January Year Fourteen
Week Four Workouts
Lynara's Kingdom & Italian Ice.
Forbidden To Fly & Impressionable.
Ventura & Limited Edition & Battle Wings & Palisades Pirate.
Sweet Inferno & Eternal Phantom.
ENTER THE KINGDOM.
LYNARA'S KINGDOM & AMBER BLACK.
ITALIAN ICE & VALENCIA ANDREWS.
Amber Black breathed deeply of the morning air. She gazed out across her stable grounds with the content look of somebody admiring a personal project on her face. Stride of Perfection's deep lavender colored barns stood out beautifully against a light forest background and a meadow of flowers down by the racetracks. SOPS was known for being a beautiful, almost rustic barn. It was the image of Amber's dreams. They used to be Indigo Mornings Stable due to the purple lavender everywhere. Now they were Stride of Perfection Stables and the name itself epitomized their mission - perfection and determination to reach that perfection. Amber glanced around her stable grounds one more time, the smile remaining on her face as she turned and swung inside the racehorse barn. It was ever expanding, with twenty-seven horses on the active racehorse string this year with the potential for more to come. And late January was a huge week. It was when all of SOPS's Breeders Cup competitors came back to wage war in the Unicorn Horn series, and war it would be.
Amber gazed at Lynara's Kingdom, her smile tilting into a smirk. Lynara eyed her testily, eyes annoyed and impatient. The now five year old mare was an absolute powerhouse. She had proven the worth of her bloodlines and absolutely floored the racing world for the past two years with her successes over both turf and dirt. Now she was switching back to the turf for the Unicorn Horn Turf Mile against Cross My Heart. That made Amber frown. Cross was good, and she didn't think that her and Lynara had faced off yet. If Cross beat them she might never live it down. Inside, however, Amber felt that Lynara was more than good. Her successes during her four year old season attested strongly to the mare's talent. No other horse truly had a record as impressive as hers last season, and Amber had set a lot of goals for this year. They were going to beat Rising Fury's win record - that meant they had to get at least forty-two wins, or another fourteen wins added to Lynara's record. They also had to win the Wire Finish Cup Turf this season, and the Wire Finish Cup Dirt the next. These were Amber's primary goals for the powerful gray mare, and she desired deeply to achieve them. Lynara deserved everlasting glory. The Unicorn Horn Turf Mile could easily be hers. Distance was not a problem - after all, Lynara had just taken victory in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile one month ago in brilliant fashion. Surface would also not be a problem. Lynara was just as much a turf horse as a dirt horse. She used to be second only to Executioner's Apprentice at a mile on the turf, and she wasn't giving up that crown to any horse. Cross was all out on the lead. However Lynara ran would be up to her, but it would be a good race.
Their workout competitor today was Italian Ice. Valencia and Icee fit each other to a tee. Icee was an amazing mare. Not only had she won the Canadian Triple Crown, but she had also visited no races outside of Horse of the Year selection races last season. Icee was used to racing against the best and beating them too. She was entered in a contentious race in the Unicorn Horn Turf Classic against A Royal Legacy, Infinite Warcry, Hokum, Blue Me Away and Paradise Island. This was a field that it would be impressive to beat. A Royal Legacy and Infinite Warcry would be on the back end. Valencia had the feeling that Legacy would shadow Infini and attempt to hook up with the black stallion in a swooping charge at the end. Legacy was not a big name like the other competitors; it would be only natural to follow that strategy. Valencia's eyes narrowed as she considered the other possibilities in the race. Hokum, Blue Me Away and Paradise Island were all full of class. And they would all be on the front end, just like Icee. Hokum was actually a horse they had defeated in the Breeders Stakes during the Canadian Triple Crown. They had tied with Blue Me Away in the Belmont Turf Classic and had also defeated him in the Breeders Stakes. So at one point in time Italian Ice had proven herself better than both of them. Both were still strong competitors though. As for Paradise Island...they had not faced the Triple Tiara champion before. However, she had placed third in the contentious Sunshine Millions last season and was obviously suited to the surface.
Icee would have her work cut out for her, Valencia concluded. The race was eleven furlongs. Her eyes narrowed into slits. It was very likely that with all of this speed nobody would want to take the lead early on. Perhaps she should take the gander and snatch that lead for herself. Yes! They would break fast, take the lead and refuse to be pressured. Nobody wanted to lose energy during this race, so if they just took the lead or ran at whatever pace they wanted during the race the other horses would have no choice but to either a) stick to their pace or b) take the lead and end up getting pressured by them. Positioning would be key. Valencia smirked, eyed her black mare confidently. We've got this in spades though, don't we Icee? Barely words had to be said to describe the bond Icee shared with this rider. Icee snorted and stepped forward to nudge her soulmate impatiently. Her eyes glimmered with arrogance and eagerness. Third place in the Breeders Cup Turf had not suited the filly at all. Valencia snorted herself. It was time to get back to their winning ways and the Unicorn Horn series provided a way to do that in style.
Lynara and Amber were already waiting impatiently on the track when they finally arrived. Lynara looked magnificent. The gray mare looked sleek and predatory as she gazed out on the turf as though searching for prey. The Dubai World Sprint had not worked out for the volatile mare. She had switched into the rarest of her personalities - the unwilling one - the day of her prep workout and Amber had made the decision to scratch rather than run her with Krystal aboard. And Axis Mundae had not been up to the race either. The mare had not checked out at one hundred percent and Amber had decided to retire her rather than risk injury. But Lynara was back and ready to roll now. She eyed Icee and Icee eyed her. Italian Ice looked magnificent herself. She was tall, dark, beautiful and sharp as nails. She was not intimidated in the least by Lynara's predatory air. In fact, she almost seemed to relish in the challenge the monstrous Lynara could give her. Valencia smirked and waited for instructions. Amber smirked as well. Mile and a quarter gallop for me please. Try a six furlong workout after that. This is an important workout. Time for the world to see how these gals are doing after the Breeders Cup. She paused. Try not to get left behind. Valencia laughed. Same to you!
Both boss and jockey turned and rode into the mile and a quarter gallop. Icee took the lead, stubbornly accelerating slightly and cutting the turn close as she prowled into the backstretch. Lynara stalked her quietly about a length back, in no hurry at all to dominate this competitor. The time would come. For now she was patient, eyeing Icee's every movement. Valencia paid strict attention. She noted every movement Icee made. Icee leaped over the turf like she was born to run over it, but she had a very classic motion over the dirt as well. It would be decided after the Spring Cup Grade One Dirt what surface Icee would dominate this season if she could. The mare had clearly proved her ability over both in the Canadian Triple Crown. Now it was up to her to choose. Valencia settled in aboard the strong willed mare now, not even having to think as they functioned like a unit into the backstretch. She moved naturally with Icee's powerful motions, appreciating the cutting power of her strides and the desire to win burning through the reins. Here was a horse not easily denied. But Lynara was a horse built the same way. Neither horse could be crossed.
Concentration and desire shimmered between the two mares. The mile and a quarter gallop disappeared, and at the end of it Lynara came striding up Icee's outside. Expectation hummed in the air as the two locked eyes and yet another challenge was exchanged. Fire burned suddenly in Icee's eyes. The black mare took off with a stunning turn of foot that would have floored a lesser competitor. Such was not Lynara's style. The gray mare stayed stride for stride with the black, appearing almost mystical as she kept up with the powerful Italian Ice. Icee snorted, dug down deep and reached out again with blurred legs. Lynara quickened her stride, appearing amused almost even as she found a worthy competitor that challenged her. Amber smirked and that was when Valencia knew there was a lot of horse under her. And in reply she smirked right back. Likewise. They reached the final two furlongs of the six furlong workout and then it was no holds barred. The two mares dug in, the infernos of hell blazing in their eyes as they threw down the gauntlet and gave it what they had.
They crossed the wire dead even, both desperately lunging at the exact same moment for a surprise victory over the other and finding themselves mirrored. They snorted, eyed each other with deadly intent, and the two women on their backs appeared breathless as they gazed at each other, amazed at what they had just experienced. Lynara's Kingdom and Italian Ice. Two new and surprising rivals. Not only was their rivalry practically ordained - now it was on until the end of the season to find out who would come out on top. Valencia caught Amber's eye and restrained from cackling. Amber's face was highly amused. Lynara and Icee continued their death staring contest even at the gallop out. It had most certainly been established that it was on between these two mares for as long as they raced.
Amber gazed at Lynara's Kingdom, her smile tilting into a smirk. Lynara eyed her testily, eyes annoyed and impatient. The now five year old mare was an absolute powerhouse. She had proven the worth of her bloodlines and absolutely floored the racing world for the past two years with her successes over both turf and dirt. Now she was switching back to the turf for the Unicorn Horn Turf Mile against Cross My Heart. That made Amber frown. Cross was good, and she didn't think that her and Lynara had faced off yet. If Cross beat them she might never live it down. Inside, however, Amber felt that Lynara was more than good. Her successes during her four year old season attested strongly to the mare's talent. No other horse truly had a record as impressive as hers last season, and Amber had set a lot of goals for this year. They were going to beat Rising Fury's win record - that meant they had to get at least forty-two wins, or another fourteen wins added to Lynara's record. They also had to win the Wire Finish Cup Turf this season, and the Wire Finish Cup Dirt the next. These were Amber's primary goals for the powerful gray mare, and she desired deeply to achieve them. Lynara deserved everlasting glory. The Unicorn Horn Turf Mile could easily be hers. Distance was not a problem - after all, Lynara had just taken victory in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile one month ago in brilliant fashion. Surface would also not be a problem. Lynara was just as much a turf horse as a dirt horse. She used to be second only to Executioner's Apprentice at a mile on the turf, and she wasn't giving up that crown to any horse. Cross was all out on the lead. However Lynara ran would be up to her, but it would be a good race.
Their workout competitor today was Italian Ice. Valencia and Icee fit each other to a tee. Icee was an amazing mare. Not only had she won the Canadian Triple Crown, but she had also visited no races outside of Horse of the Year selection races last season. Icee was used to racing against the best and beating them too. She was entered in a contentious race in the Unicorn Horn Turf Classic against A Royal Legacy, Infinite Warcry, Hokum, Blue Me Away and Paradise Island. This was a field that it would be impressive to beat. A Royal Legacy and Infinite Warcry would be on the back end. Valencia had the feeling that Legacy would shadow Infini and attempt to hook up with the black stallion in a swooping charge at the end. Legacy was not a big name like the other competitors; it would be only natural to follow that strategy. Valencia's eyes narrowed as she considered the other possibilities in the race. Hokum, Blue Me Away and Paradise Island were all full of class. And they would all be on the front end, just like Icee. Hokum was actually a horse they had defeated in the Breeders Stakes during the Canadian Triple Crown. They had tied with Blue Me Away in the Belmont Turf Classic and had also defeated him in the Breeders Stakes. So at one point in time Italian Ice had proven herself better than both of them. Both were still strong competitors though. As for Paradise Island...they had not faced the Triple Tiara champion before. However, she had placed third in the contentious Sunshine Millions last season and was obviously suited to the surface.
Icee would have her work cut out for her, Valencia concluded. The race was eleven furlongs. Her eyes narrowed into slits. It was very likely that with all of this speed nobody would want to take the lead early on. Perhaps she should take the gander and snatch that lead for herself. Yes! They would break fast, take the lead and refuse to be pressured. Nobody wanted to lose energy during this race, so if they just took the lead or ran at whatever pace they wanted during the race the other horses would have no choice but to either a) stick to their pace or b) take the lead and end up getting pressured by them. Positioning would be key. Valencia smirked, eyed her black mare confidently. We've got this in spades though, don't we Icee? Barely words had to be said to describe the bond Icee shared with this rider. Icee snorted and stepped forward to nudge her soulmate impatiently. Her eyes glimmered with arrogance and eagerness. Third place in the Breeders Cup Turf had not suited the filly at all. Valencia snorted herself. It was time to get back to their winning ways and the Unicorn Horn series provided a way to do that in style.
Lynara and Amber were already waiting impatiently on the track when they finally arrived. Lynara looked magnificent. The gray mare looked sleek and predatory as she gazed out on the turf as though searching for prey. The Dubai World Sprint had not worked out for the volatile mare. She had switched into the rarest of her personalities - the unwilling one - the day of her prep workout and Amber had made the decision to scratch rather than run her with Krystal aboard. And Axis Mundae had not been up to the race either. The mare had not checked out at one hundred percent and Amber had decided to retire her rather than risk injury. But Lynara was back and ready to roll now. She eyed Icee and Icee eyed her. Italian Ice looked magnificent herself. She was tall, dark, beautiful and sharp as nails. She was not intimidated in the least by Lynara's predatory air. In fact, she almost seemed to relish in the challenge the monstrous Lynara could give her. Valencia smirked and waited for instructions. Amber smirked as well. Mile and a quarter gallop for me please. Try a six furlong workout after that. This is an important workout. Time for the world to see how these gals are doing after the Breeders Cup. She paused. Try not to get left behind. Valencia laughed. Same to you!
Both boss and jockey turned and rode into the mile and a quarter gallop. Icee took the lead, stubbornly accelerating slightly and cutting the turn close as she prowled into the backstretch. Lynara stalked her quietly about a length back, in no hurry at all to dominate this competitor. The time would come. For now she was patient, eyeing Icee's every movement. Valencia paid strict attention. She noted every movement Icee made. Icee leaped over the turf like she was born to run over it, but she had a very classic motion over the dirt as well. It would be decided after the Spring Cup Grade One Dirt what surface Icee would dominate this season if she could. The mare had clearly proved her ability over both in the Canadian Triple Crown. Now it was up to her to choose. Valencia settled in aboard the strong willed mare now, not even having to think as they functioned like a unit into the backstretch. She moved naturally with Icee's powerful motions, appreciating the cutting power of her strides and the desire to win burning through the reins. Here was a horse not easily denied. But Lynara was a horse built the same way. Neither horse could be crossed.
Concentration and desire shimmered between the two mares. The mile and a quarter gallop disappeared, and at the end of it Lynara came striding up Icee's outside. Expectation hummed in the air as the two locked eyes and yet another challenge was exchanged. Fire burned suddenly in Icee's eyes. The black mare took off with a stunning turn of foot that would have floored a lesser competitor. Such was not Lynara's style. The gray mare stayed stride for stride with the black, appearing almost mystical as she kept up with the powerful Italian Ice. Icee snorted, dug down deep and reached out again with blurred legs. Lynara quickened her stride, appearing amused almost even as she found a worthy competitor that challenged her. Amber smirked and that was when Valencia knew there was a lot of horse under her. And in reply she smirked right back. Likewise. They reached the final two furlongs of the six furlong workout and then it was no holds barred. The two mares dug in, the infernos of hell blazing in their eyes as they threw down the gauntlet and gave it what they had.
They crossed the wire dead even, both desperately lunging at the exact same moment for a surprise victory over the other and finding themselves mirrored. They snorted, eyed each other with deadly intent, and the two women on their backs appeared breathless as they gazed at each other, amazed at what they had just experienced. Lynara's Kingdom and Italian Ice. Two new and surprising rivals. Not only was their rivalry practically ordained - now it was on until the end of the season to find out who would come out on top. Valencia caught Amber's eye and restrained from cackling. Amber's face was highly amused. Lynara and Icee continued their death staring contest even at the gallop out. It had most certainly been established that it was on between these two mares for as long as they raced.
FLIGHTY.
FORBIDDEN TO FLY & HENNA TURATH.
IMPRESSIONABLE & KRYSTAL YHATE.
Krystal Yhate felt right at home aboard the chestnut filly. Impressionable strutted down the path to the dirt track like it was the runway at a fashion show. She looked like she was made of gold, and she treated herself like absolute royalty. Krystal felt her self esteem rise just from piloting this filly. She wore a small smile on her face as they entered the dirt track at last and Empress stretched out comfortably, strides strong and sure as she warmed her muscles up and looked around, eyes seeking a target or an admirer. Arrogance simmered off of her now as she stared at the track. She became cold as ice as she viewed her workout partner for today. Krystal didn't have to look up to know who it was - the noise was enough. Forbidden To Fly kept up a steady stream of snorts and neighs as he approached. The now five year old stallion had barely changed since his juvenile season. He was still loud and above all else annoying. Krystal frowned and Empress's ears flattened in distaste as he drew closer. The amount of noise he made was truly impressive.
Despite all appearances, Krystal knew Fly was a fierce competitor. The gray colt had even stolen the Breeders Cup Juvenile over two seasons ago in a fit of surprising speed and power. He had run a quiet three year old season at the Wire before becoming a major Wire horse last season. He had even taken the Wire Finish Cup Dirt among other accomplishments. He had been the Wire's senior sprint representative for the past two seasons. And they had lost to Mastermind in the Breeders Cup Sprint in their most recent performance, once again missing out on the Sprint victory. Henna huffed. She and Fly had missed again, but they had little left to prove. They had won twenty-five races together after all. They were only going through a five year old season to provide a training partner and seniority for Aquatic Addiction, Valencia's project pony. If not for that colt turned stallion, they likely wouldn't be here because there would have been no holes to fill. And Theo was the horse they needed to outdo Fly and finally put down that Mastermind horse. Valencia's hatred of the chestnut had steeped into Henna from their frequent workouts together, and she couldn't help but want to aid in the stallion's downfall any way she could.
Fly was entered in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Sprint next against a solid field of mares. He had won this race last year and was back to defend his title. He would be facing Feline Frenzy, who was actually a pretty good mare now trying out the dirt after a season spent on the turf and a start over the sand last out, and three new fillies who had been juveniles last season and were now taking on older horses quickly into their three year old seasons. They were all good horses though. Crowned Queen was the best of them, with nine wins and the undisputed leader of her age division in the dirt sprint division. Reflected In Water and Sugar Rush weren't slouches either. Fly's big advantage was his seniority, his experience over the dirt distance and his running style. The majority of the speed would be up front; Fly would flit with the pack and take a spot behind, out of the speed but in perfect position to strike. The thought made Henna smile. It would be amazing to defend their title in this race.
Impressionable, Krystal knew, was facing longer odds. The Unicorn Horn Juvenile Dirt was a tough race, with five other horses entered. There would definitely be some big losers on race day. Empress had had a great first race, placing second in the January Juvenile Dirt Faceoff. She was well rested and her workouts were good, showing she was rounding into better form than before. She was a stalker and would seek to control the pace for the entirety of the ten furlong race. Her competition was tough, and being a filly did not help her odds. Ultimate Revenge had amazing lines and a lot of flexibility. He had started twice for a second place finish and then a win in the earlier weeks of the month. He was on a week of rest going into this race. Starting three times this month, his first month ever of racing, Krystal suspected he could be tired despite the week's rest and his greater experience. It was a big no-no at SOPS to start a two year old three times in January - it just never worked out. Saintly Touch from Witch Creek was next. He had started once for a win and was well rested coming into this. No doubt tough competition and he would be hovering around them. Flaming Confidenza was a filly they had bred and sold. She had started once for a second place. Furious Flyer had the best breeding in the field and would take the lead. He had started just last week for a third place finish. Vengeance was the half-sister of Ultimate Revenge and the final horse entered. She had defeated her stablemate last week to place second in the same race.
Overall, it was a strong field, and good riding would land them the win. Krystal nodded at Henna, smirking slightly as Empress beat Fly to the punch and started cantering. Her entire mannerism was cold and tough. She wasn't intimidated. Fly barely took the warm up seriously, merely following the chestnut out of habit. He was alert and preppy as they got ready to go. Eventually the two felt ready to go and their jockeys let them out into the gallop. Empress hung back slightly, observing Fly, who was also in no hurry to take the lead. They remained stride for stride as Fly followed and Empress tactically observed. It was this cunning that would land Empress a good placing, and Fly's speed and experience that would do it for him. Two furlongs from the end both horses accelerated at their jockey's urging. Fly took off now, the sprinter in him showing as he floored it to the wire. Henna made sure to keep Empress visible just enough to encourage him to keep moving.
Empress was a tough filly, but she wasn't yet ready to keep up with the turn of foot displayed by the experienced gray stallion. She snorted, displeased as she finished a length behind and absolutely fired up and ready to go for her race. Krystal smiled. They would get them next time. Fly continued to prance and snort about without a care in the world. He felt limber and ready to defend his title in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Sprint at his proven six furlong distance.
Despite all appearances, Krystal knew Fly was a fierce competitor. The gray colt had even stolen the Breeders Cup Juvenile over two seasons ago in a fit of surprising speed and power. He had run a quiet three year old season at the Wire before becoming a major Wire horse last season. He had even taken the Wire Finish Cup Dirt among other accomplishments. He had been the Wire's senior sprint representative for the past two seasons. And they had lost to Mastermind in the Breeders Cup Sprint in their most recent performance, once again missing out on the Sprint victory. Henna huffed. She and Fly had missed again, but they had little left to prove. They had won twenty-five races together after all. They were only going through a five year old season to provide a training partner and seniority for Aquatic Addiction, Valencia's project pony. If not for that colt turned stallion, they likely wouldn't be here because there would have been no holes to fill. And Theo was the horse they needed to outdo Fly and finally put down that Mastermind horse. Valencia's hatred of the chestnut had steeped into Henna from their frequent workouts together, and she couldn't help but want to aid in the stallion's downfall any way she could.
Fly was entered in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Sprint next against a solid field of mares. He had won this race last year and was back to defend his title. He would be facing Feline Frenzy, who was actually a pretty good mare now trying out the dirt after a season spent on the turf and a start over the sand last out, and three new fillies who had been juveniles last season and were now taking on older horses quickly into their three year old seasons. They were all good horses though. Crowned Queen was the best of them, with nine wins and the undisputed leader of her age division in the dirt sprint division. Reflected In Water and Sugar Rush weren't slouches either. Fly's big advantage was his seniority, his experience over the dirt distance and his running style. The majority of the speed would be up front; Fly would flit with the pack and take a spot behind, out of the speed but in perfect position to strike. The thought made Henna smile. It would be amazing to defend their title in this race.
Impressionable, Krystal knew, was facing longer odds. The Unicorn Horn Juvenile Dirt was a tough race, with five other horses entered. There would definitely be some big losers on race day. Empress had had a great first race, placing second in the January Juvenile Dirt Faceoff. She was well rested and her workouts were good, showing she was rounding into better form than before. She was a stalker and would seek to control the pace for the entirety of the ten furlong race. Her competition was tough, and being a filly did not help her odds. Ultimate Revenge had amazing lines and a lot of flexibility. He had started twice for a second place finish and then a win in the earlier weeks of the month. He was on a week of rest going into this race. Starting three times this month, his first month ever of racing, Krystal suspected he could be tired despite the week's rest and his greater experience. It was a big no-no at SOPS to start a two year old three times in January - it just never worked out. Saintly Touch from Witch Creek was next. He had started once for a win and was well rested coming into this. No doubt tough competition and he would be hovering around them. Flaming Confidenza was a filly they had bred and sold. She had started once for a second place. Furious Flyer had the best breeding in the field and would take the lead. He had started just last week for a third place finish. Vengeance was the half-sister of Ultimate Revenge and the final horse entered. She had defeated her stablemate last week to place second in the same race.
Overall, it was a strong field, and good riding would land them the win. Krystal nodded at Henna, smirking slightly as Empress beat Fly to the punch and started cantering. Her entire mannerism was cold and tough. She wasn't intimidated. Fly barely took the warm up seriously, merely following the chestnut out of habit. He was alert and preppy as they got ready to go. Eventually the two felt ready to go and their jockeys let them out into the gallop. Empress hung back slightly, observing Fly, who was also in no hurry to take the lead. They remained stride for stride as Fly followed and Empress tactically observed. It was this cunning that would land Empress a good placing, and Fly's speed and experience that would do it for him. Two furlongs from the end both horses accelerated at their jockey's urging. Fly took off now, the sprinter in him showing as he floored it to the wire. Henna made sure to keep Empress visible just enough to encourage him to keep moving.
Empress was a tough filly, but she wasn't yet ready to keep up with the turn of foot displayed by the experienced gray stallion. She snorted, displeased as she finished a length behind and absolutely fired up and ready to go for her race. Krystal smiled. They would get them next time. Fly continued to prance and snort about without a care in the world. He felt limber and ready to defend his title in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Sprint at his proven six furlong distance.
WAR ON ALL FRONTS.
VENTURA & AMBER BLACK.
LIMITED EDITION & VALENCIA ANDREWS.
BATTLE WINGS & KRYSTAL YHATE.
PALISADES PIRATE & HENNA TURATH.
Amber Black had been thirsting for war all week. She had hungered for the feel of a won battle rather than a lost one. Every single race of Year Fourteen had been full of close calls and she was done with the close calls. The competition was intense but she wanted to one-up them all. And the only way to do that was through a super intense workout. A smirk flitted across her face as she considered and evaluated just what was about to take place. A four way battle always provided for an utterly amazing workout, and that was precisely what was about to take place. Her blood roared, thirsting for it as she swept a glance to her alarm clock and noted the time. It was time to roll. She stood up, brushed her hair out, got dressed and was at the barn in moments. A breeze wound through the idyllic landscape of Stride of Perfection Stables, bringing with it the scent of spring flowers. Lavender waved idly at her, and Amber would have stopped to admire the fulfillment of her dreams if she wasn't so excited about this workout.
Within twenty minutes, the full roster of experienced horses had assembled on the track. Amber herself was astride Ventura. The black daughter of Impressario and Rising Fury had been a powerful winner in her last two races. She had taken the Caracortado Stakes at a mile against older horses before sweeping to win the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Sprint by a dominating eight lengths, all under wraps. She had been an absolute monster, and now she sought to add more to her resume. The filly could run at seven to ten furlongs but had proven to like the seven and eight furlong distances the most. She had an impressive resume at the mile distance - in addition to the Caracortado, she had won the Wire Red Mile against her own age group. Her capacities had led to her entry into the Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile to start off the season with a hopeful bang. Ventura was out to take no prisoners. She would have Aquatic Addiction, Sweetness Unlimited, Mastermind, Jazzaway and Midnight Sun. Mastermind was the real annoyance. He was a horse SOPS always sought to put in the ground. Amber gritted her teeth together. Ventura would definitely be the horse to do it. Mastermind was coming in sharp but so was Ven. They would just have to see how everything played out on race day. He had been impervious for too long and it was time to put him down.
Ven was razor sharp as she eyed her workmates. Her muscles rippled under her black frame, all full of power and deadly intent. She looked just like her mother, but less outwardly aggressive. All the aggression was right there in her eyes. Going toe to toe with her was the ice cold Battle Wings. The daughter of Akuma Battlecry and Silent Wings was essentially taking Ven's place on the three year old roster as Triple Tiara hopeful, but unlike Ven this was a filly who really liked the classic distances more than the sprints. Battle Wings was also the proud winner of the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies - Stride of Perfection's first. That made her special. For once, SOPS had a strong Tiara candidate in the form of this mare. Battle Wings had won the Juvenile Fillies after being out of the winners' circle for over six months. Now Battle was used to the winners' circle again, on the world's biggest stage, and boy did she like it. Krystal felt like the cold mare would never outwardly express her thoughts, but Battle was razor sharp and ready to go. It was in her motions, however slight. The Middlient Derby at the Wire marked the beginning of their Triple Tiara campaign. They were facing Restricted Access, Lucky Silver and Fly By Darkness. The race was at ten furlongs, a prime distance for Battle's classic-loving self. Battle had just put the majority of the field with the exception of Lucky Silver in the ground in the Juvenile Fillies. Lucky Silver, at five years old, had a huge advantage of seniority over them. Hence Battle's workouts with older horses had stepped up, prepping her for the challenge. She was ready to rock.
Limited Edition looked the picture of burnished bronze. His chestnut coat had darkened a bit since the Breeders Cup, but the thoroughbred still shone brilliantly in the morning sunlight. Ed was all Valencia's, bought and paid for with her own winnings. He was the essence of masculinity - an absolute rough housing colt who loved nothing more than getting under everybody's skin. And Valencia was right there to assist him with his antics. She smirked, still high off the glory of winning the uber competitive Breeders Cup Juvenile. Ed used to run seven to ten furlongs. Now he had expanded to run up to twelve furlongs. He was a flexible colt who loved to run at any of those distances and ran well. He had a slew of big wins from last season, proving his dominance in the classic dirt races. He was their Triple Crown hopeful and Valencia would be over the moon if they actually did what she had dreamed of doing from the moment she'd seen him being led around the sales ring as a yearling. Oh, she loved this colt, but they faced a stiff task in the Unicorn Horn Dirt. The top competition had come out in droves to usurp them. And she wanted nothing more then to pound them into the ground and deny them. In this big field, Ed's greatest advantage was his closing drive and prior experience. He was a seasoned professional, absolutely focused when he raced. He would work his way up throughout the race to stake his claim. It would be tough...but they could do it.
Last but not least was Palisades Pirate. Henna looked at all these experienced racehorses and wondered just what her little juvenile was doing here. Pyrite had been a tactically planned breeding and he had turned out well. He was mild mannered, typically nice, but very impatient. He was energetic and a front runner through and through. He was an easy ride and Henna liked that in her horses - as well as his speed. She smirked at that. Pyrite had started once for an excellent second place finish. Now he was entered in the Silver Stride Stakes at the Wire against Maximum Impact, Like A Lioness and Great Revenge. In Henna's opinion, two year old races were won either by great talent of the horse or great skill of the rider. She had done her homework on these three entrants. They were tough but they could definitely take them on. Max had started once for third and would close from behind. Like A Lioness had started for a very good second just last week and would be pressing their pace. Great Revenge would share the lead with Pyrite and had beaten them in the Mighty Moose. Overall, Pyrite would face a lot of pressure. Their greatest advantage would be his level head during the race. He would not be pressed into a faster pace unless Henna let him, and she had no plans of letting that happen unless they were capable of handling the higher speed.
It was time for the war to be waged. Amber eyed all of her horses and nodded in approval. Her jockeys knew the instructions. Side by side, the four of them swept up the track. Battle swept right to the lead the moment she was asked, eyes cold and challenging. Pyrite took up position easily on her outside. Ven settled behind them, adding some pressure while Ed settled behind and tried to figure out the best way to upset all of them. Valencia smirked as Ed ghosted up slightly, boxing Ventura in. The now demonic black mare snorted and dove forward, her sudden aggression paying off as Battle cut a bit more to the outside around the turn, upsetting Pyrite. Now Ventura had secured the rail for herself, and Pyrite had been pushed to the outside and back. Ed settled back down comfortably on the inside of Pyrite. With three horses in front of him and no place to go, he was handling it well. This would be great practice for the huge field of the Dirt. Ventura was furiously pressing Battle's pace now, pissed off about Ed's antics. Battle quickened her stride but then stopped going faster. Ventura settled, realizing Battle was not to be outfoxed. The two glared at each other. Pyrite resettled on the outside and came up again, energetic and willing.
They raced down the backstretch. Battle kept her lead coolly even as Ventura went eye to eye with her. Pyrite dropped back, Henna not liking the tension and instead settling for boxing Ed in. Ed was cool and collected. Valencia's eyes were sharp as she searched for openings. She found one as Ventura drifted in to take advantage of the turn. She carved up the inside, shooting past Ventura and Battle Wings in a blindingly fast move and turning it on for home. Ventura snorted and accelerated angrily, fury darkening her eyes as she took full advantage of her smaller trip in pursuit of the younger horse. She stayed stride for stride. Battle pursued them, and now juvenile Pyrite attempted to keep up with them. Henna frowned and swung the bay to the inside of the track. There was no point in a longer trip with long odds. Pyrite comfortably sprinted down the inside as the older horses waged war, Henna alert for openings. Ventura had the most sprint speed and the black mare was not be denied. She blasted off as they hit the stretch, leaving the other horses behind with a massive turn of foot. Her departure left room for Pyrite to come up and challenge, Henna urging him on.
They hit the wire with Ventura two lengths in front and Pyrite a half length behind the deadlocked Battle and Ed. There was the tension of war sizzling in the air as all four pulled up, their mounts varying between satisfied, mad and quiet. The riders exchanged glances, small smirks on each of their faces. It was time for a turn around and a good start to the season.
Within twenty minutes, the full roster of experienced horses had assembled on the track. Amber herself was astride Ventura. The black daughter of Impressario and Rising Fury had been a powerful winner in her last two races. She had taken the Caracortado Stakes at a mile against older horses before sweeping to win the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Sprint by a dominating eight lengths, all under wraps. She had been an absolute monster, and now she sought to add more to her resume. The filly could run at seven to ten furlongs but had proven to like the seven and eight furlong distances the most. She had an impressive resume at the mile distance - in addition to the Caracortado, she had won the Wire Red Mile against her own age group. Her capacities had led to her entry into the Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile to start off the season with a hopeful bang. Ventura was out to take no prisoners. She would have Aquatic Addiction, Sweetness Unlimited, Mastermind, Jazzaway and Midnight Sun. Mastermind was the real annoyance. He was a horse SOPS always sought to put in the ground. Amber gritted her teeth together. Ventura would definitely be the horse to do it. Mastermind was coming in sharp but so was Ven. They would just have to see how everything played out on race day. He had been impervious for too long and it was time to put him down.
Ven was razor sharp as she eyed her workmates. Her muscles rippled under her black frame, all full of power and deadly intent. She looked just like her mother, but less outwardly aggressive. All the aggression was right there in her eyes. Going toe to toe with her was the ice cold Battle Wings. The daughter of Akuma Battlecry and Silent Wings was essentially taking Ven's place on the three year old roster as Triple Tiara hopeful, but unlike Ven this was a filly who really liked the classic distances more than the sprints. Battle Wings was also the proud winner of the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies - Stride of Perfection's first. That made her special. For once, SOPS had a strong Tiara candidate in the form of this mare. Battle Wings had won the Juvenile Fillies after being out of the winners' circle for over six months. Now Battle was used to the winners' circle again, on the world's biggest stage, and boy did she like it. Krystal felt like the cold mare would never outwardly express her thoughts, but Battle was razor sharp and ready to go. It was in her motions, however slight. The Middlient Derby at the Wire marked the beginning of their Triple Tiara campaign. They were facing Restricted Access, Lucky Silver and Fly By Darkness. The race was at ten furlongs, a prime distance for Battle's classic-loving self. Battle had just put the majority of the field with the exception of Lucky Silver in the ground in the Juvenile Fillies. Lucky Silver, at five years old, had a huge advantage of seniority over them. Hence Battle's workouts with older horses had stepped up, prepping her for the challenge. She was ready to rock.
Limited Edition looked the picture of burnished bronze. His chestnut coat had darkened a bit since the Breeders Cup, but the thoroughbred still shone brilliantly in the morning sunlight. Ed was all Valencia's, bought and paid for with her own winnings. He was the essence of masculinity - an absolute rough housing colt who loved nothing more than getting under everybody's skin. And Valencia was right there to assist him with his antics. She smirked, still high off the glory of winning the uber competitive Breeders Cup Juvenile. Ed used to run seven to ten furlongs. Now he had expanded to run up to twelve furlongs. He was a flexible colt who loved to run at any of those distances and ran well. He had a slew of big wins from last season, proving his dominance in the classic dirt races. He was their Triple Crown hopeful and Valencia would be over the moon if they actually did what she had dreamed of doing from the moment she'd seen him being led around the sales ring as a yearling. Oh, she loved this colt, but they faced a stiff task in the Unicorn Horn Dirt. The top competition had come out in droves to usurp them. And she wanted nothing more then to pound them into the ground and deny them. In this big field, Ed's greatest advantage was his closing drive and prior experience. He was a seasoned professional, absolutely focused when he raced. He would work his way up throughout the race to stake his claim. It would be tough...but they could do it.
Last but not least was Palisades Pirate. Henna looked at all these experienced racehorses and wondered just what her little juvenile was doing here. Pyrite had been a tactically planned breeding and he had turned out well. He was mild mannered, typically nice, but very impatient. He was energetic and a front runner through and through. He was an easy ride and Henna liked that in her horses - as well as his speed. She smirked at that. Pyrite had started once for an excellent second place finish. Now he was entered in the Silver Stride Stakes at the Wire against Maximum Impact, Like A Lioness and Great Revenge. In Henna's opinion, two year old races were won either by great talent of the horse or great skill of the rider. She had done her homework on these three entrants. They were tough but they could definitely take them on. Max had started once for third and would close from behind. Like A Lioness had started for a very good second just last week and would be pressing their pace. Great Revenge would share the lead with Pyrite and had beaten them in the Mighty Moose. Overall, Pyrite would face a lot of pressure. Their greatest advantage would be his level head during the race. He would not be pressed into a faster pace unless Henna let him, and she had no plans of letting that happen unless they were capable of handling the higher speed.
It was time for the war to be waged. Amber eyed all of her horses and nodded in approval. Her jockeys knew the instructions. Side by side, the four of them swept up the track. Battle swept right to the lead the moment she was asked, eyes cold and challenging. Pyrite took up position easily on her outside. Ven settled behind them, adding some pressure while Ed settled behind and tried to figure out the best way to upset all of them. Valencia smirked as Ed ghosted up slightly, boxing Ventura in. The now demonic black mare snorted and dove forward, her sudden aggression paying off as Battle cut a bit more to the outside around the turn, upsetting Pyrite. Now Ventura had secured the rail for herself, and Pyrite had been pushed to the outside and back. Ed settled back down comfortably on the inside of Pyrite. With three horses in front of him and no place to go, he was handling it well. This would be great practice for the huge field of the Dirt. Ventura was furiously pressing Battle's pace now, pissed off about Ed's antics. Battle quickened her stride but then stopped going faster. Ventura settled, realizing Battle was not to be outfoxed. The two glared at each other. Pyrite resettled on the outside and came up again, energetic and willing.
They raced down the backstretch. Battle kept her lead coolly even as Ventura went eye to eye with her. Pyrite dropped back, Henna not liking the tension and instead settling for boxing Ed in. Ed was cool and collected. Valencia's eyes were sharp as she searched for openings. She found one as Ventura drifted in to take advantage of the turn. She carved up the inside, shooting past Ventura and Battle Wings in a blindingly fast move and turning it on for home. Ventura snorted and accelerated angrily, fury darkening her eyes as she took full advantage of her smaller trip in pursuit of the younger horse. She stayed stride for stride. Battle pursued them, and now juvenile Pyrite attempted to keep up with them. Henna frowned and swung the bay to the inside of the track. There was no point in a longer trip with long odds. Pyrite comfortably sprinted down the inside as the older horses waged war, Henna alert for openings. Ventura had the most sprint speed and the black mare was not be denied. She blasted off as they hit the stretch, leaving the other horses behind with a massive turn of foot. Her departure left room for Pyrite to come up and challenge, Henna urging him on.
They hit the wire with Ventura two lengths in front and Pyrite a half length behind the deadlocked Battle and Ed. There was the tension of war sizzling in the air as all four pulled up, their mounts varying between satisfied, mad and quiet. The riders exchanged glances, small smirks on each of their faces. It was time for a turn around and a good start to the season.
ETERNAL INFERNO.
SWEET INFERNO & VALENCIA ANDREWS.
ETERNAL PHANTOM & KRYSTAL YHATE.
There had been no horse who rivaled this one in fury for a solid month. Krystal Yhate cautiously looked in on her precious black mare, her eyes intent as she scanned the mare's form. Eternal Phantom stood straight in the stall and didn't acknowledge her rider's presence. Sizzling black fury steamed in her eyes, and her ears always seemed to be pinned back in hostility these days. Year Twelve's biggest success had run an admirable four year old season of solid Horse of the Year selection races, but a fifth place finish in the Breeders Cup Classic had resulted in this mare's terribly bad temper. Phantie did not take well to losing. It was not in the Kentucky Derby winner's blood. She was seemingly too good, in her own mind, to lose. Krystal had ridden the mare since her defeat. There was no horse on Phantie in terms of class or speed these days. None. The mare had been an unstoppable force of nature since the Breeders Cup. And she was coming into this season, her final one, ready to order the nuclear missiles. Her first order of business was to defend her title in the Clark Handicap. She would be facing sister Midnight Thriller and rising Lusitania's Soldier over the eleven furlong distance.
Krystal knew getting on the mare sooner was better than later, before Phantie broke herself out. In about ten minutes she had the mare out and walking down to the track. Phantie remained deadly silent as she went along, promises of vengeance in every stride. This was a mare who wanted to get down and dirty, to shake things up, beat her opponents down and walk away covered in blood (none of which would be hers) and looking for more. The Clark Handicap would be just the thing to get Phantie back to her winning ways, and the Spring Dawn Treader Cup after that would be even better for her. Her workout partner today was the always furious Sweet Inferno. Valencia's eyes mirrored the fire living within her mount's . Her brave bold filly had gone into the Breeders Cup Dirt Marathon as a huge long shot like she had into every other big race of her career. Guess what had happened? She had walked off with an amazing third place finish, proving herself the undoubted leader of the marathons in her age division. She had won the Belmont Stakes and the Climax Cup against the best in her division. Not once, but twice. Her class and ability could no longer be questioned. She belonged on the entry list for the Unicorn Horn Dirt Classic.
The eleven furlong race was against Nightshade, Red Herring and Born To Impress. The best dirt runners in their division, all back to get here. Valencia couldn't help the cocky arrogance she felt. If they had been facing any other horse than Sweet Inferno at a bread and butter distance of eleven furlongs...well. Valencia felt like Sweetie was absolutely proven at eleven and twelve furlongs and could not only run with the likes of these, but beat them to. She was also likely to be the longest shot in the field, and for some reason that only helped her to do even better. Valencia eyed up Eternal Phantom as they approached the track. Born To Impress had beaten that mare in the Classic and was improving fast. Red Herring had lost to her. Nightshade had gone into an entirely different race. So had Sweetie. Regardless, all horses were coming in guns firing for this race. It was imperative they do well so that they could have a really strong start to the season. Sweetie was an amazing horse. She deserved to have a season acknowledged as a champion.
The two black mares eyed each other with the same fury in their eyes. They were actually relatives through Breeding Hall of Famer Night Stalker, who was Phantie's sire and Sweetie's grandsire on her dam's side. The same lean builds, roaring fury and mountains of talent were shared by these mares. They looked beautiful and ready to go, absolutely ready to pick up the wins they needed to start their season off right. Amber took one look at them and knew exactly what they needed. A longer workout, nice and down and dirty. She relayed the instructions before disappearing. Sparks were flying from Phantie as she scorned Sweetie with one glance and a tilt of her ear. Sweetie snorted, knew she was being underestimated and sent a glare right back at her distant relative. The environment just seemed to get darker and darker as the two mares made it abundantly clear that they had it out for each other. It was going to be an amazing workout, that was for sure.
The two kept together during the gallop, neither giving an inch. Black power flared as they ran. They were monsters intent on catching their prey, intent on success, intent on the win. Eye to eye, nose to nose, they worked out in the loamy dirt and came away from their two mile gallop with barely a sweat. They looked limber, ready to go - heck, ready to explode. Krystal and Valencia felt like they were riding ticking time bombs and they exchanged knowing glances. It was time to burn the world in an eternal inferno created by the blazing competitive fires of these majestically powerful creatures.
Krystal knew getting on the mare sooner was better than later, before Phantie broke herself out. In about ten minutes she had the mare out and walking down to the track. Phantie remained deadly silent as she went along, promises of vengeance in every stride. This was a mare who wanted to get down and dirty, to shake things up, beat her opponents down and walk away covered in blood (none of which would be hers) and looking for more. The Clark Handicap would be just the thing to get Phantie back to her winning ways, and the Spring Dawn Treader Cup after that would be even better for her. Her workout partner today was the always furious Sweet Inferno. Valencia's eyes mirrored the fire living within her mount's . Her brave bold filly had gone into the Breeders Cup Dirt Marathon as a huge long shot like she had into every other big race of her career. Guess what had happened? She had walked off with an amazing third place finish, proving herself the undoubted leader of the marathons in her age division. She had won the Belmont Stakes and the Climax Cup against the best in her division. Not once, but twice. Her class and ability could no longer be questioned. She belonged on the entry list for the Unicorn Horn Dirt Classic.
The eleven furlong race was against Nightshade, Red Herring and Born To Impress. The best dirt runners in their division, all back to get here. Valencia couldn't help the cocky arrogance she felt. If they had been facing any other horse than Sweet Inferno at a bread and butter distance of eleven furlongs...well. Valencia felt like Sweetie was absolutely proven at eleven and twelve furlongs and could not only run with the likes of these, but beat them to. She was also likely to be the longest shot in the field, and for some reason that only helped her to do even better. Valencia eyed up Eternal Phantom as they approached the track. Born To Impress had beaten that mare in the Classic and was improving fast. Red Herring had lost to her. Nightshade had gone into an entirely different race. So had Sweetie. Regardless, all horses were coming in guns firing for this race. It was imperative they do well so that they could have a really strong start to the season. Sweetie was an amazing horse. She deserved to have a season acknowledged as a champion.
The two black mares eyed each other with the same fury in their eyes. They were actually relatives through Breeding Hall of Famer Night Stalker, who was Phantie's sire and Sweetie's grandsire on her dam's side. The same lean builds, roaring fury and mountains of talent were shared by these mares. They looked beautiful and ready to go, absolutely ready to pick up the wins they needed to start their season off right. Amber took one look at them and knew exactly what they needed. A longer workout, nice and down and dirty. She relayed the instructions before disappearing. Sparks were flying from Phantie as she scorned Sweetie with one glance and a tilt of her ear. Sweetie snorted, knew she was being underestimated and sent a glare right back at her distant relative. The environment just seemed to get darker and darker as the two mares made it abundantly clear that they had it out for each other. It was going to be an amazing workout, that was for sure.
The two kept together during the gallop, neither giving an inch. Black power flared as they ran. They were monsters intent on catching their prey, intent on success, intent on the win. Eye to eye, nose to nose, they worked out in the loamy dirt and came away from their two mile gallop with barely a sweat. They looked limber, ready to go - heck, ready to explode. Krystal and Valencia felt like they were riding ticking time bombs and they exchanged knowing glances. It was time to burn the world in an eternal inferno created by the blazing competitive fires of these majestically powerful creatures.