january year thirteen
WEEK ONE WORKOUTS
Battle Wings and Limited Edition.
In The Spotlight and Call of the Wild.
Fly By Darkness and Mercurial Magic.
Prideful LImits and Demonic Desires.
initiating war
battle wings and Krystal Yhate
Limited Edition and Valencia Andrews.
A new kind of frenzy had come to SOPS. This was one not borne of Breeders Cup competitiveness but of quiet determination - the determination to bring their young juveniles out on top in the first starts of their careers. SOPS always started their two year olds as soon as possible - it was only beneficial in the long run to do so. Gaining experience was perhaps the most important task of a juvenile season. Not all great juveniles remained fantastic as they grew older. But for SOPS, precociousness was fostered to remain throughout the racing careers of their mounts. This long standing tradition of lasting excellence was now Valencia's legacy. The not-so-rooky jockey stood outside the stall that used to belong to Italian Ice and now housed Limited Edition. Her thoughts were focused on the Breeders Cup. Icee had won it for her. She had taken the Juvenile Fillies Turf. Though Valencia would likely never ride the filly again, she would never forget Icee's contribution to her repertoire. And now, her latest star had taken Icee's stall.
Limited Edition was by Gold Edition and out of Trust Limits. Hilariously enough, SOPS had inadvertently come to house three Trust Limits foals including Limited Edition - Limited Bluez and Prideful Limits. Ed was different from his five year old and very destructive brother Perry. He was just...notably masculine. Even now as he stood stock still in his stall, splattered with stall shavings and even some mud that Valencia had no idea of the origin of, he was a picture of perfection. Ed was the horse that knew just how to crack the shells of all that dealt with him. He lived to annoy, to rough-house and play, and Valencia found herself more and more his willing accomplice in such tasks. Especially for today's workout against Battle Wings, whom it was Ed's mission to annoy to the ends of earth and whom Valencia wished to destroy.
Battle Wings was the royally lined and undisputed queen of the two year old crop. The seventeen hands high filly eerily reminded Krystal of Anarchi. She was cold and intimidating. She didn't use neighs to express herself; she used her eyes and occasionally her teeth and hooves. She had the most backbone of perhaps the whole crop. The reason Krystal had ended up on the daughter of Akuma Battlecry and Silent Wings was because Battle was difficult to understand and even more difficult to get along with. She was just a conundrum, an enigma. But through today's workout, Krystal just knew that she would learn to understand Battle more. This would be the horses' first fast works over real racing conditions. They had already been galloping for months and knew the drill - but today was their introduction to the real deal.
Amber Black thought she was going to die of excitement. This was an eagerly awaited for two year old crop and she just wanted to get out there and working with them already. Granted she was only riding one of the horses, but she wanted her jockeys to grow as much as the riders through the experience of riding their own mounts. The more, the better. Amber had had her fair share and she was a fair person. But this first workout between Battle and Ed was perhaps one of the more exciting ones. Ed would get under Battle's skin and Battle would be hard-pressed not to show it. The best part was that the two ran the same distance-surface preferences so would essentially be challenging each other for top dog for the entirety of their careers. What could be more exciting than inner stable rivalry?
She leaned against the railing at SOPS and sighed with contentment. Being at her home track was what made her happy. She waited and then was rewarded. The gloriously and impeccably groomed Limited Edition arrived first. He looked like burnished gold as he trotted nonchalantly onto the dirt track. His eyes roved around him curiously, but he carried the air of a seasoned veteran instead of fractious juvenile. He had been a professional from the get-go, like it was in his nature to accept strange things and just go with the flow. He was a beautiful colt and he was making his first start at the Green Horse Fields track, as was Battle. And speaking of which, the intimidating bay filly was coming their way now. She moved like a liquid statue. Her head was drawn up high and her eyes stared straight ahead. She did not react as she reached the track, instead drawing herself up even more and meeting the eyes of Ed straight on.
The stand-off was initiated. Ed puffed out his chest and stood up taller and Valencia smirked as Battle didn't so much as twitch. This obviously irritated Ed he wanted a reaction. He stamped his hoof once, briefly breaking the facade of professionalism, before reverting back to his centuries-older-than-thou attitude. Now he was taking a step back to observe Battle, the tactical intelligence so cleverly displayed on full. His eyes twinkled almost merrily and Valencia smirked. She knew exactly what Ed was doing and it was she was going to be doing with him - getting under the skins of any horse that tried to stop them from ascending to glory. Ed was well versed in the practice and she was now his partner in crime.
Try a mile gallop for size and then go out for a speedy four. We'll think about bottoming them out once I see how their first starts go. You guys know the drill. Just get it done. Valencia smirked and nodded as Krystal merely grinned. Battle Wings took the lead as they began marching at the trot. She absolutely exuded imperiousness as she glided into the first turn, now picking up the canter. Ed was not rebuked in the least and was perhaps the only horse in the barn who wouldn't be. He stayed just a little bit behind her, enough to annoy the typical horse. Battle was not to be annoyed. She was far too serious minded here on the track to care about Ed's antics. Valencia could practically hear the gears in Ed's head whirring as the workout continued. Battle was a puzzle and one he was unable to crack with his usual antics. She was a horse of a different attitude.
After six furlongs at the canter they picked up the gallop going once again into the first turn. As Battle was wont to, she picked up the speed the fastest and practically flashed through the first turn. She hit the turn hard and dropped speed slightly as she hauled her huge body around it. The centripetal force made Krystal swoon a bit to the side, but she stayed tight to the saddle and grimly straightened the bay filly out in the stretch. Ed had had no such problems. He was too much of a professional to make such amateur mistakes, even if he hadn't raced before. He lost no ground as he rounded the turn, instead beautifully gliding into the backstretch with eyes glittering. He had the opportunity to strike now if he so wanted to but didn't take it. Valencia knew how Ed thought. He was a closer, a tactical one who hunted down his competitors individually and brought about their destruction when he chose to.
For the first time during the workout, Battle showed the signs of initial irritation. Krystal knew this because the usually quiet filly actually stiffened up a bit in responsiveness during the backstretch. Battle was expressionless, all the time. Ed had cracked the facade and it could be the time to strike for him. She listened carefully, on high alert, as they ghosted around the far turn and into the stretch. They had maybe three furlongs to go and Ed hadn't moved yet. That could only mean one thing - there was something more to be gained here. Krystal remained alert even as Valencia smirked and Ed suddenly darted up on Battle's outside. He drifted in slightly, caging the bay juvenile in as they hit the stretch, and then put on a spurt of speed to leave her behind. Valencia laughed as Ed left Battle behind, the euphoric feeling of triumph settling over her and him.
Battle was not to be ousted. This was an unacceptable defeat and foul play. She unfurled her long legs and began to fly up the track after Ed, her eyes gleaming dangerously as she caught sight of his chestnut body unfurled and flying. It was a bit early for the fast portion of the workout but Battle could have cared less. Her dominance had been challenged, her leadership taken away. She was the suicidal front runner the crowds cheered on and loved and would bet ridiculously on just to see if she could do it. And she was coming back fast. She hit her best stride and roared up on Ed's outside. The chestnut colt was nearly unprepared for her. Valencia's newly developed jockey instincts kicked into gear and suddenly they were stride for stride and a nose ahead of the royally bred bay.
Eye to eye, thunder to thunder, desire met desire. Bay and chestnut clashed and rolled in a flurry of hooves. Their speed was tremendous as they made it under the wire and were pulled up by their breathless jockeys. The two were a young pair of brilliant milers-to-be who had a whole future ahead of them ripe for the taking. And they had just initiated war with each other for the title of best miler. The place would really heat up in future workouts, especially if they continued as they had today. There had been nothing but speed and desire out on that dirt track today and Amber's wide grin conveyed that she knew just what she had just seen and what it could mean for her dirt miler division.
Limited Edition was by Gold Edition and out of Trust Limits. Hilariously enough, SOPS had inadvertently come to house three Trust Limits foals including Limited Edition - Limited Bluez and Prideful Limits. Ed was different from his five year old and very destructive brother Perry. He was just...notably masculine. Even now as he stood stock still in his stall, splattered with stall shavings and even some mud that Valencia had no idea of the origin of, he was a picture of perfection. Ed was the horse that knew just how to crack the shells of all that dealt with him. He lived to annoy, to rough-house and play, and Valencia found herself more and more his willing accomplice in such tasks. Especially for today's workout against Battle Wings, whom it was Ed's mission to annoy to the ends of earth and whom Valencia wished to destroy.
Battle Wings was the royally lined and undisputed queen of the two year old crop. The seventeen hands high filly eerily reminded Krystal of Anarchi. She was cold and intimidating. She didn't use neighs to express herself; she used her eyes and occasionally her teeth and hooves. She had the most backbone of perhaps the whole crop. The reason Krystal had ended up on the daughter of Akuma Battlecry and Silent Wings was because Battle was difficult to understand and even more difficult to get along with. She was just a conundrum, an enigma. But through today's workout, Krystal just knew that she would learn to understand Battle more. This would be the horses' first fast works over real racing conditions. They had already been galloping for months and knew the drill - but today was their introduction to the real deal.
Amber Black thought she was going to die of excitement. This was an eagerly awaited for two year old crop and she just wanted to get out there and working with them already. Granted she was only riding one of the horses, but she wanted her jockeys to grow as much as the riders through the experience of riding their own mounts. The more, the better. Amber had had her fair share and she was a fair person. But this first workout between Battle and Ed was perhaps one of the more exciting ones. Ed would get under Battle's skin and Battle would be hard-pressed not to show it. The best part was that the two ran the same distance-surface preferences so would essentially be challenging each other for top dog for the entirety of their careers. What could be more exciting than inner stable rivalry?
She leaned against the railing at SOPS and sighed with contentment. Being at her home track was what made her happy. She waited and then was rewarded. The gloriously and impeccably groomed Limited Edition arrived first. He looked like burnished gold as he trotted nonchalantly onto the dirt track. His eyes roved around him curiously, but he carried the air of a seasoned veteran instead of fractious juvenile. He had been a professional from the get-go, like it was in his nature to accept strange things and just go with the flow. He was a beautiful colt and he was making his first start at the Green Horse Fields track, as was Battle. And speaking of which, the intimidating bay filly was coming their way now. She moved like a liquid statue. Her head was drawn up high and her eyes stared straight ahead. She did not react as she reached the track, instead drawing herself up even more and meeting the eyes of Ed straight on.
The stand-off was initiated. Ed puffed out his chest and stood up taller and Valencia smirked as Battle didn't so much as twitch. This obviously irritated Ed he wanted a reaction. He stamped his hoof once, briefly breaking the facade of professionalism, before reverting back to his centuries-older-than-thou attitude. Now he was taking a step back to observe Battle, the tactical intelligence so cleverly displayed on full. His eyes twinkled almost merrily and Valencia smirked. She knew exactly what Ed was doing and it was she was going to be doing with him - getting under the skins of any horse that tried to stop them from ascending to glory. Ed was well versed in the practice and she was now his partner in crime.
Try a mile gallop for size and then go out for a speedy four. We'll think about bottoming them out once I see how their first starts go. You guys know the drill. Just get it done. Valencia smirked and nodded as Krystal merely grinned. Battle Wings took the lead as they began marching at the trot. She absolutely exuded imperiousness as she glided into the first turn, now picking up the canter. Ed was not rebuked in the least and was perhaps the only horse in the barn who wouldn't be. He stayed just a little bit behind her, enough to annoy the typical horse. Battle was not to be annoyed. She was far too serious minded here on the track to care about Ed's antics. Valencia could practically hear the gears in Ed's head whirring as the workout continued. Battle was a puzzle and one he was unable to crack with his usual antics. She was a horse of a different attitude.
After six furlongs at the canter they picked up the gallop going once again into the first turn. As Battle was wont to, she picked up the speed the fastest and practically flashed through the first turn. She hit the turn hard and dropped speed slightly as she hauled her huge body around it. The centripetal force made Krystal swoon a bit to the side, but she stayed tight to the saddle and grimly straightened the bay filly out in the stretch. Ed had had no such problems. He was too much of a professional to make such amateur mistakes, even if he hadn't raced before. He lost no ground as he rounded the turn, instead beautifully gliding into the backstretch with eyes glittering. He had the opportunity to strike now if he so wanted to but didn't take it. Valencia knew how Ed thought. He was a closer, a tactical one who hunted down his competitors individually and brought about their destruction when he chose to.
For the first time during the workout, Battle showed the signs of initial irritation. Krystal knew this because the usually quiet filly actually stiffened up a bit in responsiveness during the backstretch. Battle was expressionless, all the time. Ed had cracked the facade and it could be the time to strike for him. She listened carefully, on high alert, as they ghosted around the far turn and into the stretch. They had maybe three furlongs to go and Ed hadn't moved yet. That could only mean one thing - there was something more to be gained here. Krystal remained alert even as Valencia smirked and Ed suddenly darted up on Battle's outside. He drifted in slightly, caging the bay juvenile in as they hit the stretch, and then put on a spurt of speed to leave her behind. Valencia laughed as Ed left Battle behind, the euphoric feeling of triumph settling over her and him.
Battle was not to be ousted. This was an unacceptable defeat and foul play. She unfurled her long legs and began to fly up the track after Ed, her eyes gleaming dangerously as she caught sight of his chestnut body unfurled and flying. It was a bit early for the fast portion of the workout but Battle could have cared less. Her dominance had been challenged, her leadership taken away. She was the suicidal front runner the crowds cheered on and loved and would bet ridiculously on just to see if she could do it. And she was coming back fast. She hit her best stride and roared up on Ed's outside. The chestnut colt was nearly unprepared for her. Valencia's newly developed jockey instincts kicked into gear and suddenly they were stride for stride and a nose ahead of the royally bred bay.
Eye to eye, thunder to thunder, desire met desire. Bay and chestnut clashed and rolled in a flurry of hooves. Their speed was tremendous as they made it under the wire and were pulled up by their breathless jockeys. The two were a young pair of brilliant milers-to-be who had a whole future ahead of them ripe for the taking. And they had just initiated war with each other for the title of best miler. The place would really heat up in future workouts, especially if they continued as they had today. There had been nothing but speed and desire out on that dirt track today and Amber's wide grin conveyed that she knew just what she had just seen and what it could mean for her dirt miler division.
IN THE WILD
In THe Spotlight and Valencia Andrews.
Call of the Wild and Krystal Yhate
Valencia groaned. It seemed like Amber Black was still in her Breeders Cup training mode, and that meant she was sending Valencia out to ride a ridiculous amount of times. Back to back to back she would ride, mercilessly spurred on by Amber. Though even as Valencia's muscles groaned in protest, she was secretly happy to be receiving such treatment. It would only make her better. And her next mount was the well bred turf filly In The Spotlight. She was a pure SOPS horse, absolutely bred for the turf. And they would be working with Call of the Wild, another beautifully bred turfer. These two young juveniles were the cornerstone of hope for the SOPS turf division and that meant it was a huge deal that they did well as soon as they could.
In The Spotlight was a gorgeous chestnut filly. Her only problem was exactly what her name suggested - if not in the spotlight, she was a nightmare. Attention was the one thing Innie craved, and to be robbed of that attention meant dealing with a demon. Innie was not the type of horse Valencia usually liked to ride, but there was one thing Valencia loved about Innie - her undying passion to be first, foremost, the best. Such ambition complemented her own and that was all Valencia could ask for. Perhaps even one day, Valencia would love Innie as she loved Ed. But for now, she was still in the process of getting to know her. Amber had only just assigned the copper chestnut to her two weeks ago, claiming it was time Valencia got a turf mount. Valencia couldn't disagree with that. So here she was, in the irons of this short fifteen and a half hand high filly, getting ready to go.
Krystal Yhate had always known getting the jockey seat for Call would be difficult. Amber had ridden all of Call's dam's foals, and giving up even one was tough. But Call was a lot like Infini in preferences and temperament, and Amber had made the decision that he would do better in Krystal's care. So now Call was hers. Krystal had ridden Call's sire and Call seemed to be similar to Laddy. He was easy going and well natured, calm and responsive. But unlike Laddy, Call possessed a touch of cunning not typical of Laddy's line. It was his Hall Of Fame dam's influence speaking and Krystal thought it could only mean good things. Call was their future Turf Triple Crown horse. That was far in the future, but the steps needed to get there began now. Krystal checked the bay colt's legs before swinging up into the saddle. The sixteen hand colt waited patiently and responded instantly as she guided him out to the turf track.
Amber had long since switched positions to be at her beloved turf ground. This was the place where SOPS had raised so many of their well known grass horses. And now the next two horses of this legacy were coming to work out for their maiden races. It was a very important time of the year for her. Her eyes narrowed, checking her track for anything out of place, before swinging her head around to see Innie and Call approaching side by side. Naturally Innie was essentially strutting, head held high and eyes focused ahead imperiously, tail waving like a banner in the breeze. Call was the picture of calmness, like a gentle tide. He looked like he could care less about Innie's antics. Krystal looked calm and happy in the saddle and Amber grinned. Her decision to give Krystal Call had been a good one. And looking at Valencia, Amber could tell that Innie would be a good horse for Valencia to learn the turf side of things aboard.
She walked towards her promising juveniles, eyes sharp already as she looked them over. Okay, they're in good form and they're facing some pretty tough fields for their first start out. Which is only natural, considering its juvenile rush season. But we'll be ready for them, won't be ladies? To disagree with Amber on this point would be tantamount to declaring war, and they all knew it. Innie danced sideways underneath Valencia, her muscles on full display as she did so. Call remained stationary, ever the anchor in the middle of a storm. These two are born routers and they're going to show off on race day. I want a two mile gallop. That's it. Innie needs more bottom, given her racing style, and Call will naturally speed up by the end anyway. Don't push them. We need them to have their sprint speed ready for their races. Remember, the first race sets the precedence for the next race. Got it? Her riders nodded. Get to it girls. Best of luck!
Innie naturally took the lead as she was turned loose. She cantered, her stride flowing like water over the turf. She was a graceful mover, an easy one too, and she wasn't trying as she moved over the level ground. Call was a different type of horse. He had a long stride that ate up turf and a certain conservation to his movements seen in those laid back horses that had no hurries or worries. Krystal was just as easy as he was, gentle and calm in the saddle. Valencia was not as calm. Innie required a firm hand and strict attention because of her love of the spotlight. For now Valencia had her under quiet wraps, in complete control. Innie didn't settle until they had been cantering for about a half mile. Then she was moving lithely, a dancer who packed a powerful punch.
The two juveniles accelerated on command into their gallops. Innie once again was off quickly, and her short stride became faster as she went straight for what she thought was race pace. Valencia let her go at first, slowly bringing her back under wraps as time passed. Call was off slowly, as he usually was. He was in no hurry as the gap between him and Innie became five lengths, then six. Krystal felt the sharpness of his mind increasing as the gap increased, and then the sudden relaxation as Innie was brought under control and taken back. Now Call swept forward to be at her tail before settling again, cool as a cucumber. He had plenty of time to run this horse down. Innie didn't mind having Call behind her either. She was the lead horse and the attention she craved would be hers as long as she led the race.
Amber's eyes zoomed towards the juveniles and then back at her stopwatch. They were moving very easily, exactly as she wanted. She watched critically as they practically floated through the first mile. She noted the easy energy in their strides, the lack of tiredness. They were perfect routers. Call was beginning to wake up a bit in Krystal's hands. The bay was more than warmed up - he was raring to go now. His eyes focused sharply on Innie. He drifted a bit to the outside of her, preparing for a predator run, and his stride grew faster. Innie was a perceptive one when she was in the lead and fully determined to keep it. She heard the hoofbeats of Call approaching quickly and put on a spurt of speed herself, tail swishing indignantly and head jerking forward to steal rein. Valencia was an iron jockey in the saddle. She strictly moderated Innie's speed, analytic mind whirring as she worked out the angles.
It was time to go now. Two furlongs left and the adrenaline was coming on in Valencia and Krystal as a matter of instinct. Call picked up on it, and Krystal quietly decided that she wanted Innie to be run down. They were already going naturally faster and all she needed was a bit more. She turned Call loose and the talented bay moved immediately. He was after Innie, screaming up on her outside. Valencia was ready. She had asked Innie to move as soon as she saw Call in the corner of her eye and Innie was responding to Call's challenge. Stride for stride the two juveniles darted forward, intent on beating the other, one because of the attention and the other for the simple glory that came with doing so.
They were a picture of motion as they clocked through a nice quarter before being pulled up, sweating slightly, neck to neck and obviously frustrated with that fact. Valencia was frowning a bit, Krystal was smirking and Amber would have been full out laughing if she wasn't as seriously contemplating the possibilities, looking at the bay and chestnut before her.
In The Spotlight was a gorgeous chestnut filly. Her only problem was exactly what her name suggested - if not in the spotlight, she was a nightmare. Attention was the one thing Innie craved, and to be robbed of that attention meant dealing with a demon. Innie was not the type of horse Valencia usually liked to ride, but there was one thing Valencia loved about Innie - her undying passion to be first, foremost, the best. Such ambition complemented her own and that was all Valencia could ask for. Perhaps even one day, Valencia would love Innie as she loved Ed. But for now, she was still in the process of getting to know her. Amber had only just assigned the copper chestnut to her two weeks ago, claiming it was time Valencia got a turf mount. Valencia couldn't disagree with that. So here she was, in the irons of this short fifteen and a half hand high filly, getting ready to go.
Krystal Yhate had always known getting the jockey seat for Call would be difficult. Amber had ridden all of Call's dam's foals, and giving up even one was tough. But Call was a lot like Infini in preferences and temperament, and Amber had made the decision that he would do better in Krystal's care. So now Call was hers. Krystal had ridden Call's sire and Call seemed to be similar to Laddy. He was easy going and well natured, calm and responsive. But unlike Laddy, Call possessed a touch of cunning not typical of Laddy's line. It was his Hall Of Fame dam's influence speaking and Krystal thought it could only mean good things. Call was their future Turf Triple Crown horse. That was far in the future, but the steps needed to get there began now. Krystal checked the bay colt's legs before swinging up into the saddle. The sixteen hand colt waited patiently and responded instantly as she guided him out to the turf track.
Amber had long since switched positions to be at her beloved turf ground. This was the place where SOPS had raised so many of their well known grass horses. And now the next two horses of this legacy were coming to work out for their maiden races. It was a very important time of the year for her. Her eyes narrowed, checking her track for anything out of place, before swinging her head around to see Innie and Call approaching side by side. Naturally Innie was essentially strutting, head held high and eyes focused ahead imperiously, tail waving like a banner in the breeze. Call was the picture of calmness, like a gentle tide. He looked like he could care less about Innie's antics. Krystal looked calm and happy in the saddle and Amber grinned. Her decision to give Krystal Call had been a good one. And looking at Valencia, Amber could tell that Innie would be a good horse for Valencia to learn the turf side of things aboard.
She walked towards her promising juveniles, eyes sharp already as she looked them over. Okay, they're in good form and they're facing some pretty tough fields for their first start out. Which is only natural, considering its juvenile rush season. But we'll be ready for them, won't be ladies? To disagree with Amber on this point would be tantamount to declaring war, and they all knew it. Innie danced sideways underneath Valencia, her muscles on full display as she did so. Call remained stationary, ever the anchor in the middle of a storm. These two are born routers and they're going to show off on race day. I want a two mile gallop. That's it. Innie needs more bottom, given her racing style, and Call will naturally speed up by the end anyway. Don't push them. We need them to have their sprint speed ready for their races. Remember, the first race sets the precedence for the next race. Got it? Her riders nodded. Get to it girls. Best of luck!
Innie naturally took the lead as she was turned loose. She cantered, her stride flowing like water over the turf. She was a graceful mover, an easy one too, and she wasn't trying as she moved over the level ground. Call was a different type of horse. He had a long stride that ate up turf and a certain conservation to his movements seen in those laid back horses that had no hurries or worries. Krystal was just as easy as he was, gentle and calm in the saddle. Valencia was not as calm. Innie required a firm hand and strict attention because of her love of the spotlight. For now Valencia had her under quiet wraps, in complete control. Innie didn't settle until they had been cantering for about a half mile. Then she was moving lithely, a dancer who packed a powerful punch.
The two juveniles accelerated on command into their gallops. Innie once again was off quickly, and her short stride became faster as she went straight for what she thought was race pace. Valencia let her go at first, slowly bringing her back under wraps as time passed. Call was off slowly, as he usually was. He was in no hurry as the gap between him and Innie became five lengths, then six. Krystal felt the sharpness of his mind increasing as the gap increased, and then the sudden relaxation as Innie was brought under control and taken back. Now Call swept forward to be at her tail before settling again, cool as a cucumber. He had plenty of time to run this horse down. Innie didn't mind having Call behind her either. She was the lead horse and the attention she craved would be hers as long as she led the race.
Amber's eyes zoomed towards the juveniles and then back at her stopwatch. They were moving very easily, exactly as she wanted. She watched critically as they practically floated through the first mile. She noted the easy energy in their strides, the lack of tiredness. They were perfect routers. Call was beginning to wake up a bit in Krystal's hands. The bay was more than warmed up - he was raring to go now. His eyes focused sharply on Innie. He drifted a bit to the outside of her, preparing for a predator run, and his stride grew faster. Innie was a perceptive one when she was in the lead and fully determined to keep it. She heard the hoofbeats of Call approaching quickly and put on a spurt of speed herself, tail swishing indignantly and head jerking forward to steal rein. Valencia was an iron jockey in the saddle. She strictly moderated Innie's speed, analytic mind whirring as she worked out the angles.
It was time to go now. Two furlongs left and the adrenaline was coming on in Valencia and Krystal as a matter of instinct. Call picked up on it, and Krystal quietly decided that she wanted Innie to be run down. They were already going naturally faster and all she needed was a bit more. She turned Call loose and the talented bay moved immediately. He was after Innie, screaming up on her outside. Valencia was ready. She had asked Innie to move as soon as she saw Call in the corner of her eye and Innie was responding to Call's challenge. Stride for stride the two juveniles darted forward, intent on beating the other, one because of the attention and the other for the simple glory that came with doing so.
They were a picture of motion as they clocked through a nice quarter before being pulled up, sweating slightly, neck to neck and obviously frustrated with that fact. Valencia was frowning a bit, Krystal was smirking and Amber would have been full out laughing if she wasn't as seriously contemplating the possibilities, looking at the bay and chestnut before her.
MERCURIAL DARKNESS
Fly By Darkness and Henna Turath.
Mercurial Magic and Valencia Andrews.
Tall, dark and handsome. That was Mercurial Magic in a nutshell. Valencia traced her fingers down the stallion's shoulder. The newly turned four year old had developed fully now. He had muscles of steel and a heart of iron will and determination. Valencia fingered his black mane and sighed. Their last place finish in the Dirt Mile had almost been a guarantee and she found she didn't care. That had been last year. This year was going to be different. Mercurial Magic was going to rise to stardom if she had anything to say about it. And she would come along for the ride. A smirk flitted across her face. Breeders Cup Classic, here we come!
Henna Turath was thinking of different things. Her ride for this year Fly By Darkness was more youthful than even Forbidden To Fly. That was probably why she had been chosen as the chestnut's rider. Slim and pretty, the chestnut filly was the most social creature SOPS had ever housed. She was all about other horses, and Henna knew that her racing style even revolved around that. Riding Fly was going to be a challenge. Her moves had to be timed to keep her entertained and focused. They couldn't win by open lengths. It would always be close. And that was going to be tricky to work around.
Merc and Fly were two different creatures yet would be the ones working together today. Merc was full blooded racehorse even though his lines were unknown. From head to toe he looked the part, all muscles and full of go. His eyes burned with a passion mirrored in Valencia's own gaze. The two of them were out for blood. She knew what she wanted and he wanted the same thing. The game was being upped this year. Similarly, Fly and Henna were out to do well. Their first start might be a bit rough, considering Fly's difficult riding style, but Henna was determined to get a handle on it and start turning the blue blooded filly into a champion. She had been very carefully bred, so even if her personality seemed to be against her Henna knew there was something in this filly waiting to be called into play.
This workout was by themselves on the dirt track. Amber was busying herself in the barn with the handsome Demonic Desires and Krystal was similarly busy with her own demon, Perry. So the two ladies had the dirt to themselves. Henna ran through a scenario in her head. This workout was up to her, aboard the two year old that needed this experience. She thought hard and then spoke. Mile gallop. Stick right alongside Fly. She needs that crowd impulse in order to get focused. Then, I want you to break off and sprint for about a furlong. After that furlong get Merc back under control. I want to see if I can get Fly to go after you. Gotta see if there's a racing spirit somewhere in there you know? Valencia nodded in agreement. She would never have been able to ride Fly. Henna seemed to have a way with those horses that didn't seem like champions at first.
The muscular bay moved alongside the almost flighty chestnut. Merc was by far the most impressive animal on the track, but Fly was the most graceful. There was a sort of light, airy brilliance about her form that was difficult to ignore. She felt smooth as glass to Henna. All she needed was some base races to get the wheels spinning in her glorious mind. She grinned excitedly at the thought. The pace upped to an energetic canter. They kept at it for maybe a mile. Fly was still smooth, though she was barely focused. She seemed only slightly aware of Merc at her side. In the meantime, Merc was having a blast. He was strong and steady and Valencia felt like she was riding an entirely different horse. She smirked. Perhaps she was. They had come out of last place in the Dirt Mile with knowledge learned. They would throw themselves into the first race of the season, a light one, before going into the hard-knocking Unicorn Horn series. With any luck, they would do well.
Merc and Fly picked up the pace to flight. They were galloping out, stretching strongly with their legs and leaving only dust behind. Their eyes were alight with fire as they pushed forward. Merc was extremely strong up front with Fly only a little bit behind. The filly had sighted the colt to her inside and moved well because of it. As time passed Merc suddenly bolted off as instructed. Valencia felt like she had taken flight. The dark bay was gone in a very impressive flash. At first, Fly did not react. Then, it was like something just clicked in the filly's mind. Henna felt the change vibrate through the reins. She shook them and called and Fly responded. Sudden fire inflamed her. She was bounding up the track, her stride reaching, her heart wanting.
She drew up alongside just within two furlongs and then hovered there, almost uncertainly. Valencia held Merc alongside as they drew out the battle a bit more. And then it was done, and they were slowing to their cool down. Henna was grinning. There was heart and power in this filly after all!
Henna Turath was thinking of different things. Her ride for this year Fly By Darkness was more youthful than even Forbidden To Fly. That was probably why she had been chosen as the chestnut's rider. Slim and pretty, the chestnut filly was the most social creature SOPS had ever housed. She was all about other horses, and Henna knew that her racing style even revolved around that. Riding Fly was going to be a challenge. Her moves had to be timed to keep her entertained and focused. They couldn't win by open lengths. It would always be close. And that was going to be tricky to work around.
Merc and Fly were two different creatures yet would be the ones working together today. Merc was full blooded racehorse even though his lines were unknown. From head to toe he looked the part, all muscles and full of go. His eyes burned with a passion mirrored in Valencia's own gaze. The two of them were out for blood. She knew what she wanted and he wanted the same thing. The game was being upped this year. Similarly, Fly and Henna were out to do well. Their first start might be a bit rough, considering Fly's difficult riding style, but Henna was determined to get a handle on it and start turning the blue blooded filly into a champion. She had been very carefully bred, so even if her personality seemed to be against her Henna knew there was something in this filly waiting to be called into play.
This workout was by themselves on the dirt track. Amber was busying herself in the barn with the handsome Demonic Desires and Krystal was similarly busy with her own demon, Perry. So the two ladies had the dirt to themselves. Henna ran through a scenario in her head. This workout was up to her, aboard the two year old that needed this experience. She thought hard and then spoke. Mile gallop. Stick right alongside Fly. She needs that crowd impulse in order to get focused. Then, I want you to break off and sprint for about a furlong. After that furlong get Merc back under control. I want to see if I can get Fly to go after you. Gotta see if there's a racing spirit somewhere in there you know? Valencia nodded in agreement. She would never have been able to ride Fly. Henna seemed to have a way with those horses that didn't seem like champions at first.
The muscular bay moved alongside the almost flighty chestnut. Merc was by far the most impressive animal on the track, but Fly was the most graceful. There was a sort of light, airy brilliance about her form that was difficult to ignore. She felt smooth as glass to Henna. All she needed was some base races to get the wheels spinning in her glorious mind. She grinned excitedly at the thought. The pace upped to an energetic canter. They kept at it for maybe a mile. Fly was still smooth, though she was barely focused. She seemed only slightly aware of Merc at her side. In the meantime, Merc was having a blast. He was strong and steady and Valencia felt like she was riding an entirely different horse. She smirked. Perhaps she was. They had come out of last place in the Dirt Mile with knowledge learned. They would throw themselves into the first race of the season, a light one, before going into the hard-knocking Unicorn Horn series. With any luck, they would do well.
Merc and Fly picked up the pace to flight. They were galloping out, stretching strongly with their legs and leaving only dust behind. Their eyes were alight with fire as they pushed forward. Merc was extremely strong up front with Fly only a little bit behind. The filly had sighted the colt to her inside and moved well because of it. As time passed Merc suddenly bolted off as instructed. Valencia felt like she had taken flight. The dark bay was gone in a very impressive flash. At first, Fly did not react. Then, it was like something just clicked in the filly's mind. Henna felt the change vibrate through the reins. She shook them and called and Fly responded. Sudden fire inflamed her. She was bounding up the track, her stride reaching, her heart wanting.
She drew up alongside just within two furlongs and then hovered there, almost uncertainly. Valencia held Merc alongside as they drew out the battle a bit more. And then it was done, and they were slowing to their cool down. Henna was grinning. There was heart and power in this filly after all!
PRIDEFUL DESIRES
Prideful LImits and Krystal YHate.
Demonic Desires and Amber Black.
Amber Black eyed the black son of Speed Demon and Deadly Desires with a critical eye. Demonic Desires looked just like his dam but was built like his sire. He had muscles rolling beneath his black coat and the look of eagles in his eye. Overall, he was impressive looking already and hadn't even hit the tracks for an actual race yet. Amber had to say that Demon's debut was one she had been looking forward to since the colt had become a yearling. He was bred to be great over the sprints and that was exactly what he was getting in his first start over the Green Horse Fields track. He had talent in heaps and heaps and she hoped his talent would show through. She wanted to win nothing less than impressively in the Jumping Beans Maiden Sprint.
His workout competition was Prideful Limits, a horse whose career Krystal Yhate was going to turn around. The son of Shiver Me Timbers was nothing special on paper, but all heart and concealed talent in real life. For one month he had worked hard, skipping the Breeders Cup, and now he was ready to rock and roll this year. He was their upcoming turf sprinter specialist with a serious attitude problem indeed. Perry was demonic at the best of times. He was a nightmare to handle. The one thing that could be counted on with this colt was his love of running. The young stallion was all about the track when he was on. Racing was not necessarily in his blood but he had a racer's spirit. All he liked was the true pedigree for it. Demon had that in spades. In a way, the two balanced each other. And that was why they would be working out today.
Perry threw a nasty glare in Demon's direction as he pranced in place beneath Krystal. The fierce stallion was putty in her hands and she quietly and expertly guided him through his paces. He was a fine, muscular animal with the look of a dangerous horse. A dangerous horse melted down into harmlessness with Krystal up on his back. She grinned slightly and focused more, guiding him down the rolling turf track. Perry strode confidently beneath her, his attention shifting from Demon to the track. His eyes roved around, and his stride picked up as the open ground met his hooves. Aboard Demon, Amber strictly felt the movements of the black colt and grinned. They were smooth and energetic, lightning quick. That was this colt from head to toe. Blinding speed.
She accelerated to canter and they briefly passed Perry. The bay wouldn't stand for that and immediately got going again to keep up with them. Krystal lightly tugged back on the reins and Perry acquiesced, slowing down to his long canter. He swept over the ground, powerful, while Demon was mercurially fast. Side by side they strode along, and Amber felt at peace. This was the future of her sprinting division, a program she was buffing up right about now. Her turf program featured beautifully bred horses nowadays, and her dirt program was faring similarly. Her sprinter program was the only one that needed just an extra pinch of salt to do better. It helped that they had just swept the sprinter awards at the Wire, but it took more than two successful horses to have champions.
Perry and Demon accelerated to a gallop quickly. Perry's acceleration was just the slightest bit faster, but Demon comfortably took the spot on Perry's outside. The colt was pure stalker, through and through, and he tracked Perry's movements around the first turn of the turf. They were running for a mile together to get Demon ready for his engagements this month. He was the stable's best hope in the future turf sprints. He continued tracking as the pair blew into the stretch. Perry was not feeling pressured at all. The hot headed stallion cared less about where Demon was as long as he remained out front. He accelerated as Demon did, keeping his head a stubborn length ahead of Demon's.
Whirling into the stretch, the horses accelerated once more. Demon swept inwards from the track to bludgeon Perry against the inside rail. Perry didn't move an inch. The bay took full advantage of his location and kept pounding it out forward. Nose to nose, the pair swept across the finish with not a whisker to spare. Speed and adrenaline were the complete characteristics of this workout. Amber was grinning widely. Krystal was slowing her five year old down. A new light burned in their eyes.
His workout competition was Prideful Limits, a horse whose career Krystal Yhate was going to turn around. The son of Shiver Me Timbers was nothing special on paper, but all heart and concealed talent in real life. For one month he had worked hard, skipping the Breeders Cup, and now he was ready to rock and roll this year. He was their upcoming turf sprinter specialist with a serious attitude problem indeed. Perry was demonic at the best of times. He was a nightmare to handle. The one thing that could be counted on with this colt was his love of running. The young stallion was all about the track when he was on. Racing was not necessarily in his blood but he had a racer's spirit. All he liked was the true pedigree for it. Demon had that in spades. In a way, the two balanced each other. And that was why they would be working out today.
Perry threw a nasty glare in Demon's direction as he pranced in place beneath Krystal. The fierce stallion was putty in her hands and she quietly and expertly guided him through his paces. He was a fine, muscular animal with the look of a dangerous horse. A dangerous horse melted down into harmlessness with Krystal up on his back. She grinned slightly and focused more, guiding him down the rolling turf track. Perry strode confidently beneath her, his attention shifting from Demon to the track. His eyes roved around, and his stride picked up as the open ground met his hooves. Aboard Demon, Amber strictly felt the movements of the black colt and grinned. They were smooth and energetic, lightning quick. That was this colt from head to toe. Blinding speed.
She accelerated to canter and they briefly passed Perry. The bay wouldn't stand for that and immediately got going again to keep up with them. Krystal lightly tugged back on the reins and Perry acquiesced, slowing down to his long canter. He swept over the ground, powerful, while Demon was mercurially fast. Side by side they strode along, and Amber felt at peace. This was the future of her sprinting division, a program she was buffing up right about now. Her turf program featured beautifully bred horses nowadays, and her dirt program was faring similarly. Her sprinter program was the only one that needed just an extra pinch of salt to do better. It helped that they had just swept the sprinter awards at the Wire, but it took more than two successful horses to have champions.
Perry and Demon accelerated to a gallop quickly. Perry's acceleration was just the slightest bit faster, but Demon comfortably took the spot on Perry's outside. The colt was pure stalker, through and through, and he tracked Perry's movements around the first turn of the turf. They were running for a mile together to get Demon ready for his engagements this month. He was the stable's best hope in the future turf sprints. He continued tracking as the pair blew into the stretch. Perry was not feeling pressured at all. The hot headed stallion cared less about where Demon was as long as he remained out front. He accelerated as Demon did, keeping his head a stubborn length ahead of Demon's.
Whirling into the stretch, the horses accelerated once more. Demon swept inwards from the track to bludgeon Perry against the inside rail. Perry didn't move an inch. The bay took full advantage of his location and kept pounding it out forward. Nose to nose, the pair swept across the finish with not a whisker to spare. Speed and adrenaline were the complete characteristics of this workout. Amber was grinning widely. Krystal was slowing her five year old down. A new light burned in their eyes.