them in the Unicorn Horn my dear. That was your best workout yet she whispered. And Innie was so riled up by the loss that there was no doubt she would not go down easy in her next start. Both were ready as could be to make strong statements about SOPS's turf division in Year Fourteen.
LAY YOUR CLAIM.
DEVIL'S FLAIR & VALENCIA ANDREWS.
ATHENA'S DESIRES & HENNA TURATH.
PANDORA & KYLIE SILVERSTAR.
Kylie Silverstar stared at her face in the mirror and wondered how she had ever progressed to this point in her nineteen years of life. She had become the rider of the most blue blooded filly to ever step foot in a blue blooded barn, all because for some inexplicable reason they had developed a bond during yearling training that was unable to be broken. It didn't make any sense that Pandora had chosen her, the apprentice youngstock manager who also groomed all of said youngstock, to be her rider. Kylie knew she wasn't a bad rider, but she was no Amber Black or Krystal Yhate or any of them. But from the moment that her fate had been decided, she had become fast friends with Henna Turath. The speed crazed jockey had had her take out retired racehorses and work them out, getting a feel for how they worked. She then had her take out Pandora and work her out. Kylie smiled as she remembered all of the hard work that had gone into the past couple of weeks, and it was all for Pandora's first start in the Legacy Turf Stakes. She shivered in anticipation despite the warm spring air and grabbed her riding helmet. It was time for their final workout.
She was going to be met on the track by a variety of workout partners today. Henna watched Kylie leave the barn aboard the gorgeous Pandora before turning to her own black mount. Athena's Desires stared coldly out at Pandora as though inspecting a piece of meat for slaughter. The small filly was a blue blooded sprinter and was made of pure speed. There was perhaps no faster juvenile that had ever come to Stride of Perfection Stables. Athena had cream of the crop lines and she had made a solid first start in the Kudzu Stakes. If ever there was a horse to gain a lot from experience, it was Athena. She had a calculating mind, an analytic intelligence that had taken her run and learned from it. She had galloped with renewed purpose after that race as though finally discovering what she was supposed to be doing out on a racetrack. She had always known and wanted to dominate, but racing had sharpened that hunger. Her next start would come in the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Turf Sprint and it was time to show the world just how good they really were.
And to round out the trio was Valencia's new partner of her soul Devil's Flair. The down and dirty chestnut was just her style. He pushed others around and was never intimidated. He was arrogant and strong and resembled Valencia so closely that it was a wonder they got along. Valencia figured it was her unwillingness to back down and willingness to push back that had led to their relationship becoming so strong. She understood this colt so much. Their first start in the Stormy Night Maiden Turf had resulted in a third place finish. They had gotten a bit rough with the other horses and it had impacted their chances. His next start in the Tropical Park Derby would hopefully go better. They were most assuredly looking for the win in this next race in order to increase their future opportunities and lay their claim to the Wire Finish Cup Juvenile Turf in March, which was in hot contention among this year's crop. Valencia smirked as she vaulted aboard the chestnut and he took her down to the turf without blinking an eye. He was ready to work, thrived off of it.
The three juveniles met at the track and eyed each other up. Devil stood strong and glared at the other two, the challenge clear in his gaze. Athena was thoroughly unruffled, cold as ice as she awaited instruction. And Pan looked past the other two at a wandering butterfly, the curiosity evident in her gaze as she made to take a step forward. Kylie did not stop her. The black filly tracked the wandering butterfly down the turf, and with a snort Devil's Flair took right after the innocent filly. Athena still did not move. She clearly considering herself above these antics. Pandora tracked the butterfly until it got too far away. With almost a regretful snort she stopped moving and Devil stopped alongside her, too motivated to stay even with any competitor to care what he was doing with her out in the middle of the turf track. Amber Black watched the whole affair with a small grin on her face. She had her doubts about Kylie but it was clear that Kylie understood Pan. She called out Do a classic workout for me please. The riders nodded to show that they had heard, but Kylie paled and looked confused. Henna smiled reassuringly as she rode the cold Athena up. Mile gallop, two furlong workout. She turned Athena away and Kylie frowned. No wonder she's so happy, she's riding the best two furlong horse in the barn she muttered. Valencia smirked.
Athena took the lead as they began to gallop. Her strides blurred even now with speed as they made their way around the far turn. She was all focus for Henna, ready to drop the bomb and get going. Devil's Flair swung to her narrow inside and scooted up as they entered the backstretch. He was a daredevil, staking a claim to such a narrow spot. Pandora dropped to their outside a bit farther back, content today to just sit and stake her claim when the time came and no sooner. She was fluidly elegant and sure of herself, and Kylie similarly felt new confidence aboard a racehorse of this caliber. Due to her limited experience she was unable to truly tell how fast Pan was, but from her spot on the rail Amber watched Pan move and whistled in appreciation. All three of them looked impressive, but Pan was just gorgeous. She watched as they hit the halfway point and Pan made a sudden move, sweeping up to go eye to eye with Athena in the blink of an eye. Devil was still hunkered down on the inside, providing quiet pressure as they made their way to the sprint.
In a blink of an eye the time came. Athena was off like a bat out of hell. There was no keeping up with the acceleration of the stone cold sprinter as she had her way on the turf track. She was fast, faster than light. Henna hunkered into the wind and waited out the two furlongs, smirking. She had the first one all to herself, but the second one was a different story. She blinked in shock as the blurred chestnut form of Devil's Flair shot up their inside and the sleek black Pandora on their outside. Athena had to go, now. She asked again and Athena gave, kicking away from her two fast closing and game competitors. Kylie felt breathless as they blurred under the wire and finished the classic workout. Devil felt limber and tough as he closed down into his gallop out. Valencia was smirking happily, pleased. Pandora felt like she had gotten a good workout in and Athena was fired out. All were ready to lay their claim to grade five.
She was going to be met on the track by a variety of workout partners today. Henna watched Kylie leave the barn aboard the gorgeous Pandora before turning to her own black mount. Athena's Desires stared coldly out at Pandora as though inspecting a piece of meat for slaughter. The small filly was a blue blooded sprinter and was made of pure speed. There was perhaps no faster juvenile that had ever come to Stride of Perfection Stables. Athena had cream of the crop lines and she had made a solid first start in the Kudzu Stakes. If ever there was a horse to gain a lot from experience, it was Athena. She had a calculating mind, an analytic intelligence that had taken her run and learned from it. She had galloped with renewed purpose after that race as though finally discovering what she was supposed to be doing out on a racetrack. She had always known and wanted to dominate, but racing had sharpened that hunger. Her next start would come in the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Turf Sprint and it was time to show the world just how good they really were.
And to round out the trio was Valencia's new partner of her soul Devil's Flair. The down and dirty chestnut was just her style. He pushed others around and was never intimidated. He was arrogant and strong and resembled Valencia so closely that it was a wonder they got along. Valencia figured it was her unwillingness to back down and willingness to push back that had led to their relationship becoming so strong. She understood this colt so much. Their first start in the Stormy Night Maiden Turf had resulted in a third place finish. They had gotten a bit rough with the other horses and it had impacted their chances. His next start in the Tropical Park Derby would hopefully go better. They were most assuredly looking for the win in this next race in order to increase their future opportunities and lay their claim to the Wire Finish Cup Juvenile Turf in March, which was in hot contention among this year's crop. Valencia smirked as she vaulted aboard the chestnut and he took her down to the turf without blinking an eye. He was ready to work, thrived off of it.
The three juveniles met at the track and eyed each other up. Devil stood strong and glared at the other two, the challenge clear in his gaze. Athena was thoroughly unruffled, cold as ice as she awaited instruction. And Pan looked past the other two at a wandering butterfly, the curiosity evident in her gaze as she made to take a step forward. Kylie did not stop her. The black filly tracked the wandering butterfly down the turf, and with a snort Devil's Flair took right after the innocent filly. Athena still did not move. She clearly considering herself above these antics. Pandora tracked the butterfly until it got too far away. With almost a regretful snort she stopped moving and Devil stopped alongside her, too motivated to stay even with any competitor to care what he was doing with her out in the middle of the turf track. Amber Black watched the whole affair with a small grin on her face. She had her doubts about Kylie but it was clear that Kylie understood Pan. She called out Do a classic workout for me please. The riders nodded to show that they had heard, but Kylie paled and looked confused. Henna smiled reassuringly as she rode the cold Athena up. Mile gallop, two furlong workout. She turned Athena away and Kylie frowned. No wonder she's so happy, she's riding the best two furlong horse in the barn she muttered. Valencia smirked.
Athena took the lead as they began to gallop. Her strides blurred even now with speed as they made their way around the far turn. She was all focus for Henna, ready to drop the bomb and get going. Devil's Flair swung to her narrow inside and scooted up as they entered the backstretch. He was a daredevil, staking a claim to such a narrow spot. Pandora dropped to their outside a bit farther back, content today to just sit and stake her claim when the time came and no sooner. She was fluidly elegant and sure of herself, and Kylie similarly felt new confidence aboard a racehorse of this caliber. Due to her limited experience she was unable to truly tell how fast Pan was, but from her spot on the rail Amber watched Pan move and whistled in appreciation. All three of them looked impressive, but Pan was just gorgeous. She watched as they hit the halfway point and Pan made a sudden move, sweeping up to go eye to eye with Athena in the blink of an eye. Devil was still hunkered down on the inside, providing quiet pressure as they made their way to the sprint.
In a blink of an eye the time came. Athena was off like a bat out of hell. There was no keeping up with the acceleration of the stone cold sprinter as she had her way on the turf track. She was fast, faster than light. Henna hunkered into the wind and waited out the two furlongs, smirking. She had the first one all to herself, but the second one was a different story. She blinked in shock as the blurred chestnut form of Devil's Flair shot up their inside and the sleek black Pandora on their outside. Athena had to go, now. She asked again and Athena gave, kicking away from her two fast closing and game competitors. Kylie felt breathless as they blurred under the wire and finished the classic workout. Devil felt limber and tough as he closed down into his gallop out. Valencia was smirking happily, pleased. Pandora felt like she had gotten a good workout in and Athena was fired out. All were ready to lay their claim to grade five.
ALL ABOUT SPEED.
ALUCARD & HENNA TURATH.
TRINITY & AMBER BLACK.
AQUATIC ADDICTION & VALENCIA ANDREWS.
Amber Black glanced at her workout plans and grinned mischievously. She had really planned the next one to give her mount the best shot at winning her second start in the In Reality Stakes against stiff competition. But she had full faith in the abilities of Trinity, the filly that was healing her heart. Trin was special. She was shy and quiet, but give her a treat and she became sociable. She was a horse version of Amber Black and that was why they got along. Trin was healing her by being her mount, being there for her when things seemed to be falling apart. That was why Amber appreciated Trin so much and was giving her a stiff test today against Alucard and Aquatic Addiction, the two upcoming sprinters of Stride of Perfection Stables. She was so excited to see what kind of races all of these horses could give her. Alucard had been sidelined a bit in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint, placing fourth, but he had flashed greatness before tailing off at the end of a season. Amber had focused on distance gallops and then plenty of sprinting over the past week in preparation for his first start of Year Fourteen in the Hot Springs Stakes. Aquatic Addiction, on the other hand, was on an upward trend. He hadn't been blaringly good from the start like rival Mastermind had been, but he was getting there and Amber knew that Henna Turath had pledged Forbidden To Fly's guidance until he reached the levels he could.
Valencia felt like eating flames and spitting it out at Mastermind. Oh they hated that chestnut with a passion, and she had recently watched him run to victory in the Dubai World Sprint too. Not against SOPS horses though - that issue was a whole different can of worms. Valencia snorted and refocused. Theo was going in the Green Horse Dirt Sprint as a tune up and hopeful catapult into grade one territory before the Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile. He was seeking the neutral eight furlong distance a bit more this season. Theo felt tough as she rode him out to the track. He was quiet and well mannered but had definitely developed some fire with her in the irons. Alucard was haughty and domineering as ever with the speed crazy Henna Turath on board. He was solid muscle and searingly cold as he met Theo on the dirt track. And then there was Trinity, ever gentle and shy, skittering onto the track like a floating butterfly and eyeing the two colts with her dainty eyes. Amber looked at home aboard the bay filly. The makings of a deadly combination were coming together in those two. Amber looked pleased as she eyed up the fledgling dirt sprinters, Theo more developed perhaps than Alu at this point in time. Six furlong gallop, four furlong workout. Something a bit more unconventional. I don't want too much on the workout, just a tune up. Make them want it next time around.
Instructions received, the trio split to do their warm ups and then met back up for their workout. Theo felt limber and strong and focused as he prepared. He had training well since the Sprint and was ready to finally make a splash in Year Fourteen. He had raised the rafters when he dead heated with Mastermind and Valencia believed them fully capable of repeating and bettering that feat. Alucard had seemingly not warmed up to Henna any over the course of the past seven months together. He certainly responded to her commands perhaps a bit more promptly, but if anything the strength of this relationship lay in Henna's understanding of the cold machinations of the colt. And Trinity and Amber were already like an unbeatable team. Trin had flown to win her maiden in the Dirty Duck and was well rested for the In Reality. More stakes races awaited this pair as the year went on.
The trio entered the gallop in a flurry of hooves. Alucard went right to the lead, exuding his dominating aura as he took point. He wasn't taking no for an answer out here today. Theo took a spot comfortably behind and bided his time, the dirt flying into his face only making him more determined to eventually take the victory. And Amber settled Trin comfortably behind those two. Trin needed time to acclimate to the situation. Two furlongs in Trin accelerated, strolling up to Theo's outside and effectively locking the older horse in. It was a beautiful move for a juvenile to make. Theo snorted but did not seem to react yet. He knew the importance of position yet also knew everything could change within a half furlong. Alucard drifted a bit to the outside and Theo took the chance, diving for the rail and securing the inside position. Now he had a more advantageous position. Trin flanked Alu on the other side, comfortably taking the outside and not losing ground. She had a really nice way of moving, an efficiency and confidence that grew with every furlong. No longer was the shy filly hesitant.
Alucard didn't feel the pressure of the other two horses, or if he did his cold exterior claimed that he did not and he hid his worries well. Henna let the colt run, feeling the need to do nothing else as the furlongs drifted by. Theo was making up a bit more ground now, drawing up to be nearly even with them on the inside. Trin was a looming threat on their outside. A quick turn of foot could put both horses away. The six furlongs floated to and end and then it was like the world exploded. So many things happened so quickly. Valencia said go on Theo and with a cackle drew away on the bay stallion. His turn of foot was nothing short of brilliant and hadn't existed as potently last season. Alucard snorted, actually expressing himself, and dug in to keep up with Theo, but Trin got the jump. The bay filly lengthened her stride, and with eyes shining with determination set a course for the wire with a win in mind.
They made a line three wide as they took it down to the wire. Theo was in the lead by a neck, with Alu and Trin deadlocked on the outside and no horse giving an inch. Theo gave a final heave and managed to fly forward, leaving Alu and Trin behind and finishing in style. The bay had improved a lot as a four year old and would pack a punch for his starts in Year Fourteen. Alucard and Trinity battled gamely and finished dead even at the wire. The difference between the two could have been decided by more distance, but at four furlongs they were dead even and it was impressive. All three slowed down, breathing easily and ready to go. Amber was grinning as Trinity snorted and once again retreated into herself after the workout. The warrior had still come out during the course of the workout. Theo was snorting and full of confidence while Alu was his usual stony self. Regardless, they felt full of spunk and ready to go and both horses and riders knew and shared this fast among themselves, through shared glances and the excited, game gleams of triumph and hope in their eyes. It was time to put on an exhibition.
Valencia felt like eating flames and spitting it out at Mastermind. Oh they hated that chestnut with a passion, and she had recently watched him run to victory in the Dubai World Sprint too. Not against SOPS horses though - that issue was a whole different can of worms. Valencia snorted and refocused. Theo was going in the Green Horse Dirt Sprint as a tune up and hopeful catapult into grade one territory before the Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile. He was seeking the neutral eight furlong distance a bit more this season. Theo felt tough as she rode him out to the track. He was quiet and well mannered but had definitely developed some fire with her in the irons. Alucard was haughty and domineering as ever with the speed crazy Henna Turath on board. He was solid muscle and searingly cold as he met Theo on the dirt track. And then there was Trinity, ever gentle and shy, skittering onto the track like a floating butterfly and eyeing the two colts with her dainty eyes. Amber looked at home aboard the bay filly. The makings of a deadly combination were coming together in those two. Amber looked pleased as she eyed up the fledgling dirt sprinters, Theo more developed perhaps than Alu at this point in time. Six furlong gallop, four furlong workout. Something a bit more unconventional. I don't want too much on the workout, just a tune up. Make them want it next time around.
Instructions received, the trio split to do their warm ups and then met back up for their workout. Theo felt limber and strong and focused as he prepared. He had training well since the Sprint and was ready to finally make a splash in Year Fourteen. He had raised the rafters when he dead heated with Mastermind and Valencia believed them fully capable of repeating and bettering that feat. Alucard had seemingly not warmed up to Henna any over the course of the past seven months together. He certainly responded to her commands perhaps a bit more promptly, but if anything the strength of this relationship lay in Henna's understanding of the cold machinations of the colt. And Trinity and Amber were already like an unbeatable team. Trin had flown to win her maiden in the Dirty Duck and was well rested for the In Reality. More stakes races awaited this pair as the year went on.
The trio entered the gallop in a flurry of hooves. Alucard went right to the lead, exuding his dominating aura as he took point. He wasn't taking no for an answer out here today. Theo took a spot comfortably behind and bided his time, the dirt flying into his face only making him more determined to eventually take the victory. And Amber settled Trin comfortably behind those two. Trin needed time to acclimate to the situation. Two furlongs in Trin accelerated, strolling up to Theo's outside and effectively locking the older horse in. It was a beautiful move for a juvenile to make. Theo snorted but did not seem to react yet. He knew the importance of position yet also knew everything could change within a half furlong. Alucard drifted a bit to the outside and Theo took the chance, diving for the rail and securing the inside position. Now he had a more advantageous position. Trin flanked Alu on the other side, comfortably taking the outside and not losing ground. She had a really nice way of moving, an efficiency and confidence that grew with every furlong. No longer was the shy filly hesitant.
Alucard didn't feel the pressure of the other two horses, or if he did his cold exterior claimed that he did not and he hid his worries well. Henna let the colt run, feeling the need to do nothing else as the furlongs drifted by. Theo was making up a bit more ground now, drawing up to be nearly even with them on the inside. Trin was a looming threat on their outside. A quick turn of foot could put both horses away. The six furlongs floated to and end and then it was like the world exploded. So many things happened so quickly. Valencia said go on Theo and with a cackle drew away on the bay stallion. His turn of foot was nothing short of brilliant and hadn't existed as potently last season. Alucard snorted, actually expressing himself, and dug in to keep up with Theo, but Trin got the jump. The bay filly lengthened her stride, and with eyes shining with determination set a course for the wire with a win in mind.
They made a line three wide as they took it down to the wire. Theo was in the lead by a neck, with Alu and Trin deadlocked on the outside and no horse giving an inch. Theo gave a final heave and managed to fly forward, leaving Alu and Trin behind and finishing in style. The bay had improved a lot as a four year old and would pack a punch for his starts in Year Fourteen. Alucard and Trinity battled gamely and finished dead even at the wire. The difference between the two could have been decided by more distance, but at four furlongs they were dead even and it was impressive. All three slowed down, breathing easily and ready to go. Amber was grinning as Trinity snorted and once again retreated into herself after the workout. The warrior had still come out during the course of the workout. Theo was snorting and full of confidence while Alu was his usual stony self. Regardless, they felt full of spunk and ready to go and both horses and riders knew and shared this fast among themselves, through shared glances and the excited, game gleams of triumph and hope in their eyes. It was time to put on an exhibition.