November Year Twelve
Axia and Bella. Falsehood and Stormi. Dawn and Icee. Fly and Theo. Lynara and Perry.
the sisterhood
axis mundae and amber black
beltane and valencia andrews
place: sops turf track
When Amber Black had first brought home the new leases all of her staff had stared at her in shock. They already had a really full roster, with the promise of a lot of new horses coming into the ranks within the next two years. Their level of retirements would be inadequate. There would be an increase in the amount of horses SOPS raced within these next few years and the staff were overloaded by the idea. But then Amber had informed Valencia that she would be riding all of them, except for Prideful Limits. Apparently the personalities Amber had picked up on from these mounts fitted Valencia like a glove, except for Perry's, who was more Krystal's style. So now Valencia stood here, bright and early at five in the morning, receiving her workout instructions from Amber. There was a gleam of barely concealed excitement in the stable owner's eyes and Valencia could pinpoint exactly what was making Amber so excited. The two Warlock and Missy sisters would be racing against each other today. Such a match had never occurred and Valencia knew she would be hanging onto her seat through the entirety of the workout today. Such a workout would blister the SOPS turf.
Valencia had only known Axia's twin sister for a couple of minutes but was already picking up on her personality. Bella hated other horses. She put up an absolute fuss every second she was with her other four stablemates and had only just begun to calm down when let into her stall. Amber seemed to have picked up on this personality of Bella's almost as soon as she had seen her, so had wisely isolated Bella in a corner of the racing barn. There were still other horses, of course, but the stall to Bella's immediate left was vacant. Axia showed none of this equine hatred that Bella displayed. However, both fillies were bosses of their own strings, and brutally clever on top of it. They would be like two alphas clashing with each other. Valencia knew that all familial ties would be burned away in the heat of this oncoming conflict. On the track, nothing else would matter to these fillies except the win. They were both fiercely competitive.
The young woman finished picking Bella's hooves. The black four year old had been surprisingly nice throughout her grooming session, and was now calm while being tacked up. Valencia felt as though Bella's hide was tingling with the desire to run as she led the filly outside and mounted up. She was instantly made aware of her power. Valencia felt the tension crackle through the reins and settle into her hands. She was in control of a cannon ready to fire at a moment's notice. She was also aware that the firing of this cannon was not entirely up to her. No. She could tell that when on the track Bella's priorities superseded her commands until such a thing as a bond could be created. Rather than shrink from the challenge of riding such a wild force, Valencia smirked. These were the types of horses she was beginning to live for - the brutally competitive types that looked only for the win and took no prisoners on the path to getting there. Axia's ambition was similar, but Bella's surpassed it. Bella may be inferior in record, but she was twice as tough as Axia. All of this Valencia understood within seconds of sitting in the light racing saddle strapping her to the black lightning beneath her.
Amber and Axia were long since out on the turf track. Amber never felt more at home than out here on her home turf, literally. The turf track had been the birthplace of her champions, the horses dearest to her heart. In her typical machine style, she and Axia cantered as one and came to a stop a couple feet away from Beltane. Already Axia's twin sister was complaining about the proximity, tossing her head and giving Valencia a hell of a time. Valencia merely smirked and shrugged it out, toughened hands reining in the power of this magnificent beast. Amber eyed Bella critically and then grinned at Valencia. She could already feel the solid control and future bond forming between her exercise rider and her newest mount. The workout had already been discussed and Valencia knew what she was doing. She wheeled Bella away from Axia and the black filly snorted once in dissatisfaction as she was guided away by her rider. Valencia instantly picked up on Bella's dislike of directions and softened her hands, her commands becoming suggestions as Bella cantered down the turf. Bella seemed to respond better to the lighter touch and Valencia settled into the saddle with her smirk back on her face.
It took only minutes for the fluidity of Bella's stride to develop. Now Valencia lightly guided the filly back towards her sister. There was no sisterly recognition between the two at all. They were now glaring at each other as if they were enemies, and on the track they were. Neither filly liked having another horse infringe on their superiority, but each challenge they gave was received and tossed back with twice the force. Neither was backing down already and they hadn't even galloped yet. Valencia waited for Amber's signal. Seeing it, she dropped the reins and Bella accelerated faster than she ever thought a horse could. In the span of a couple seconds they were at a full out sprint, but Axia was behind them and now Valencia picked up on Bella's cunning edge. The mare slowed her stride, and now she hung onto a loose lead ahead of Axia. She wasn't a suicidal front runner. She had self control. Axia was collected and calm in Amber's hands, taking up a preceder position today, though judging by the sparks Amber felt flying through the reins this restraint would not last long.
The two blew through the first couple furlongs of their workout in a rivalry that was heating up with every furlong. Axia was beginning to stick it out to Bella and increase her pace. Exhibiting patience Valencia did not originally think she was capable of, Bella allowed her sister to creep up on her outside. But then they were flying around the final turn and Bella reared her head. She became the stretch runner feared by the closers. Bella effortlessly revealed another gear and soared away from Axia, her legs swallowing up the ground and her eyes burning like stars. Amber and Axia were briefly left behind but they weren't done yet. Axia responded to Bella pulling away by digging in and coming level with Bella. Her legs were flying and Axia's overwhelming will to win was not overshadowed by this performance. Her will carried her forward and level, but then the sisters found themselves matched. They socked it to each other as best as they could but eventually were forced to admit their defeat. They were pulled up following their workout and their two riders were breathless. This was electrifying. Pitting the sisters against each other, the riders were richly rewarded with a ground breaking performance. It excited Valencia and Amber and raised the question, just how far would these two go?
Valencia had only known Axia's twin sister for a couple of minutes but was already picking up on her personality. Bella hated other horses. She put up an absolute fuss every second she was with her other four stablemates and had only just begun to calm down when let into her stall. Amber seemed to have picked up on this personality of Bella's almost as soon as she had seen her, so had wisely isolated Bella in a corner of the racing barn. There were still other horses, of course, but the stall to Bella's immediate left was vacant. Axia showed none of this equine hatred that Bella displayed. However, both fillies were bosses of their own strings, and brutally clever on top of it. They would be like two alphas clashing with each other. Valencia knew that all familial ties would be burned away in the heat of this oncoming conflict. On the track, nothing else would matter to these fillies except the win. They were both fiercely competitive.
The young woman finished picking Bella's hooves. The black four year old had been surprisingly nice throughout her grooming session, and was now calm while being tacked up. Valencia felt as though Bella's hide was tingling with the desire to run as she led the filly outside and mounted up. She was instantly made aware of her power. Valencia felt the tension crackle through the reins and settle into her hands. She was in control of a cannon ready to fire at a moment's notice. She was also aware that the firing of this cannon was not entirely up to her. No. She could tell that when on the track Bella's priorities superseded her commands until such a thing as a bond could be created. Rather than shrink from the challenge of riding such a wild force, Valencia smirked. These were the types of horses she was beginning to live for - the brutally competitive types that looked only for the win and took no prisoners on the path to getting there. Axia's ambition was similar, but Bella's surpassed it. Bella may be inferior in record, but she was twice as tough as Axia. All of this Valencia understood within seconds of sitting in the light racing saddle strapping her to the black lightning beneath her.
Amber and Axia were long since out on the turf track. Amber never felt more at home than out here on her home turf, literally. The turf track had been the birthplace of her champions, the horses dearest to her heart. In her typical machine style, she and Axia cantered as one and came to a stop a couple feet away from Beltane. Already Axia's twin sister was complaining about the proximity, tossing her head and giving Valencia a hell of a time. Valencia merely smirked and shrugged it out, toughened hands reining in the power of this magnificent beast. Amber eyed Bella critically and then grinned at Valencia. She could already feel the solid control and future bond forming between her exercise rider and her newest mount. The workout had already been discussed and Valencia knew what she was doing. She wheeled Bella away from Axia and the black filly snorted once in dissatisfaction as she was guided away by her rider. Valencia instantly picked up on Bella's dislike of directions and softened her hands, her commands becoming suggestions as Bella cantered down the turf. Bella seemed to respond better to the lighter touch and Valencia settled into the saddle with her smirk back on her face.
It took only minutes for the fluidity of Bella's stride to develop. Now Valencia lightly guided the filly back towards her sister. There was no sisterly recognition between the two at all. They were now glaring at each other as if they were enemies, and on the track they were. Neither filly liked having another horse infringe on their superiority, but each challenge they gave was received and tossed back with twice the force. Neither was backing down already and they hadn't even galloped yet. Valencia waited for Amber's signal. Seeing it, she dropped the reins and Bella accelerated faster than she ever thought a horse could. In the span of a couple seconds they were at a full out sprint, but Axia was behind them and now Valencia picked up on Bella's cunning edge. The mare slowed her stride, and now she hung onto a loose lead ahead of Axia. She wasn't a suicidal front runner. She had self control. Axia was collected and calm in Amber's hands, taking up a preceder position today, though judging by the sparks Amber felt flying through the reins this restraint would not last long.
The two blew through the first couple furlongs of their workout in a rivalry that was heating up with every furlong. Axia was beginning to stick it out to Bella and increase her pace. Exhibiting patience Valencia did not originally think she was capable of, Bella allowed her sister to creep up on her outside. But then they were flying around the final turn and Bella reared her head. She became the stretch runner feared by the closers. Bella effortlessly revealed another gear and soared away from Axia, her legs swallowing up the ground and her eyes burning like stars. Amber and Axia were briefly left behind but they weren't done yet. Axia responded to Bella pulling away by digging in and coming level with Bella. Her legs were flying and Axia's overwhelming will to win was not overshadowed by this performance. Her will carried her forward and level, but then the sisters found themselves matched. They socked it to each other as best as they could but eventually were forced to admit their defeat. They were pulled up following their workout and their two riders were breathless. This was electrifying. Pitting the sisters against each other, the riders were richly rewarded with a ground breaking performance. It excited Valencia and Amber and raised the question, just how far would these two go?
everglow
tdi live this lie and amber black
afterglow and valencia andrews
place: sops dirt track
So far Valencia was finding that their leases from Silver Stride were amazing horses. The next one she was riding, Afterglow, was by last year's Sire of the Year Sweet Sugar Cane and out of Luscia, dam of the Mare On Fire, Alluring Assault. Valencia was pleased as pie that she was being given the opportunity to ride such a special horse as Afterglow, who had won two Breeders Cup races in her time and was highly regarded by the racing world as a force to be reckoned with. So far this year Stormi's record was far from spectacular. She had two wins to her name though, both over the Wire dirt track. Thus Amber had gone ahead and entered Stormy in two more Wire races. They would see how she performed in those before making firm decisions regarding the Breeders Cup. Stormi had the right to go for a third win, but considering how the year was so far going the possibility of a Breeders Cup appearance was not too likely. Valencia was out to fight to the last breath to guarantee Stormi's appearance.
She mounted up the bay daughter of Sweet Sugar Cane and Luscia who had fiercely challenged Silverianna at every turn during last year's Triple Tiara and headed out to the SOPS dirt track. After touching the turf earlier this morning she was eager to kick up some dirt out there on the brown. Amber had mentioned the workout details to Valencia earlier. Stormi had her first races in months coming back up and she needed a competitive drive to get that edge out there. So she was racing nine furlongs against another horse today, complete with the gates. Valencia shaded her eyes and looked out to the dirt as she approached. She zoned in on the gray stallion that was being trotted in a circle, with the arrogant tilt to his head and the rider ground onto his back. Amber was bringing out Falsehood for today's workout. The stallion had bloodlines like royalty, rare too, and he was also a grade one, but he was not the brightest in terms of racing success. Nevertheless he had won the Wire Finish Cup Dirt, and that was a major race. Valencia knew he would be perfect for Afterglow today.
Amber greeted Valencia with a grin. Nice to see you again Valencia. Valencia smirked at Amber. She knew that Amber was referring to just their last workout, with Axia versus Bella, and how close it had been. I'm more than ready for another go with Stormi. Are you? Falsehood may have run more recently...but Stormi here loves to run. I can tell. Amber grinned over at Valencia and then smoothly guided Falsehood into the beginning of warm up. Valencia strode out after her. Stormi was stretching out beneath her on the unfamiliar track, looking around her with bright and eager eyes. The new surroundings weren't phasing her one bit. Though now as they picked up the pace she became slightly more excitable, her eyes rolling and her body gliding closer and closer to Falsehood's, occasionally bumping into the stallion. It was her form of challenge. Falsehood reacted as a true racehorse would. He pushed right back, snorting, and Valencia smirked as she gently tugged Stormi away from the stallion. The warm up was dissolving into an all-out brawl between the mare and stallion, but there would be plenty of time for that later.
Krystal Yhate had shown up at the track to manage the gating process, and she had Henna Turath in tow. Both women were curious to see how good Stormi really was. She had been the classiest of the classy last year but had lagged behind this year in the rankings. They wanted to see if she had lost her touch. Valencia had never seen the mare in action, but she was the one riding her. They wanted to grill her for details following this workout. Krystal nudged Henna good naturedly with an elbow. From what I'm seeing, looks like Stormi is getting after Falsehood even now during warm up. Henna grinned right back at Krystal. And from what I'm seeing, it doesn't look as though Falsehood's taking it. Not that that's a surprise. But at least now we know that Stormi's got some spirit in here. And who knows. Maybe she's just been toughing it out out there and just needs some extra attention. Krystal nodded slowly, eyes still locked onto Stormi's bay form. She made no response, but her eyes were bright with interest.
From what Valencia could feel, Stormi liked to be untamed out on the track. She had a very domineering presence and attitude, and from that she knew Stormi was a front runner. She seemed like a solid miler, but had actually won the Filly and Mare Sprint last year at the Breeders Cup. Valencia would have loved to get Stormi to the Dirt Mile this year if not for the fact that Merc was aiming for that. They would just have to defend their Breeders Cup title. Her fourth place in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile earlier in the season indicated that some miler work would have to be done anyway in order to get that to happen. Valencia eyed Falsehood as she continued to guide Stormi at the canter. The arrogant gray stallion had been aiming for the Classic since the beginning of the year, but Amber had decided that they would try to capture the Dirt Mile one more time. This was Valencia's opportunity to not only assess Stormi's aptitude for the mile distance but to take a first hand measure of her competition in that race as well.
The pair was guided around to the gates. Falsehood loaded first, and he was smooth as sugar. Stormi was next, and she put up a bit of a fuss before heading in. Valencia got the feeling that her fussiness was more of a ritual than actual fright of the gate and grinned. The two thoroughbred racehorses stood, heads pointing out to the track, before the gates opened and they were off. Valencia's breath left her body as Stormi broke faster than Merc ever had and plunged straight into a high paced gallop. Woah. She couldn't stop the words from escaping her mouth. This was why Stormi had been sent to the Filly and Mare Sprint. She had one hell of a break and it looked like a high cruising speed as well. Valencia glanced under her shoulder to see Falsehood just a little bit behind them and accelerating to keep up with them. Falsehood was a runaway leader during his classic distance races and right now he was pouring it on to draw up alongside and then slightly past them. Amber's face was concentrated smoothness as she passed on by. This was a bit quicker than Falsehood usually ran for the lead but it was about time he was tested at an uncomfortable speed over a longer distance.
The positions remained glued as the two ran the quarter in twenty-two seconds. It was fast and Krystal and Henna knew they were in for a show. Their eyes remained glued on the riders as they continued running. Valencia could feel that Stormi didn't mind the fact Falsehood was in front. While she liked the lead, she didn't need it, and she was functioning fine with the mud and dirt being thrown in her face. Valencia grinned as they chopped through the half at a more moderate pace, and then the half furlong marker. They were halfway through the race and Stormi felt as strong as she had at the beginning. Now she was beginning to understand the flexibility of the filly over a variety of distances. She could run sprints and classic distances with ease. As for the mile distance...Valencia knew that was a bit of a sticky spot for her. It was not quite one or the other.
Amber Black knew Stormi was a talented mare, but she hadn't expected that flaming hot break from the mare. Nevertheless Falsehood had caught up and now semi-uncomfortably led. They had eventually settled into a more comfortable pace as Stormi backed off a bit and Falsehood flourished in his lead. At the six furlong mark they increased their pace a bit and Amber looked to see where Stormi was. She found the bay Luscia daughter still sitting off them by two lengths and looking pretty. Amber could see Valencia's smirk from here and knew they were in for a hard run in the final strides. She contemplated her choice of action and then decided to go for it. With two furlongs left she let Falsehood go. The stallion roared to runaway speed immediately, curving around the final turn and putting the pedal to the medal. The sudden turn of foot took Valencia by surprise but she responded quickly, new jockey instincts screaming as she let Stormi go. The bay mare was only too happy, and in a whirlwind of speed turned Falsehood's lead into mush.
Valencia had no idea how it happened but somehow she was striding right on by Falsehood. She caught Amber's look of shock as the underdog mare passed her grade one stallion, making easy work of him. A determined look and fierce love hung in Stormi's eyes and Valencia suddenly understood the mare completely. Stormi loved to run and hated losing. She was sick of eating dirt. She wanted her competitors to eat hers. Valencia whooped as they continued forward with no resistance from Falsehood. The gray stallion was just beginning to rebreak when the race was over and Valencia was pulling her mare up, a triumphant grin on her face. Amber and Falsehood were coming in barely a length behind, and Amber looked disgruntled but pleased. You know, I wish Stormi was ours. What I just saw was true talent. I'm proud that Cane sired such a superstar. Valencia was grinning. She's all ours right now Amber, and that's what counts. She leaned down to wrap her arms around Stormi's sweaty neck, grinning in a way uncharacteristically lacking in sarcasm for her. She finally understood Stormi and she was so eager to show the rest of the world how fantastic she really was.
She mounted up the bay daughter of Sweet Sugar Cane and Luscia who had fiercely challenged Silverianna at every turn during last year's Triple Tiara and headed out to the SOPS dirt track. After touching the turf earlier this morning she was eager to kick up some dirt out there on the brown. Amber had mentioned the workout details to Valencia earlier. Stormi had her first races in months coming back up and she needed a competitive drive to get that edge out there. So she was racing nine furlongs against another horse today, complete with the gates. Valencia shaded her eyes and looked out to the dirt as she approached. She zoned in on the gray stallion that was being trotted in a circle, with the arrogant tilt to his head and the rider ground onto his back. Amber was bringing out Falsehood for today's workout. The stallion had bloodlines like royalty, rare too, and he was also a grade one, but he was not the brightest in terms of racing success. Nevertheless he had won the Wire Finish Cup Dirt, and that was a major race. Valencia knew he would be perfect for Afterglow today.
Amber greeted Valencia with a grin. Nice to see you again Valencia. Valencia smirked at Amber. She knew that Amber was referring to just their last workout, with Axia versus Bella, and how close it had been. I'm more than ready for another go with Stormi. Are you? Falsehood may have run more recently...but Stormi here loves to run. I can tell. Amber grinned over at Valencia and then smoothly guided Falsehood into the beginning of warm up. Valencia strode out after her. Stormi was stretching out beneath her on the unfamiliar track, looking around her with bright and eager eyes. The new surroundings weren't phasing her one bit. Though now as they picked up the pace she became slightly more excitable, her eyes rolling and her body gliding closer and closer to Falsehood's, occasionally bumping into the stallion. It was her form of challenge. Falsehood reacted as a true racehorse would. He pushed right back, snorting, and Valencia smirked as she gently tugged Stormi away from the stallion. The warm up was dissolving into an all-out brawl between the mare and stallion, but there would be plenty of time for that later.
Krystal Yhate had shown up at the track to manage the gating process, and she had Henna Turath in tow. Both women were curious to see how good Stormi really was. She had been the classiest of the classy last year but had lagged behind this year in the rankings. They wanted to see if she had lost her touch. Valencia had never seen the mare in action, but she was the one riding her. They wanted to grill her for details following this workout. Krystal nudged Henna good naturedly with an elbow. From what I'm seeing, looks like Stormi is getting after Falsehood even now during warm up. Henna grinned right back at Krystal. And from what I'm seeing, it doesn't look as though Falsehood's taking it. Not that that's a surprise. But at least now we know that Stormi's got some spirit in here. And who knows. Maybe she's just been toughing it out out there and just needs some extra attention. Krystal nodded slowly, eyes still locked onto Stormi's bay form. She made no response, but her eyes were bright with interest.
From what Valencia could feel, Stormi liked to be untamed out on the track. She had a very domineering presence and attitude, and from that she knew Stormi was a front runner. She seemed like a solid miler, but had actually won the Filly and Mare Sprint last year at the Breeders Cup. Valencia would have loved to get Stormi to the Dirt Mile this year if not for the fact that Merc was aiming for that. They would just have to defend their Breeders Cup title. Her fourth place in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile earlier in the season indicated that some miler work would have to be done anyway in order to get that to happen. Valencia eyed Falsehood as she continued to guide Stormi at the canter. The arrogant gray stallion had been aiming for the Classic since the beginning of the year, but Amber had decided that they would try to capture the Dirt Mile one more time. This was Valencia's opportunity to not only assess Stormi's aptitude for the mile distance but to take a first hand measure of her competition in that race as well.
The pair was guided around to the gates. Falsehood loaded first, and he was smooth as sugar. Stormi was next, and she put up a bit of a fuss before heading in. Valencia got the feeling that her fussiness was more of a ritual than actual fright of the gate and grinned. The two thoroughbred racehorses stood, heads pointing out to the track, before the gates opened and they were off. Valencia's breath left her body as Stormi broke faster than Merc ever had and plunged straight into a high paced gallop. Woah. She couldn't stop the words from escaping her mouth. This was why Stormi had been sent to the Filly and Mare Sprint. She had one hell of a break and it looked like a high cruising speed as well. Valencia glanced under her shoulder to see Falsehood just a little bit behind them and accelerating to keep up with them. Falsehood was a runaway leader during his classic distance races and right now he was pouring it on to draw up alongside and then slightly past them. Amber's face was concentrated smoothness as she passed on by. This was a bit quicker than Falsehood usually ran for the lead but it was about time he was tested at an uncomfortable speed over a longer distance.
The positions remained glued as the two ran the quarter in twenty-two seconds. It was fast and Krystal and Henna knew they were in for a show. Their eyes remained glued on the riders as they continued running. Valencia could feel that Stormi didn't mind the fact Falsehood was in front. While she liked the lead, she didn't need it, and she was functioning fine with the mud and dirt being thrown in her face. Valencia grinned as they chopped through the half at a more moderate pace, and then the half furlong marker. They were halfway through the race and Stormi felt as strong as she had at the beginning. Now she was beginning to understand the flexibility of the filly over a variety of distances. She could run sprints and classic distances with ease. As for the mile distance...Valencia knew that was a bit of a sticky spot for her. It was not quite one or the other.
Amber Black knew Stormi was a talented mare, but she hadn't expected that flaming hot break from the mare. Nevertheless Falsehood had caught up and now semi-uncomfortably led. They had eventually settled into a more comfortable pace as Stormi backed off a bit and Falsehood flourished in his lead. At the six furlong mark they increased their pace a bit and Amber looked to see where Stormi was. She found the bay Luscia daughter still sitting off them by two lengths and looking pretty. Amber could see Valencia's smirk from here and knew they were in for a hard run in the final strides. She contemplated her choice of action and then decided to go for it. With two furlongs left she let Falsehood go. The stallion roared to runaway speed immediately, curving around the final turn and putting the pedal to the medal. The sudden turn of foot took Valencia by surprise but she responded quickly, new jockey instincts screaming as she let Stormi go. The bay mare was only too happy, and in a whirlwind of speed turned Falsehood's lead into mush.
Valencia had no idea how it happened but somehow she was striding right on by Falsehood. She caught Amber's look of shock as the underdog mare passed her grade one stallion, making easy work of him. A determined look and fierce love hung in Stormi's eyes and Valencia suddenly understood the mare completely. Stormi loved to run and hated losing. She was sick of eating dirt. She wanted her competitors to eat hers. Valencia whooped as they continued forward with no resistance from Falsehood. The gray stallion was just beginning to rebreak when the race was over and Valencia was pulling her mare up, a triumphant grin on her face. Amber and Falsehood were coming in barely a length behind, and Amber looked disgruntled but pleased. You know, I wish Stormi was ours. What I just saw was true talent. I'm proud that Cane sired such a superstar. Valencia was grinning. She's all ours right now Amber, and that's what counts. She leaned down to wrap her arms around Stormi's sweaty neck, grinning in a way uncharacteristically lacking in sarcasm for her. She finally understood Stormi and she was so eager to show the rest of the world how fantastic she really was.
come icy dawn
sizzling dawn and henna turath
italian ice and valencia andrews
place: sops dirt track
Back in the first week of April, Sizzling Dawn had defeated a certain filly by the name of Italian Ice. Two weeks after that, Italian Ice had won the Silver Stride Stakes while Sizzling Dawn placed fourth. The two fillies were both extremely competitive with each other whenever they met on the track, and now they were being stabled together and being worked out today as a pair. Valencia, to say the least, was ridiculously excited. Icee was one of the leaders of her division. She had until November Week Three to bond with Icee for the Youth Challenge, nine furlongs over the dirt and final leg of the Youth Challenge series. And then they were undoubtedly off to the Breeders Cup. Valencia could ride the filly in any of the juvenile races and she knew they were packing a whollop against whoever they faced.
Sizzling Dawn was also a great racehorse in her division. She had recently become a grade four and was tough as nails - so tough, in fact, that the Juvenile was being considered for her. She had been SOPS's secret weapon in the beginning of the year, sticking to the Wire tracks, but had then been introduced to the Green Horse Fields track and really caught the eyes of the reporters there. She was tough and the most intense out of the filly bunch. Half sister to Fiery Touch as well, and Fie had been knocking her competitors off their socks for the past two months in particular. Henna Turath craved the intensity of Sizzling Dawn, and that was why she loved the filly. Not that Dawn returned the feelings. Dawn merely accepted Henna more than any of the other riders, and tolerated the presence on her back during races. Dawn lived to race. She loved to race her heart out and break the legs off of her competitors. In the beginning of the year her amazing constitution and skill at beating even older horses had been remarked upon by the press. Henna knew she had true talent here and she wanted to show the world every ounce of it.
Italian Ice versus Sizzling Dawn. Amber Black was getting her first break of the morning during this workout, while Valencia was riding for the third time. Amber wanted to be here for this. She didn't think she would ever be training one of her beloved Impressario's most impressive fillies to date, yet here she was, and her eyes were glued to Icee's black frame as the filly pranced underneath Valencia's hands, craning her neck and testing her dominance over her jockey. Valencia gave what she got, and Amber watched as before her eyes Valencia and Icee accepted each other and began focusing on defeating their competitors for today. Valencia truly had a way with horses and Amber was glad that she had picked the exercise rider up. Even she would have taken a bit more time to get Icee used to her, but it seemed Valencia and Icee were cast from the same mold - competitive and ambitious to the end.
Krystal Yhate leaned against the rail alongside Amber. Her keen eyes followed Icee's black frame with interest gleaming in them. From here she looks just like Ven Amber. I wonder if they're related. Amber snorted once before reverting her interest back to the two juvenile fillies. They were beginning to canter now and Amber admiringly noted the smooth speed of Icee's stride. She looked like a princess out there and even moved as though she had been royally bred. Dawn matched Icee's finesse with brutal, hard fought determination and talent. She was radiating challenge and intimidation as she cantered side by side with the filly. Icee did not back off. She was an ice princess and she coolly ignored Dawn's intimidating aura. Dawn was not put down by this. The bay filly snorted and widened the gap between her and the black filly. It was clear to Henna that she would decide Icee's fate during their workout.
Icee had been declared for a race in two weeks, while Dawn was racing relatively soon. The two only required a tune up gallop of six furlongs, just something for Valencia to use to gauge Icee. Icee was a front running horse. She had a quick break and a load of staying power. She was bred for the classics on any surface and had the talent to run with the best of them. As Valencia rode Icee, she became aware that she was riding the most singularly classy horse she had ever ridden. Icee was rolling with talent. She wasn't like Merc, whose talent required uncovering. She wasn't even like her stablemates Stormi and Bella. She was raw talent, moldable during these juvenile years. Valencia's eyes narrowed and then glimmered with thought. The things she would love to do with such raw talent...alas, Icee was for Silver Stride Stables, but Valencia knew she would have a horse one day who was this gifted from the get go. The quest here was to let this talent flourish.
Valencia loosened her grip on the reins as the cue was given by Dawn's snort for a gallop. Dawn was heavy on Henna's hands today. She wanted to bury this ice princess who refused to back down. The cold air and nearly frozen dirt didn't bother her. She was an all weather runner when she was wound up like this. Given the signal she burst forward, but Valencia smirked as Icee didn't miss a beat and stayed right with her. Icee seemed almost lazy as she unfurled her legs and ran along, but Valencia could feel the new tension filling out her frame. Icee was centering herself here on the track and her eyes were zoning in on Dawn. The pace wasn't fast but that didn't matter to the competitive filly. She broke away and zoomed up and then past Dawn, and Valencia got a taste of the wind as Icee did so. The black filly was coldly focused on the task at hand.
Dawn pulled fiercely at Henna's hands and Henna's own personal pride was singed. They weren't going to let this visiting horse bury them! She shook the reins and Dawn set off in pursuit. Her eyes did not waver from her target as she drew up alongside Icee as well, but did not leave her behind. It seemed as though Dawn had reverted to a strategy she had been using lately - get the lead, but it wasn't necessary to have a huge one until the stretch. She stayed focused on her task as they cut through the first half. This gallop was already faster than what Amber wanted but Henna didn't care. Dawn was built like a tank and she'd recover quickly. Especially if she managed to beat this intruder at her side. Amber and Krystal just watched in awe as Icee once again flicked off Dawn as though she was a fly, accelerating sharply and without warning. The filly moved more like a sprinter than a classic distanced horse.
Valencia stayed perfectly still on Icee's back as they zoomed away. Her eyes were aflame with sudden desire. She wanted this sudden power to increase. She wanted Merc to be better than this, to feel a hundred times better than this classy filly did. Dawn wasn't done yet, but their workout was drawing to a close. Nevertheless Dawn made a bid for it and drew level with Icee as the sixth furlong ended. As the two women pulled their horses up Valencia's eyes stayed fixated on the mane of her black filly and Henna's on the horizon. The dreams of the two women were revealed in the icy dawn by these gorgeous thoroughbreds and they were hoping for their dreams to have wings and come true.
Sizzling Dawn was also a great racehorse in her division. She had recently become a grade four and was tough as nails - so tough, in fact, that the Juvenile was being considered for her. She had been SOPS's secret weapon in the beginning of the year, sticking to the Wire tracks, but had then been introduced to the Green Horse Fields track and really caught the eyes of the reporters there. She was tough and the most intense out of the filly bunch. Half sister to Fiery Touch as well, and Fie had been knocking her competitors off their socks for the past two months in particular. Henna Turath craved the intensity of Sizzling Dawn, and that was why she loved the filly. Not that Dawn returned the feelings. Dawn merely accepted Henna more than any of the other riders, and tolerated the presence on her back during races. Dawn lived to race. She loved to race her heart out and break the legs off of her competitors. In the beginning of the year her amazing constitution and skill at beating even older horses had been remarked upon by the press. Henna knew she had true talent here and she wanted to show the world every ounce of it.
Italian Ice versus Sizzling Dawn. Amber Black was getting her first break of the morning during this workout, while Valencia was riding for the third time. Amber wanted to be here for this. She didn't think she would ever be training one of her beloved Impressario's most impressive fillies to date, yet here she was, and her eyes were glued to Icee's black frame as the filly pranced underneath Valencia's hands, craning her neck and testing her dominance over her jockey. Valencia gave what she got, and Amber watched as before her eyes Valencia and Icee accepted each other and began focusing on defeating their competitors for today. Valencia truly had a way with horses and Amber was glad that she had picked the exercise rider up. Even she would have taken a bit more time to get Icee used to her, but it seemed Valencia and Icee were cast from the same mold - competitive and ambitious to the end.
Krystal Yhate leaned against the rail alongside Amber. Her keen eyes followed Icee's black frame with interest gleaming in them. From here she looks just like Ven Amber. I wonder if they're related. Amber snorted once before reverting her interest back to the two juvenile fillies. They were beginning to canter now and Amber admiringly noted the smooth speed of Icee's stride. She looked like a princess out there and even moved as though she had been royally bred. Dawn matched Icee's finesse with brutal, hard fought determination and talent. She was radiating challenge and intimidation as she cantered side by side with the filly. Icee did not back off. She was an ice princess and she coolly ignored Dawn's intimidating aura. Dawn was not put down by this. The bay filly snorted and widened the gap between her and the black filly. It was clear to Henna that she would decide Icee's fate during their workout.
Icee had been declared for a race in two weeks, while Dawn was racing relatively soon. The two only required a tune up gallop of six furlongs, just something for Valencia to use to gauge Icee. Icee was a front running horse. She had a quick break and a load of staying power. She was bred for the classics on any surface and had the talent to run with the best of them. As Valencia rode Icee, she became aware that she was riding the most singularly classy horse she had ever ridden. Icee was rolling with talent. She wasn't like Merc, whose talent required uncovering. She wasn't even like her stablemates Stormi and Bella. She was raw talent, moldable during these juvenile years. Valencia's eyes narrowed and then glimmered with thought. The things she would love to do with such raw talent...alas, Icee was for Silver Stride Stables, but Valencia knew she would have a horse one day who was this gifted from the get go. The quest here was to let this talent flourish.
Valencia loosened her grip on the reins as the cue was given by Dawn's snort for a gallop. Dawn was heavy on Henna's hands today. She wanted to bury this ice princess who refused to back down. The cold air and nearly frozen dirt didn't bother her. She was an all weather runner when she was wound up like this. Given the signal she burst forward, but Valencia smirked as Icee didn't miss a beat and stayed right with her. Icee seemed almost lazy as she unfurled her legs and ran along, but Valencia could feel the new tension filling out her frame. Icee was centering herself here on the track and her eyes were zoning in on Dawn. The pace wasn't fast but that didn't matter to the competitive filly. She broke away and zoomed up and then past Dawn, and Valencia got a taste of the wind as Icee did so. The black filly was coldly focused on the task at hand.
Dawn pulled fiercely at Henna's hands and Henna's own personal pride was singed. They weren't going to let this visiting horse bury them! She shook the reins and Dawn set off in pursuit. Her eyes did not waver from her target as she drew up alongside Icee as well, but did not leave her behind. It seemed as though Dawn had reverted to a strategy she had been using lately - get the lead, but it wasn't necessary to have a huge one until the stretch. She stayed focused on her task as they cut through the first half. This gallop was already faster than what Amber wanted but Henna didn't care. Dawn was built like a tank and she'd recover quickly. Especially if she managed to beat this intruder at her side. Amber and Krystal just watched in awe as Icee once again flicked off Dawn as though she was a fly, accelerating sharply and without warning. The filly moved more like a sprinter than a classic distanced horse.
Valencia stayed perfectly still on Icee's back as they zoomed away. Her eyes were aflame with sudden desire. She wanted this sudden power to increase. She wanted Merc to be better than this, to feel a hundred times better than this classy filly did. Dawn wasn't done yet, but their workout was drawing to a close. Nevertheless Dawn made a bid for it and drew level with Icee as the sixth furlong ended. As the two women pulled their horses up Valencia's eyes stayed fixated on the mane of her black filly and Henna's on the horizon. The dreams of the two women were revealed in the icy dawn by these gorgeous thoroughbreds and they were hoping for their dreams to have wings and come true.
blitz the world
forbidden to fly and henna turath
aquatic addiction and valencia andrews
place: sops dirt track
Valencia had barely gotten back to the barn after her last ride aboard Italian Ice. Krystal had whisked the black filly away, promising to get her cooled out so Valencia could take up her next mount. She was now up on Aquatic Addiction, the Shiver Me Timbers colt who had raced six times for three wins and three places. There was no doubt he had early talent, but Amber Black had decided to absolutely test that with Theo's entry into the Gallop To The Gallows Stakes. They would indeed be galloping to the gallows in that one. Valencia could see no conceivable way they would win in the firecracker field unless Theo proved to be more than she expected. As she looked into the stall containing the short bay juvenile, she found nothing spectacular about him. She fingered out a treat, though, and then Theo responded. Swifter than she had thought possible Theo was at the stall door and lipping the treat from her hand. Valencia shook her head in amusement and then grabbed Theo's equipment. It was time to work the colt out for the first time over the SOPS track.
The dirt had already been marked by two prior battles today. Valencia relived both of them as she walked the interestingly calm and curious Theo out to the track. Stormi had blown away Falsehood in her workout, while Icee had exuded raw talent and class in hers. Not to mention Bella over the turf this morning had been a blitzer. But now the real blitzing was about to begin. Theo was a six to nine furlong horse, mainly a miler, and he would be facing Forbidden To Fly for today's workout. Valencia had not been told of the workout plan, but it was impossible not to hear the baying neighs of the never-silent colt as he was ridden to the dirt track. Fly never shut up. He was always excitable and moving, but he possessed solid talent for all the amusing things he did. Kind of like Theo here. Even now that they were on the track Valencia felt no change come over the colt. He merely remained silent and willing, mild mannered. Valencia wondered where the colt who had done so great was. The one she rode right now seemed too meek to be him.
Henna rode Fly over to Theo. As usual, there was no embarrassed look on her face or apology exchanged because of Fly's noise. It was habitual that he be noisy, and she wasn't going to apologize for that. Henna looked excited. Amber wants to see what Theo's got. She wants a mile warm up and then a four furlong blitz. Valencia met Henna's eyes sharply. "Blitz" was a rarely used term in the stable. It was reserved for speed battles that were rarely waged due to the fires that erupted from them. The speed of the horses involved and resulting rivalries always ended up burning the place. From what Valencia could gather, Theo's true nature would be revealed during this blitz. And Fly was a fast horse. He had won his latest start, the Bronze Baby Derby at the Wire, and was heading to the Bucolic Derby over the same track in a week. His year end goal was the Breeders Cup Sprint. He was absolutely bred for the sprints, but he was also skilled at longer distances, as he had proved when winning the Juvenile last year in a heart-stopping photo finish. Valencia knew there had to be more to Theo than what she saw. So she met Henna's eyes and stated confidently Prepare to be blitzed. Henna laughed out loud and turned Fly away.
The pair began to warm up together. Fly continued to be loud as they cantered along but Theo didn't seem to mind. He seemed either accustomed to the loud noise already or amazingly bombproof. Valencia liked that trait, but she couldn't help wishing there was a bit more fire. Henna, on the other hand, found Theo's quiet presence unnerving. The juvenile was strangely toned down and not high strung for a horse of his age and racing experience. He seemed to absorb the world around him like a sponge. Valencia was easy to read aboard his back and Henna knew she was growing impatient with her current mount's lack of fire. Henna shook her head at the thought. Valencia just didn't know how to search for that quite yet. It required time to be able to discern the true characteristics of a horse. Not every horse was an Afterglow or Icee, whom Valencia had appeared to understand nearly instantly. Theo required a bit more time and discernment before his true characteristics would come to light. Henna just hoped Valencia would give Theo a chance.
The mile dropped away and the two women pulled their horses to a stop. As was traditional, the blitz would begin with a standing start. Henna counted it down and then the two women urged their horses forward. Fly broke like a bat out of hell. Theo was a bit slow off, but he didn't seem to mind. Henna knew Fly loved to sprint and had recognized this workout as a sprint. Henna grinned and continued to urge Fly on and she knew they were leaving Theo behind. Valencia could tell from Theo's almost lackadaisical first gallop that the colt required further training. He didn't have experience backing him up and wasn't as sharp. Valencia could also tell that Theo was a closer. The colt liked to take his time in the beginning stages, at least for a while. But how would he react to this ever-increasing gap between him and Fly? Valencia waited with baited breath to find out.
It took until halfway through the second furlong for Theo to react. The Shiver Me Timbers colt had noted the seven length gap in between him and Fly. Valencia picked up on the sudden awareness and almost tentatively asked the colt for run. Amazingly, Theo responded tenfold to the simple command. The juvenile really had an ear for directions. Like a blazing fire he was off and going and now Valencia was beginning to get Theo. The colt seemed lazy as his father from the start, but he really knew how to turn it up, and that's what he was doing now. With one and a half furlongs to go Theo was finally at Fly's girth. Fly didn't do well when not consistently challenged over the course of a race and had been steadily losing interest up to this point in time. Now he was made aware of the growing challenge from his younger counterpart and he eagerly began to sprint faster. His legs blurred, but so did Theo's. A sudden undying spirit and yearning for the spotlight had taken hold of the quiet colt and he wasn't giving up. They stuck right with Fly as the workout coasted to an end.
Valencia pulled Theo up, breathless. All the colt needed was a hard conditioner, like the Gallop To The Gallows Stakes, and then things could look up for them. She felt excited for the colt's future opportunities. And as for Fly, Henna felt the strength and speed welling up in the colt and looked to the future full of optimism.
The dirt had already been marked by two prior battles today. Valencia relived both of them as she walked the interestingly calm and curious Theo out to the track. Stormi had blown away Falsehood in her workout, while Icee had exuded raw talent and class in hers. Not to mention Bella over the turf this morning had been a blitzer. But now the real blitzing was about to begin. Theo was a six to nine furlong horse, mainly a miler, and he would be facing Forbidden To Fly for today's workout. Valencia had not been told of the workout plan, but it was impossible not to hear the baying neighs of the never-silent colt as he was ridden to the dirt track. Fly never shut up. He was always excitable and moving, but he possessed solid talent for all the amusing things he did. Kind of like Theo here. Even now that they were on the track Valencia felt no change come over the colt. He merely remained silent and willing, mild mannered. Valencia wondered where the colt who had done so great was. The one she rode right now seemed too meek to be him.
Henna rode Fly over to Theo. As usual, there was no embarrassed look on her face or apology exchanged because of Fly's noise. It was habitual that he be noisy, and she wasn't going to apologize for that. Henna looked excited. Amber wants to see what Theo's got. She wants a mile warm up and then a four furlong blitz. Valencia met Henna's eyes sharply. "Blitz" was a rarely used term in the stable. It was reserved for speed battles that were rarely waged due to the fires that erupted from them. The speed of the horses involved and resulting rivalries always ended up burning the place. From what Valencia could gather, Theo's true nature would be revealed during this blitz. And Fly was a fast horse. He had won his latest start, the Bronze Baby Derby at the Wire, and was heading to the Bucolic Derby over the same track in a week. His year end goal was the Breeders Cup Sprint. He was absolutely bred for the sprints, but he was also skilled at longer distances, as he had proved when winning the Juvenile last year in a heart-stopping photo finish. Valencia knew there had to be more to Theo than what she saw. So she met Henna's eyes and stated confidently Prepare to be blitzed. Henna laughed out loud and turned Fly away.
The pair began to warm up together. Fly continued to be loud as they cantered along but Theo didn't seem to mind. He seemed either accustomed to the loud noise already or amazingly bombproof. Valencia liked that trait, but she couldn't help wishing there was a bit more fire. Henna, on the other hand, found Theo's quiet presence unnerving. The juvenile was strangely toned down and not high strung for a horse of his age and racing experience. He seemed to absorb the world around him like a sponge. Valencia was easy to read aboard his back and Henna knew she was growing impatient with her current mount's lack of fire. Henna shook her head at the thought. Valencia just didn't know how to search for that quite yet. It required time to be able to discern the true characteristics of a horse. Not every horse was an Afterglow or Icee, whom Valencia had appeared to understand nearly instantly. Theo required a bit more time and discernment before his true characteristics would come to light. Henna just hoped Valencia would give Theo a chance.
The mile dropped away and the two women pulled their horses to a stop. As was traditional, the blitz would begin with a standing start. Henna counted it down and then the two women urged their horses forward. Fly broke like a bat out of hell. Theo was a bit slow off, but he didn't seem to mind. Henna knew Fly loved to sprint and had recognized this workout as a sprint. Henna grinned and continued to urge Fly on and she knew they were leaving Theo behind. Valencia could tell from Theo's almost lackadaisical first gallop that the colt required further training. He didn't have experience backing him up and wasn't as sharp. Valencia could also tell that Theo was a closer. The colt liked to take his time in the beginning stages, at least for a while. But how would he react to this ever-increasing gap between him and Fly? Valencia waited with baited breath to find out.
It took until halfway through the second furlong for Theo to react. The Shiver Me Timbers colt had noted the seven length gap in between him and Fly. Valencia picked up on the sudden awareness and almost tentatively asked the colt for run. Amazingly, Theo responded tenfold to the simple command. The juvenile really had an ear for directions. Like a blazing fire he was off and going and now Valencia was beginning to get Theo. The colt seemed lazy as his father from the start, but he really knew how to turn it up, and that's what he was doing now. With one and a half furlongs to go Theo was finally at Fly's girth. Fly didn't do well when not consistently challenged over the course of a race and had been steadily losing interest up to this point in time. Now he was made aware of the growing challenge from his younger counterpart and he eagerly began to sprint faster. His legs blurred, but so did Theo's. A sudden undying spirit and yearning for the spotlight had taken hold of the quiet colt and he wasn't giving up. They stuck right with Fly as the workout coasted to an end.
Valencia pulled Theo up, breathless. All the colt needed was a hard conditioner, like the Gallop To The Gallows Stakes, and then things could look up for them. She felt excited for the colt's future opportunities. And as for Fly, Henna felt the strength and speed welling up in the colt and looked to the future full of optimism.
pushing limits
lynara's kingdom and amber black
prideful limits and krystal yhate
place: sops turf track
Prideful Limits, son of Shiver Me Timbers, had an awful temperament. Krystal Yhate knew that was why she had been assigned him as a temporary mount. She eyed the bay colt who moodily stood in the back of his stall and met her gaze with a challenge in his eyes. The four year old didn't come from hot blood; he was just moody, temperamental and disliked other horses tremendously. From what Krystal had seen of him she was able to just begin cracking the inferno that was his personality. He wasn't moody enough where Amber declared herself sole handler; instead he resembled Passionate Class, a horse that would respond to her gentle but commanding touch. She grinned slightly and then smoothed her face over. She entered Perry's stall and was confident in her approach. Met with such an attitude, the stallion drew himself up to his full height and full on glared at her. Krystal knew they were going to get on splendidly. This was just so Classy and her that it resonated deeply in her heart.
Two hours later they were at the turf track. Perry surveyed the track almost arrogantly. He stepped out onto it with a dainty air that steadily morphed into powerful as he soaked up the feel of it with his hooves. Perry, Krystal realized, loved the track. He was a true racehorse, unlike his sire, who disliked racing yet somehow got up to grade one. She guided the bay forward and was pleasantly surprised when she saw the ghost-like form of Lynara's Kingdom approaching them. The gray filly was known to be moody and temperamental, to say nothing of demanding. Her juvenile season had been consumed in conflict between her and Amber. Now, with a solid partnership, the filly had become truly great. She contended strongly with those that opposed her and had even blown away proven stars like Sunset Crusade and Executioner's Apprentice in her races. She was on a level Amber felt was largely unacknowledged as of yet. Next year's season was going to be even better, or at least Amber planned to make it even better. She thought Lynara could be a legendary horse if she continued at the rate she was going at.
The workout for today had already been planned. Perry was a sprinter. Lynara was a sprinter. Who would be faster? And how did Perry handle the gates? These were the questions. Krystal felt out Perry's movements and grinned. He was now settling down under her hands, though slightly fussy nevertheless, but Krystal could practically feel his awareness extending around the track. He was just such an aware creature. He knew of everything that was occurring around him. Lynara, on the other hand, simply strode onto the turf like a queen. She knew what this was about and especially knew who the bay stallion at her side was. He was her challenger for today and she desired nothing more than to demolish him utterly and completely. Amber Black had never been more surprised with a horse's development than Lynara. The filly had developed into a fierce competitor and a lover of racing. She had wind in her hooves that had been absent. Amber couldn't help wondering if the son of Timbo Tam, Perry, would be able to keep up with her. Perry surely had talent. It just hadn't been put on full display yet.
Lynara and Perry picked up a canter and began to go up the track at an almost sedate pace for them. Amber relaxed deep into the saddle of her mount. She was instinctively able to ride the unstable Lynara now, a partnership built through many riders. Krystal was a relaxed iron-lady. She accepted none of the nonsense Perry tried to throw at her, such as picking up the reins and subtly increasing his pace, leaning heavily sideways into Lynara or even pointedly ignoring the quiet command of her hands. This wasn't Krystal's first time at the rodeo and she knew how to ride out tough horses like this. Eventually she had Perry at her beck and call. This was what Amber had been waiting for - Krystal to crack the shell of her mount. Finding this success, Amber grinned and led the troupe over to the gate. It was time to begin the workout. Lynara loaded like a pro. She seemed pissed after coming third last time out. Perry gave Krystal hell. He danced sideways, bucked once and even played willing to load before shying away. Krystal got the distinct feeling that he just liked making her annoyed. She didn't let it get to her, and finding that annoying his rider was less annoying than he originally thought it would be Perry eventually loaded in.
The gates opened within milliseconds and Lynara was the fastest off. Headstrong today, she blitzed into the lead with Perry just off half a beat later. The stallion stubbornly struggled for a full head, his eyes blazing as they settled on the tail of Lynara. Krystal worked some quick magic with Perry. She eased him out into his stride, gradually feeding him control while at the same time getting a feel for the colt. Perry moved like a well oiled and efficient machine. He wasn't fast, but he was efficient and, Krystal could feel, loved his job. The racing blood was pumping inside the colt and he was raring to go. He wasn't too good at the break but it was obvious he preferred to lead. A front running type was not usually Krystal's style but this was a great opportunity for her to learn. They could be together for a while yet after all.
Lynara stole into the lead two lengths in front and then settled. Her gray legs pumped with energy and her mane flew back in Amber's face. They were sizzling through a quick first quarter and Amber was grinning widely. All that frustrated energy from the filly's last race was being poured in now. She would be going to the Breeders Cup this season and Amber was hoping for a win. She had certainly proved she had the capacity to try. Amber sat still and just let Lynara do her thing. Meanwhile, Krystal was thinking critically about Perry's style. The stallion seemed unwilling to meet Lynara's challenge as of yet and had settled into a preceder position. His eyes stayed focused on the target and Krystal could feel the gathering of wind under his wings. She grinned. Perry could pack a powerful punch that Lynara and Amber would not be expecting.
They swept through the first half mile before Krystal woke Perry up. She shook the reins and the formerly frustrated bay stallion actually responded as though reading her mind. They began to make up ground, the pace increasing to blistering fractions. Lynara and Amber had had an easy lead so far and that was going to change. As though they had eyes in the backs of their heads, Lynara and Amber sensed the challenge coming. Amber let Lynara out more and the gray stretched over the turf track, hooves flying as she accepted the open rein. She was still going to keep her lead for now, but Perry was threatening and as they entered the sixth furlong he was only two lengths off and ready to pour it on. Krystal grinned and then let Perry out. She wanted to feel the stallion's speed.
Suddenly set ablaze, Perry felt unstoppable. With all of this open ground and the stretch rearing its head Perry took his cues and was gone. With a sudden turn of foot he was all fire and Krystal could only narrow her eyes against the sudden onslaught of tempest winds. Perry made up the ground in no time, drawing up alongside Lynara and Amber in a move the two clearly had not been expecting. Amber masked her shocked expression and clucked once to Lynara. The filly dug in and threw what she got back at Perry. She was on a different level from Perry, and that much was clear as she roared away from the bay stallion now, but it was clear that this sudden speed from Perry was pushing her limits as much as it was pushing his. They all flashed under the wire marking seven furlongs and then Krystal sighed and started to pull Perry up. Though foul in behavior, Perry had potential - standing up to Lynara was no easy task. She just hoped she'd be able to pull some of that potential out of him and put up it up for display during the time they had left together.
Two hours later they were at the turf track. Perry surveyed the track almost arrogantly. He stepped out onto it with a dainty air that steadily morphed into powerful as he soaked up the feel of it with his hooves. Perry, Krystal realized, loved the track. He was a true racehorse, unlike his sire, who disliked racing yet somehow got up to grade one. She guided the bay forward and was pleasantly surprised when she saw the ghost-like form of Lynara's Kingdom approaching them. The gray filly was known to be moody and temperamental, to say nothing of demanding. Her juvenile season had been consumed in conflict between her and Amber. Now, with a solid partnership, the filly had become truly great. She contended strongly with those that opposed her and had even blown away proven stars like Sunset Crusade and Executioner's Apprentice in her races. She was on a level Amber felt was largely unacknowledged as of yet. Next year's season was going to be even better, or at least Amber planned to make it even better. She thought Lynara could be a legendary horse if she continued at the rate she was going at.
The workout for today had already been planned. Perry was a sprinter. Lynara was a sprinter. Who would be faster? And how did Perry handle the gates? These were the questions. Krystal felt out Perry's movements and grinned. He was now settling down under her hands, though slightly fussy nevertheless, but Krystal could practically feel his awareness extending around the track. He was just such an aware creature. He knew of everything that was occurring around him. Lynara, on the other hand, simply strode onto the turf like a queen. She knew what this was about and especially knew who the bay stallion at her side was. He was her challenger for today and she desired nothing more than to demolish him utterly and completely. Amber Black had never been more surprised with a horse's development than Lynara. The filly had developed into a fierce competitor and a lover of racing. She had wind in her hooves that had been absent. Amber couldn't help wondering if the son of Timbo Tam, Perry, would be able to keep up with her. Perry surely had talent. It just hadn't been put on full display yet.
Lynara and Perry picked up a canter and began to go up the track at an almost sedate pace for them. Amber relaxed deep into the saddle of her mount. She was instinctively able to ride the unstable Lynara now, a partnership built through many riders. Krystal was a relaxed iron-lady. She accepted none of the nonsense Perry tried to throw at her, such as picking up the reins and subtly increasing his pace, leaning heavily sideways into Lynara or even pointedly ignoring the quiet command of her hands. This wasn't Krystal's first time at the rodeo and she knew how to ride out tough horses like this. Eventually she had Perry at her beck and call. This was what Amber had been waiting for - Krystal to crack the shell of her mount. Finding this success, Amber grinned and led the troupe over to the gate. It was time to begin the workout. Lynara loaded like a pro. She seemed pissed after coming third last time out. Perry gave Krystal hell. He danced sideways, bucked once and even played willing to load before shying away. Krystal got the distinct feeling that he just liked making her annoyed. She didn't let it get to her, and finding that annoying his rider was less annoying than he originally thought it would be Perry eventually loaded in.
The gates opened within milliseconds and Lynara was the fastest off. Headstrong today, she blitzed into the lead with Perry just off half a beat later. The stallion stubbornly struggled for a full head, his eyes blazing as they settled on the tail of Lynara. Krystal worked some quick magic with Perry. She eased him out into his stride, gradually feeding him control while at the same time getting a feel for the colt. Perry moved like a well oiled and efficient machine. He wasn't fast, but he was efficient and, Krystal could feel, loved his job. The racing blood was pumping inside the colt and he was raring to go. He wasn't too good at the break but it was obvious he preferred to lead. A front running type was not usually Krystal's style but this was a great opportunity for her to learn. They could be together for a while yet after all.
Lynara stole into the lead two lengths in front and then settled. Her gray legs pumped with energy and her mane flew back in Amber's face. They were sizzling through a quick first quarter and Amber was grinning widely. All that frustrated energy from the filly's last race was being poured in now. She would be going to the Breeders Cup this season and Amber was hoping for a win. She had certainly proved she had the capacity to try. Amber sat still and just let Lynara do her thing. Meanwhile, Krystal was thinking critically about Perry's style. The stallion seemed unwilling to meet Lynara's challenge as of yet and had settled into a preceder position. His eyes stayed focused on the target and Krystal could feel the gathering of wind under his wings. She grinned. Perry could pack a powerful punch that Lynara and Amber would not be expecting.
They swept through the first half mile before Krystal woke Perry up. She shook the reins and the formerly frustrated bay stallion actually responded as though reading her mind. They began to make up ground, the pace increasing to blistering fractions. Lynara and Amber had had an easy lead so far and that was going to change. As though they had eyes in the backs of their heads, Lynara and Amber sensed the challenge coming. Amber let Lynara out more and the gray stretched over the turf track, hooves flying as she accepted the open rein. She was still going to keep her lead for now, but Perry was threatening and as they entered the sixth furlong he was only two lengths off and ready to pour it on. Krystal grinned and then let Perry out. She wanted to feel the stallion's speed.
Suddenly set ablaze, Perry felt unstoppable. With all of this open ground and the stretch rearing its head Perry took his cues and was gone. With a sudden turn of foot he was all fire and Krystal could only narrow her eyes against the sudden onslaught of tempest winds. Perry made up the ground in no time, drawing up alongside Lynara and Amber in a move the two clearly had not been expecting. Amber masked her shocked expression and clucked once to Lynara. The filly dug in and threw what she got back at Perry. She was on a different level from Perry, and that much was clear as she roared away from the bay stallion now, but it was clear that this sudden speed from Perry was pushing her limits as much as it was pushing his. They all flashed under the wire marking seven furlongs and then Krystal sighed and started to pull Perry up. Though foul in behavior, Perry had potential - standing up to Lynara was no easy task. She just hoped she'd be able to pull some of that potential out of him and put up it up for display during the time they had left together.