SEPTEMBER WEEK FOUR Y13
INFINITE WARCRY & ITALIAN ICE.
FLEET MAJESTY & CALL OF THE WILD & DEMONIC DESIRES.
ALUCARD & BATTLE WINGS & AQUATIC ADDICTION.
ALWAYS.
Infinite Warcry & Amber Black.
Italian Ice & Valencia Andrews.
Amber Black rolled her shoulders back and stared intently at the stall holding her black behemoth Infinite Warcry. Something wasn't clicking. There had been too many near misses this season and it was starting to show in his countenance. The stallion would most definitely run another season, but Amber just hoped he was up to it. His easy going nature concerned her, and her green eyes darkened with all the thoughts of what she could lose if Infini retired early. The huge black stallion checked out fine but just wasn't getting it done. He was a top class turfer that just kept being defeated by the same two horses over and over again. She blinked as somebody emerged from Infini's stall. Rebecca Slyvinski was Amber's on-site veterinarian and long time adviser. The woman radiated calm understanding. He will most definitely be strong next time out Amber. No matter his competition in the Continental. We both know this horse and that's what counts. Take it easy. Amber sighed before nodding her head. Well, you know what's best Rebecca. You've never let me down. How is Ode progressing? The gray had been injured about a month ago. Rebecca's eyes brightened. Well he's still going to be out for the rest of the season, but he should be able to resume galloping late November, early December. By late October he should be able to go out for some walks if Krystal or Bruce don't mind putting in the time.
Amber brightened at this good news. She thanked Rebecca and then slipped into Infini's stall. Bruce had already groomed Infini with all of the love in the world and Amber grinned as she assessed Infini's condition. The big black stallion was all gentle love as he gazed at Amber. Amber grinned. It was about time that they started kicking butt and taking names again. She wheeled him out, tacked him up and proceeded to the turf track. At the other end of the barn, Valencia was exchanging witty banter with her brother Timothy Andrews. The twenty-five year old had become Amber's stallion manager only last year when Valencia had put in a good word for him. He knew how lucky he was to have the job now, and it showed. Valencia eyed Italian Ice contemplatively as they finally arrived at her stall. Icee gleamed with confidence and good spirits. She was the Canadian Triple Crown champion and it showed in her bearing. She had just missed to Bella Luna in the Wildly Natural Memorial Stakes and was now gearing up for a rematch in the Universal Cup. Valencia's light brown eyes burned with passion as she took in the powerful black filly.
The world had better get ready for the Universal. Icee's absolutely ready to win she growled. Icee snorted as though in agreement, and Timothy smirked before adding Preferably by a large margin. Valencia grinned. Her brother always knew what she was thinking. I'm working her out with Infini. Care to watch? Timothy snorted. Who in their right minds would want to miss that? Valencia smiled in complete agreement before swooping in and tacking up Icee. In moments she was ready to go, reappearing out on the turf track where the big black Infini awaited them. Amber looked completely at peace up top and Valencia found a new sort of brilliance awaiting her in Infini. She snorted. She was sitting on top of just as much brilliance as that and she wasn't going to hide that fact from the world. Icee remained one of the most talented horses she could have ever hoped to ride, and she was brilliant from the get go. Haughtiness was everywhere in the filly as she strode onto the famous SOPS turf track. It lay before them, pristine and ready to go, and Valencia was seized by the urge to just lean forward and let Icee go. The impulse was restrained, and Valencia awaited her instructions for the workout.
I want you to stick with us for the entirety of this workout Valencia. Icee could use the stamina work this week. Goodness knows she's got plenty of speed. Valencia smirked and the arrogance of both Icee and Valencia rose. Neither was intimidated by the horse in front of them or the task ahead of them. Icee was no regular horse. She could take Infini's stamina workouts. We're galloping two miles and then working out for a full mile. I want you to be ready to answer the charge at the end Valencia. Don't go ahead during the two mile gallop either. Keep Icee with us and teach her some humility. We're going to need this if you want to decimate Bella Luna next week. Valencia grinned broadly, and Amber couldn't help grinning back. She truly hoped Valencia got that victory over Bella Luna that they had sought twice this year and been denied both times. Icee had the talent and the turf was a dear surface to her. Two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown had been on dirt, but Icee's greatest talent was on the turf, and she had taken the Breeders Stakes by the widest margin of the three as a result.
The two black thoroughbreds wheeled over the turf track now at a canter. They were really just slow because of their riders right now. Infini was alert and alive beneath Amber. The win drought was beginning to tell on the powerful stallion and he was no longer just lazily picking his way along the track. He was livewire, a powerhouse. He was not going to be left behind at any point today. He was absolutely on his toes. Italian Ice strode just as powerfully and alertly on his outside. The Canadian Triple Crown winner was a powerhouse and she was not going to sit down and wave the flag now that that campaign was over. She was out for blood and Bella Luna now. Valencia gritted herself, steered Icee to the inside on the loop around the turn and then bided her time. The turf track was just whistling past them now as they began to open up naturally into the canter. Infini's long strides easily kept him level with Icee's quick and powerful ones.
Easy as can be, Infini settled just behind Icee. Even if he was alert as ever, he was still not one for the lead. Italian Ice snorted and took it, disdain dripping from her figure. If Infini didn't want the lead, that was his problem. She reveled in it, especially with the jockey that had rarely let her down in the saddle. Valencia hunkered down, grinning at the blazing brilliance that dripped from Icee even now at this gallop. She was a classic horse and a marathoner. She was a dirt horse and a turf horse. She was anything and everything to Valencia right now. A horse of her caliber was a lucky ride for her during her only second year of being an apprentice jockey. But Valencia recalled Amber's instructions and sighed. She was under specific instructions to keep Icee level with Infini and she was already breaking that. She slowed Icee, and the arrogant black filly snorted with distaste before slowing up. Infini glided up on their outside now as they matched strides, his hulking black body almost dwarfing Icee's. But Icee was not intimidated. She merely kept cruising.
The two bulleted through their two mile gallop with ease. Icee could take the long warm up in stride. She was not daunted. Infini was probably wondering why it wasn't longer. Now it was time for the mile gallop. Valencia grinned, leaned into Icee's black mane and whipped out Icee's cruising speed. Icee accelerated gladly, contemptuously putting a space of three to four lengths between her and the black monster now at her back. Infini settled into a slightly faster pace pretty as he pleased. He remained absolutely focused on Icee even as the black filly galloped gallantly away from him with all of the ease in the world. It was just a mile workout and Amber prepared Infini for it. The furlongs ticked away. One furlong, two, three, the half, then five. Now Amber leaned forward, pressed her face into Infini's mane and said GO.
He was a black comet, no, a bullet, shooting across the turf like a bat out of hell. This was pure, unrivaled speed. This was Infinite Warcry. His eyes burned with desire while Amber's eyes burned with the wind. They flew as though with wings up the track, and Infini made up the six lengths in the blink of an eye. But as Infini pulled up alongside, the champion side of Italian Ice came through. Valencia was reeling from the shock of the bullet that was Infini, but Icee reacted smartly. She surged forward as though expecting this unexpected guest, and her eyes blazed as she threw down the gauntlet and practically screamed Let's see you catch this! Infini was briefly staggered. A horse waiting for him with a kick like that? It was surprising. But he was not to be outdone. He broke again, reached for that other gear and flew up to answer Icee's challenge.
The two black horses were battling like thoroughbreds were known to do. They absolutely blazed away over the turf track and finished up the stupendous workout in an absolute dead heat. Amber was absolutely breathless and Valencia felt ecstatic. That...has got to be the best workout I have ever seen these two pull out she breathed out. Valencia merely grinned and gave Icee a quick slap on the neck. Icee snorted, pranced in place, eyes still burning from battle. They were absolutely ready to go and perhaps always had been.
Amber brightened at this good news. She thanked Rebecca and then slipped into Infini's stall. Bruce had already groomed Infini with all of the love in the world and Amber grinned as she assessed Infini's condition. The big black stallion was all gentle love as he gazed at Amber. Amber grinned. It was about time that they started kicking butt and taking names again. She wheeled him out, tacked him up and proceeded to the turf track. At the other end of the barn, Valencia was exchanging witty banter with her brother Timothy Andrews. The twenty-five year old had become Amber's stallion manager only last year when Valencia had put in a good word for him. He knew how lucky he was to have the job now, and it showed. Valencia eyed Italian Ice contemplatively as they finally arrived at her stall. Icee gleamed with confidence and good spirits. She was the Canadian Triple Crown champion and it showed in her bearing. She had just missed to Bella Luna in the Wildly Natural Memorial Stakes and was now gearing up for a rematch in the Universal Cup. Valencia's light brown eyes burned with passion as she took in the powerful black filly.
The world had better get ready for the Universal. Icee's absolutely ready to win she growled. Icee snorted as though in agreement, and Timothy smirked before adding Preferably by a large margin. Valencia grinned. Her brother always knew what she was thinking. I'm working her out with Infini. Care to watch? Timothy snorted. Who in their right minds would want to miss that? Valencia smiled in complete agreement before swooping in and tacking up Icee. In moments she was ready to go, reappearing out on the turf track where the big black Infini awaited them. Amber looked completely at peace up top and Valencia found a new sort of brilliance awaiting her in Infini. She snorted. She was sitting on top of just as much brilliance as that and she wasn't going to hide that fact from the world. Icee remained one of the most talented horses she could have ever hoped to ride, and she was brilliant from the get go. Haughtiness was everywhere in the filly as she strode onto the famous SOPS turf track. It lay before them, pristine and ready to go, and Valencia was seized by the urge to just lean forward and let Icee go. The impulse was restrained, and Valencia awaited her instructions for the workout.
I want you to stick with us for the entirety of this workout Valencia. Icee could use the stamina work this week. Goodness knows she's got plenty of speed. Valencia smirked and the arrogance of both Icee and Valencia rose. Neither was intimidated by the horse in front of them or the task ahead of them. Icee was no regular horse. She could take Infini's stamina workouts. We're galloping two miles and then working out for a full mile. I want you to be ready to answer the charge at the end Valencia. Don't go ahead during the two mile gallop either. Keep Icee with us and teach her some humility. We're going to need this if you want to decimate Bella Luna next week. Valencia grinned broadly, and Amber couldn't help grinning back. She truly hoped Valencia got that victory over Bella Luna that they had sought twice this year and been denied both times. Icee had the talent and the turf was a dear surface to her. Two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown had been on dirt, but Icee's greatest talent was on the turf, and she had taken the Breeders Stakes by the widest margin of the three as a result.
The two black thoroughbreds wheeled over the turf track now at a canter. They were really just slow because of their riders right now. Infini was alert and alive beneath Amber. The win drought was beginning to tell on the powerful stallion and he was no longer just lazily picking his way along the track. He was livewire, a powerhouse. He was not going to be left behind at any point today. He was absolutely on his toes. Italian Ice strode just as powerfully and alertly on his outside. The Canadian Triple Crown winner was a powerhouse and she was not going to sit down and wave the flag now that that campaign was over. She was out for blood and Bella Luna now. Valencia gritted herself, steered Icee to the inside on the loop around the turn and then bided her time. The turf track was just whistling past them now as they began to open up naturally into the canter. Infini's long strides easily kept him level with Icee's quick and powerful ones.
Easy as can be, Infini settled just behind Icee. Even if he was alert as ever, he was still not one for the lead. Italian Ice snorted and took it, disdain dripping from her figure. If Infini didn't want the lead, that was his problem. She reveled in it, especially with the jockey that had rarely let her down in the saddle. Valencia hunkered down, grinning at the blazing brilliance that dripped from Icee even now at this gallop. She was a classic horse and a marathoner. She was a dirt horse and a turf horse. She was anything and everything to Valencia right now. A horse of her caliber was a lucky ride for her during her only second year of being an apprentice jockey. But Valencia recalled Amber's instructions and sighed. She was under specific instructions to keep Icee level with Infini and she was already breaking that. She slowed Icee, and the arrogant black filly snorted with distaste before slowing up. Infini glided up on their outside now as they matched strides, his hulking black body almost dwarfing Icee's. But Icee was not intimidated. She merely kept cruising.
The two bulleted through their two mile gallop with ease. Icee could take the long warm up in stride. She was not daunted. Infini was probably wondering why it wasn't longer. Now it was time for the mile gallop. Valencia grinned, leaned into Icee's black mane and whipped out Icee's cruising speed. Icee accelerated gladly, contemptuously putting a space of three to four lengths between her and the black monster now at her back. Infini settled into a slightly faster pace pretty as he pleased. He remained absolutely focused on Icee even as the black filly galloped gallantly away from him with all of the ease in the world. It was just a mile workout and Amber prepared Infini for it. The furlongs ticked away. One furlong, two, three, the half, then five. Now Amber leaned forward, pressed her face into Infini's mane and said GO.
He was a black comet, no, a bullet, shooting across the turf like a bat out of hell. This was pure, unrivaled speed. This was Infinite Warcry. His eyes burned with desire while Amber's eyes burned with the wind. They flew as though with wings up the track, and Infini made up the six lengths in the blink of an eye. But as Infini pulled up alongside, the champion side of Italian Ice came through. Valencia was reeling from the shock of the bullet that was Infini, but Icee reacted smartly. She surged forward as though expecting this unexpected guest, and her eyes blazed as she threw down the gauntlet and practically screamed Let's see you catch this! Infini was briefly staggered. A horse waiting for him with a kick like that? It was surprising. But he was not to be outdone. He broke again, reached for that other gear and flew up to answer Icee's challenge.
The two black horses were battling like thoroughbreds were known to do. They absolutely blazed away over the turf track and finished up the stupendous workout in an absolute dead heat. Amber was absolutely breathless and Valencia felt ecstatic. That...has got to be the best workout I have ever seen these two pull out she breathed out. Valencia merely grinned and gave Icee a quick slap on the neck. Icee snorted, pranced in place, eyes still burning from battle. They were absolutely ready to go and perhaps always had been.
AGE AND EXPERIENCE.
Fleet Majesty & Henna Turath.
Call of the Wild & Krystal Yhate.
Demonic Desires & Amber Black.
The day dawned cold, with more than a touch of frost in the air. It was cold to breathe in, at first. So workouts had been postponed until the sun had risen a bit more. Now, at eight am, the sun had risen nearly fully, and the air was warming. It was time to get workouts underway. Amber Black gazed at her turf track, then went right out and ran the straight in her sneakers. It was cold outside, but the ground beneath her feet indicated that her horses would be able to handle it today. She grinned. She had a fantastic workout planned and she couldn't wait to get out again on the back of a thoroughbred. She gazed at the empty rail and grinned again. The only company she wanted at SOPS private workouts like these was her staff. SOPS was not very open to the public when it came to their workouts. If they wanted to be open, they took the workouts to the public tracks at Green Horse Fields and The Wire. They did their talking in the races. Workouts were their own thing. Which was a shame, given the beauty of the SOPS property. Amber glanced over the grounds and grinned. This was her home.
Twenty minutes later, Amber was out on the back of a black juvenile colt who moved as though he owned the world. The physically strong Demonic Desires was out of this world brilliant. He was storming the tracks as a sprinter just as Amber had bred him to, and he reveled in all eight of his victories. He was going in for the kill in the Hawk Cup later this week and he felt amazing. He was coming off of a close win just last week so was in top shape for another win this week. Amber could say safely that she had never ridden such a talented juvenile sprinter. Demon was just in a class all his own, like most Speed Demon colts seemed to be. He was all class as he expertly settled under Amber's hands, barely noticing her control as he strode out onto the turf track. Amber frowned. Demon was so calm out here. It was like holding a ticking time bomb in the reins, and Amber briefly wondered if indeed Demon was as calm on the inside as he appeared on the outside.
There was a laugh from the outside of the track. Amber eyed Call Of The Wild with Krystal Yhate up approaching the track gap. Now there was a colt as calm on the outside as he was on the inside. Call didn't have a mean bone in his body. He was cunning, sure, but he was a strictly nonviolent type of horse. Krystal had laughed because Call had headbutted his groom affectionately. Call loved his groomings and Christopher Black was an excellent groomer. But of course he was. Amber had taught her young cousin well. She grinned and waved over at her cousin and best friend as they approached the track. Christopher smiled and waved back, gave Call one last affectionate tap on the shoulder and then proceeded to watch the workout from the rail. Krystal rode up on a walking Call now. He was like putty in her hands and felt like a stick of dynamite. He had catapulted into grade four at the beginning of the month and then placed third against good horses last week. Now he was working for his next crack at the races.
You should really consider giving Chris a try with one of our mounts sometime. You know, a nice horse at first. Maybe one of our nicer broodmares or stallions? Get him ready to fulfill those big dreams of his. Amber smiled affectionately. She knew that her cousin really wanted to become a jockey just like her someday. He's only just gotten here Krystal. We'll see what happens. Though I will talk to Timothy about letting Chris on some of our calmer stallions. Maybe even see if Adrianna needs some help as well. And if he does well...we'll see what happens. Krystal grinned. She liked how Amber was compliant to giving her cousin a chance at his dreams. So, what's the plan for today boss? Amber grinned again. We're waiting for Fleet Majesty to come on out. I've assigned Henna as her second and this is their first workout together. I'm excited to see how they do. Krystal got excited. Mage was just about the hardest knocking grade four filly on the circuit. She was a horse who brought it every time and even managed to win it as well. Just one more win for Mage and she would be a grade three. Her next race was next week in the Mount Olympus Stakes, all on the road to the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf in December.
Henna appeared on Mage, a wry grin on her face. Mage was an energizer bunny who reminded her a lot of Asus. But unlike Asus, Mage was a router, and she took racing a lot more seriously. The energetic gray filly was poetry in motion. She managed to look and feel good at the walk. They reached the turf and Mage accelerated smoothly into a trot under Henna's hands. Mage tossed her head once and then settled. Call and Demon turned a circle as Mage caught up to them and soon all three of them were coasting down the track, side by side, at a rocking canter. Amber called out over the wind Mile gallop, four furlong sprint. Keep them steady and let them do the gallop on their own. Harder effort during the sprint, of course. The riders nodded their assent and then refocused on their warm up.
The mile gallop was easy for the well conditioned thoroughbreds. All three of them stayed side by side throughout it. The only loss of ground occurred on the turns, and even then all three leveled out in the stretch. As they coasted around the final turn and into the stretch, all three riders prepared. The horses picked up on the sudden change in attitude and picked up their pace as a result. Henna could feel Mage's excitement through the reins. The gray filly was ready to go and hunt her competition. Two other horses were enough to inflame the filly's desire, and she was very on the bit and ready to go. Call was as calm as ever. He coasted alongside Mage, all focus but not super competitive just yet. The gears were spinning in his brain and Krystal grinned at the thought of what he was concocting. Meanwhile, Demon strided out like a champion in front of the other two. He felt deadly calm and absolutely in control.
The appropriate marker passed and all three riders asked the horses to pick it up. Amber nearly lost her grip on the reins as Demon suddenly exploded forward. She gasped as she realized what was going on. Absolute rage crackled through the black demon as he tore off at blistering speed. Amber knew that Demonic Desires had entered demon mode - the rage filled mode where nothing could reach the black colt. And she knew that above it all she was in for the ride of her life. She hung on tight, eyes tearing up as Demon ran at speeds no thoroughbred should have been able to hit. She knew that Call and Mage were far behind them now. No horse could keep up with Demon at this speed. And no horse was more deadly than Demon was right now. If he had not been running, he would have been bucking her off or taking chunks out of his workmates. Amber was lucky that they had been about to work out anyway. But it would take a lot more luck to get her through this in one piece.
Henna and Krystal exchanged shocked expressions as Demon tore off at a pace all his own. Mage pulled like a freight train at the reins, suddenly excited and wanting to keep up, while Call even picked it up a little bit. Henna and Krystal decided to stick with the workout plan. There was no catching up to Demon, who was ten lengths in front by now and absolutely unstoppable. They would just need to focus, as hard as that was, on getting this workout in like Amber wanted them to. So focus they did. Mage and Call were both closers by nature and easily settled down into good cruising speeds. But even they were daunted by the prospect of catching up to Demon so far ahead of them. Henna and Krystal held them in and prayed for the best for Amber. She was on a raging whirlwind of speed.
Amber held on for dear life. Demon was a whirlwind, a black inferno. There was no stopping him. They snapped through the quarter, then another furlong before she reached the black colt. She eased him down, and Demon miraculously obeyed her commands. She was breathing hard, more from exhilaration and shock rather than actual effort. As Demon slowed down, Call and Mage naturally accelerated, recognizing the weakness in the front runner as closers are wont to do. They swept up the track side by side, nothing less than impressive as they closed Demon's fifteen length gap back down to nine in the blink of an eye. Amber assessed Demon's condition quickly. Demon's chest was heaving slightly, but otherwise he was fluid in his motion. The sprint had taken something out of him, but not too much that he couldn't recover from.
The three horses finished the gallops in a flourish and came back to the rail from whence they started. Christopher Black stared at all three of them with awe in his eyes. You would not believe the times you just ran. Amber, Demon just barely ran a :21 second quarter. Once you got him under control, he finished the half in :45. Amber gazed at her cousin in shock and managed a shaky laugh. Well, I'd like to see what juvenile could hold a candle to that performance. How did your rides go, Henna and Krystal? Henna immediately started talking. Mage is like a dream. She's such a smooth mover. Right at the end, she saw Demon slow down and went right for it. She's tough as nails Amber. And Call is, too. He was right with us every step of the way. Krystal added in Call gained from experience from Mage today. I'd have to say that overall the workout was a success. All three of these horses today are ready to go. Amber grinned, leaned over and slapped high fives with her jockeys. They were indeed ready to go.
Twenty minutes later, Amber was out on the back of a black juvenile colt who moved as though he owned the world. The physically strong Demonic Desires was out of this world brilliant. He was storming the tracks as a sprinter just as Amber had bred him to, and he reveled in all eight of his victories. He was going in for the kill in the Hawk Cup later this week and he felt amazing. He was coming off of a close win just last week so was in top shape for another win this week. Amber could say safely that she had never ridden such a talented juvenile sprinter. Demon was just in a class all his own, like most Speed Demon colts seemed to be. He was all class as he expertly settled under Amber's hands, barely noticing her control as he strode out onto the turf track. Amber frowned. Demon was so calm out here. It was like holding a ticking time bomb in the reins, and Amber briefly wondered if indeed Demon was as calm on the inside as he appeared on the outside.
There was a laugh from the outside of the track. Amber eyed Call Of The Wild with Krystal Yhate up approaching the track gap. Now there was a colt as calm on the outside as he was on the inside. Call didn't have a mean bone in his body. He was cunning, sure, but he was a strictly nonviolent type of horse. Krystal had laughed because Call had headbutted his groom affectionately. Call loved his groomings and Christopher Black was an excellent groomer. But of course he was. Amber had taught her young cousin well. She grinned and waved over at her cousin and best friend as they approached the track. Christopher smiled and waved back, gave Call one last affectionate tap on the shoulder and then proceeded to watch the workout from the rail. Krystal rode up on a walking Call now. He was like putty in her hands and felt like a stick of dynamite. He had catapulted into grade four at the beginning of the month and then placed third against good horses last week. Now he was working for his next crack at the races.
You should really consider giving Chris a try with one of our mounts sometime. You know, a nice horse at first. Maybe one of our nicer broodmares or stallions? Get him ready to fulfill those big dreams of his. Amber smiled affectionately. She knew that her cousin really wanted to become a jockey just like her someday. He's only just gotten here Krystal. We'll see what happens. Though I will talk to Timothy about letting Chris on some of our calmer stallions. Maybe even see if Adrianna needs some help as well. And if he does well...we'll see what happens. Krystal grinned. She liked how Amber was compliant to giving her cousin a chance at his dreams. So, what's the plan for today boss? Amber grinned again. We're waiting for Fleet Majesty to come on out. I've assigned Henna as her second and this is their first workout together. I'm excited to see how they do. Krystal got excited. Mage was just about the hardest knocking grade four filly on the circuit. She was a horse who brought it every time and even managed to win it as well. Just one more win for Mage and she would be a grade three. Her next race was next week in the Mount Olympus Stakes, all on the road to the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf in December.
Henna appeared on Mage, a wry grin on her face. Mage was an energizer bunny who reminded her a lot of Asus. But unlike Asus, Mage was a router, and she took racing a lot more seriously. The energetic gray filly was poetry in motion. She managed to look and feel good at the walk. They reached the turf and Mage accelerated smoothly into a trot under Henna's hands. Mage tossed her head once and then settled. Call and Demon turned a circle as Mage caught up to them and soon all three of them were coasting down the track, side by side, at a rocking canter. Amber called out over the wind Mile gallop, four furlong sprint. Keep them steady and let them do the gallop on their own. Harder effort during the sprint, of course. The riders nodded their assent and then refocused on their warm up.
The mile gallop was easy for the well conditioned thoroughbreds. All three of them stayed side by side throughout it. The only loss of ground occurred on the turns, and even then all three leveled out in the stretch. As they coasted around the final turn and into the stretch, all three riders prepared. The horses picked up on the sudden change in attitude and picked up their pace as a result. Henna could feel Mage's excitement through the reins. The gray filly was ready to go and hunt her competition. Two other horses were enough to inflame the filly's desire, and she was very on the bit and ready to go. Call was as calm as ever. He coasted alongside Mage, all focus but not super competitive just yet. The gears were spinning in his brain and Krystal grinned at the thought of what he was concocting. Meanwhile, Demon strided out like a champion in front of the other two. He felt deadly calm and absolutely in control.
The appropriate marker passed and all three riders asked the horses to pick it up. Amber nearly lost her grip on the reins as Demon suddenly exploded forward. She gasped as she realized what was going on. Absolute rage crackled through the black demon as he tore off at blistering speed. Amber knew that Demonic Desires had entered demon mode - the rage filled mode where nothing could reach the black colt. And she knew that above it all she was in for the ride of her life. She hung on tight, eyes tearing up as Demon ran at speeds no thoroughbred should have been able to hit. She knew that Call and Mage were far behind them now. No horse could keep up with Demon at this speed. And no horse was more deadly than Demon was right now. If he had not been running, he would have been bucking her off or taking chunks out of his workmates. Amber was lucky that they had been about to work out anyway. But it would take a lot more luck to get her through this in one piece.
Henna and Krystal exchanged shocked expressions as Demon tore off at a pace all his own. Mage pulled like a freight train at the reins, suddenly excited and wanting to keep up, while Call even picked it up a little bit. Henna and Krystal decided to stick with the workout plan. There was no catching up to Demon, who was ten lengths in front by now and absolutely unstoppable. They would just need to focus, as hard as that was, on getting this workout in like Amber wanted them to. So focus they did. Mage and Call were both closers by nature and easily settled down into good cruising speeds. But even they were daunted by the prospect of catching up to Demon so far ahead of them. Henna and Krystal held them in and prayed for the best for Amber. She was on a raging whirlwind of speed.
Amber held on for dear life. Demon was a whirlwind, a black inferno. There was no stopping him. They snapped through the quarter, then another furlong before she reached the black colt. She eased him down, and Demon miraculously obeyed her commands. She was breathing hard, more from exhilaration and shock rather than actual effort. As Demon slowed down, Call and Mage naturally accelerated, recognizing the weakness in the front runner as closers are wont to do. They swept up the track side by side, nothing less than impressive as they closed Demon's fifteen length gap back down to nine in the blink of an eye. Amber assessed Demon's condition quickly. Demon's chest was heaving slightly, but otherwise he was fluid in his motion. The sprint had taken something out of him, but not too much that he couldn't recover from.
The three horses finished the gallops in a flourish and came back to the rail from whence they started. Christopher Black stared at all three of them with awe in his eyes. You would not believe the times you just ran. Amber, Demon just barely ran a :21 second quarter. Once you got him under control, he finished the half in :45. Amber gazed at her cousin in shock and managed a shaky laugh. Well, I'd like to see what juvenile could hold a candle to that performance. How did your rides go, Henna and Krystal? Henna immediately started talking. Mage is like a dream. She's such a smooth mover. Right at the end, she saw Demon slow down and went right for it. She's tough as nails Amber. And Call is, too. He was right with us every step of the way. Krystal added in Call gained from experience from Mage today. I'd have to say that overall the workout was a success. All three of these horses today are ready to go. Amber grinned, leaned over and slapped high fives with her jockeys. They were indeed ready to go.
BE SWIFT.
Alucard & Henna Turath.
Battle Wings & Krystal Yhate.
Aquatic Addiction & Valencia Andrews.
Henna Turath just needed to throw herself onto the back of a sprinter, right now. She sighed in frustration as she finally found her way to Alucard. The intensely haughty and domineering Finale Slew colt wouldn't react at all to her emotional turmoil. In fact, he'd probably just keep right on going without a care in the world. The beautiful bay could have passed for an Arabian if not for the Thoroughbred muscles and Thoroughbred fire in his eyes. He was a colt in search of championship. As Henna bustled into his stall and set about tacking the beautiful colt up, all she got in way of greeting from him was a sudden sharpness in his frame. Alucard was out for blood. He hadn't really run in the summer due to a lack of races, and Henna had taken the opportunity to work him out. Muscles gleamed and he was coiled like a snake ready to spring. With the Eagle Cup coming up, this was only a good thing. Alu was going to need all the strength and speed he possessed to win the Eagle Cup. It was coming up as the toughest juvenile dirt sprint of the season thus far.
Henna passed by Krystal as she led Alucard out of the barn. Krystal took note of the frustrated expression on Henna's face and grinned slyly. You wait right there. I'll be out with Battle Wings. Henna snorted. Great. Two frustrated juveniles that are both too cold to express it to the world. Yeah, I'll wait right over there off the dirt course. But before she could saunter off, mount in hand, she was held back by a sudden outcry. Oh, what is this, two of my dear ladies heading out to the track for a workout by themselves? Henna groaned as Valencia came into view, and groaned even louder at the smirk tracing the young woman's face. Well you need somebody to bring the speed to this party. I'll be joining you guys with Theo. Henna watched Valencia jog off and prayed that Krystal would hurry up so that they could "accidentally" leave Theo and Valencia behind. Valencia had been off the walls proud of her three year old after he dead heated with Mastermind, who had just gone on to win the King's Bishop at the Wire. Theo was in fantastic form, Henna couldn't deny it. But she was really getting sick of the arrogance all around from the racing world. She had made a vow a long time ago not to be arrogant. And she would stick to it.
Alucard shifted underneath her and Henna blinked her eyes rapidly in shock. Alucard was suddenly singing beneath her. The bay colt was lit up with some sort of energy that Henna realized had come from her, from her declaration and thoughts of the moment. The colt was coming alive in a way unique to what he had shown her over the past couple months of their partnership. Henna relaxed into the saddle, let herself melt away and focused. Alu felt like an athlete. He was ready to go underneath her, and suddenly Henna's desire to go out and sprint aboard the juvenile increased not out of desire to avail herself of her troubles but just so that Alu could fly for a bit. He was developing into a firecracker - well, not with the expressive explosions of one, more like the speed and intensity. Henna glanced at the barn and was relieved to see Krystal making her way out aboard Battle. The bay daughter of Akuma Battlecry and Silent Wings had not won since May and was becoming intolerable with her cold and dominating stature. But Henna didn't mind. She had gotten used to icebergs since she had first taken the reins of Alucard.
Henna called out Quickly, before...oh, crap. Valencia had just emerged from the barn aboard Aquatic Addiction. The three year old had never looked better and rippled with muscle as he trotted down the lane to march alongside Battle Wings. Valencia was smirking hugely. You were saying Henna? Henna threw a glare in Valencia's direction before wheeling around on Alucard. Her suddenly strong feelings infused with Alucard, and the normally not so expressive colt snorted once before making his way to the dirt. He welcomed the feel of it around his hooves, reveled in it even. Henna let him do his own thing as she grudgingly waited for the other two to catch up. So much for her solo workout. Krystal pulled up alongside on the iceberg Battle, her eyes inquiring and warm. So what were you thinking of doing for the Eagle Henna? Henna sighed. I just needed to be on the back of a sprinter for a bit. Do you mind if we warm up separately, maybe gallop a bit and then do a two furlong blow out? I need some wind. Krystal nodded and grinned reassuringly as Henna set off on Alu. Valencia called after the woman who was her senior We'll see you in fifteen minutes, speed demon.
Henna was not able to restrain the grin that rose to her face as Alu set out over the dirt. The colt was strong and sure in his movements, and completely focused as he warmed up. Henna eased him out into the canter and felt him pick up the pace gladly. They rolled around the turn before wheeling around and coming back. He was also an agile animal, and his focus was astounding. Henna went through strategy as she piloted the colt around the turn again. Alu was loosening up from his slumber, his own thoughts tuning in to a good run instead of in to Henna's feelings. Krystal was feeling a similar sensation on Battle. The filly was intense as she loped about the track, her legs eating up the ground and eyes burning. Krystal could barely control the filly these days. She was wild off of losses and needed a win to calm her down. Opportunities would come. The Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies would come. They had to be ready.
Valencia felt on top of the world aboard Theo. He felt brilliant and in tune with her today, and his own competitive fire was burning healthily as he eyed his two workmates. Valencia hoped she would be able to keep up Theo's new development. The colt needed it. He was truly starting to come into his own. She eyed the other two as they finished cantering and eased into the gallop. Theo took the inside rail and roared around the turn and down the backstretch. His strides were quick and easy, his breathing even as he enjoyed the faster pace and the wind in his mane. Valencia let him gallop right up to the wire before slowing him again. They were ready for a blowout. She looked around, spied Battle coming up right behind them in the middle of her own gallop. The filly exploded with power as she galloped handily under the wire and was brought back by Krystal. Krystal's eyes were bright and exhilarated. They were ready to go.
Alucard finally joined them. The colt was known for being aggressive on the track and Henna kept him far away from the other two. Her eyes burned as she looked at her two frenemies, and Henna gave them a sharp smile. She positioned Alucard and the other two copied her. In moments all three were off in a blaze of wind. Alucard was known for having a lightning fast break. He positioned himself expertly on the inside as Battle coldly took to his outside and Theo ran along well in hand just behind them. But being a two furlong blowout, there was no time for anything but running. The three horses exploded into the backstretch and stretched out into a three horse line of blazing speed. Henna felt her heart soar as Alu ate the wind. The juvenile was absolutely roaring right now, and he was blazing fast. The more miler oriented Battle Wings couldn't keep up with him. The bay filly dropped back a half length, but Krystal was damned if they were giving up. Theo was also giving it his all. He had liked the taste of victory and wasn't letting it go. But the whirlwind that was Alucard when infected by Henna's soaring heart could not be stopped.
When the trio finally dropped back down to earth it was to see Amber Black absolutely marching up to them aboard Lynara's Kingdom. The gray mare snorted disdainfully at them as Amber came at dangerous speed. Krystal and Henna gulped and glanced at each other, but Valencia stood up straight in the saddle. Don't lie Amber, that's got to be the fastest thing you've seen today. Amber glared slightly at Valencia before giving in and smiling a small smile. While I can't deny that, I am a bit worried about a certain one of my riders. Henna...I'm glad that blowout was only two furlongs. But next time, let me know the next time you want to blow off some steam. We can make a four person arrangement. Henna sighed, but she appreciated Amber's understanding and let her know just that. Amber's eyes glinted as she nodded. It's fine Henna. Just make sure you kick some serious ass in the Eagle Cup for me please. We could use some victories. And as Amber wheeled away following that statement, she left her staff glancing at each other worriedly, pondering all the things Amber could have just said.
Henna passed by Krystal as she led Alucard out of the barn. Krystal took note of the frustrated expression on Henna's face and grinned slyly. You wait right there. I'll be out with Battle Wings. Henna snorted. Great. Two frustrated juveniles that are both too cold to express it to the world. Yeah, I'll wait right over there off the dirt course. But before she could saunter off, mount in hand, she was held back by a sudden outcry. Oh, what is this, two of my dear ladies heading out to the track for a workout by themselves? Henna groaned as Valencia came into view, and groaned even louder at the smirk tracing the young woman's face. Well you need somebody to bring the speed to this party. I'll be joining you guys with Theo. Henna watched Valencia jog off and prayed that Krystal would hurry up so that they could "accidentally" leave Theo and Valencia behind. Valencia had been off the walls proud of her three year old after he dead heated with Mastermind, who had just gone on to win the King's Bishop at the Wire. Theo was in fantastic form, Henna couldn't deny it. But she was really getting sick of the arrogance all around from the racing world. She had made a vow a long time ago not to be arrogant. And she would stick to it.
Alucard shifted underneath her and Henna blinked her eyes rapidly in shock. Alucard was suddenly singing beneath her. The bay colt was lit up with some sort of energy that Henna realized had come from her, from her declaration and thoughts of the moment. The colt was coming alive in a way unique to what he had shown her over the past couple months of their partnership. Henna relaxed into the saddle, let herself melt away and focused. Alu felt like an athlete. He was ready to go underneath her, and suddenly Henna's desire to go out and sprint aboard the juvenile increased not out of desire to avail herself of her troubles but just so that Alu could fly for a bit. He was developing into a firecracker - well, not with the expressive explosions of one, more like the speed and intensity. Henna glanced at the barn and was relieved to see Krystal making her way out aboard Battle. The bay daughter of Akuma Battlecry and Silent Wings had not won since May and was becoming intolerable with her cold and dominating stature. But Henna didn't mind. She had gotten used to icebergs since she had first taken the reins of Alucard.
Henna called out Quickly, before...oh, crap. Valencia had just emerged from the barn aboard Aquatic Addiction. The three year old had never looked better and rippled with muscle as he trotted down the lane to march alongside Battle Wings. Valencia was smirking hugely. You were saying Henna? Henna threw a glare in Valencia's direction before wheeling around on Alucard. Her suddenly strong feelings infused with Alucard, and the normally not so expressive colt snorted once before making his way to the dirt. He welcomed the feel of it around his hooves, reveled in it even. Henna let him do his own thing as she grudgingly waited for the other two to catch up. So much for her solo workout. Krystal pulled up alongside on the iceberg Battle, her eyes inquiring and warm. So what were you thinking of doing for the Eagle Henna? Henna sighed. I just needed to be on the back of a sprinter for a bit. Do you mind if we warm up separately, maybe gallop a bit and then do a two furlong blow out? I need some wind. Krystal nodded and grinned reassuringly as Henna set off on Alu. Valencia called after the woman who was her senior We'll see you in fifteen minutes, speed demon.
Henna was not able to restrain the grin that rose to her face as Alu set out over the dirt. The colt was strong and sure in his movements, and completely focused as he warmed up. Henna eased him out into the canter and felt him pick up the pace gladly. They rolled around the turn before wheeling around and coming back. He was also an agile animal, and his focus was astounding. Henna went through strategy as she piloted the colt around the turn again. Alu was loosening up from his slumber, his own thoughts tuning in to a good run instead of in to Henna's feelings. Krystal was feeling a similar sensation on Battle. The filly was intense as she loped about the track, her legs eating up the ground and eyes burning. Krystal could barely control the filly these days. She was wild off of losses and needed a win to calm her down. Opportunities would come. The Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies would come. They had to be ready.
Valencia felt on top of the world aboard Theo. He felt brilliant and in tune with her today, and his own competitive fire was burning healthily as he eyed his two workmates. Valencia hoped she would be able to keep up Theo's new development. The colt needed it. He was truly starting to come into his own. She eyed the other two as they finished cantering and eased into the gallop. Theo took the inside rail and roared around the turn and down the backstretch. His strides were quick and easy, his breathing even as he enjoyed the faster pace and the wind in his mane. Valencia let him gallop right up to the wire before slowing him again. They were ready for a blowout. She looked around, spied Battle coming up right behind them in the middle of her own gallop. The filly exploded with power as she galloped handily under the wire and was brought back by Krystal. Krystal's eyes were bright and exhilarated. They were ready to go.
Alucard finally joined them. The colt was known for being aggressive on the track and Henna kept him far away from the other two. Her eyes burned as she looked at her two frenemies, and Henna gave them a sharp smile. She positioned Alucard and the other two copied her. In moments all three were off in a blaze of wind. Alucard was known for having a lightning fast break. He positioned himself expertly on the inside as Battle coldly took to his outside and Theo ran along well in hand just behind them. But being a two furlong blowout, there was no time for anything but running. The three horses exploded into the backstretch and stretched out into a three horse line of blazing speed. Henna felt her heart soar as Alu ate the wind. The juvenile was absolutely roaring right now, and he was blazing fast. The more miler oriented Battle Wings couldn't keep up with him. The bay filly dropped back a half length, but Krystal was damned if they were giving up. Theo was also giving it his all. He had liked the taste of victory and wasn't letting it go. But the whirlwind that was Alucard when infected by Henna's soaring heart could not be stopped.
When the trio finally dropped back down to earth it was to see Amber Black absolutely marching up to them aboard Lynara's Kingdom. The gray mare snorted disdainfully at them as Amber came at dangerous speed. Krystal and Henna gulped and glanced at each other, but Valencia stood up straight in the saddle. Don't lie Amber, that's got to be the fastest thing you've seen today. Amber glared slightly at Valencia before giving in and smiling a small smile. While I can't deny that, I am a bit worried about a certain one of my riders. Henna...I'm glad that blowout was only two furlongs. But next time, let me know the next time you want to blow off some steam. We can make a four person arrangement. Henna sighed, but she appreciated Amber's understanding and let her know just that. Amber's eyes glinted as she nodded. It's fine Henna. Just make sure you kick some serious ass in the Eagle Cup for me please. We could use some victories. And as Amber wheeled away following that statement, she left her staff glancing at each other worriedly, pondering all the things Amber could have just said.