January Year Fourteen
Week One Workouts
Royal Assassin & Wish Upon A Star.
Ode To Glory & Devil's Flair.
Athena's Desires & Pandora.
Palisades Pirate & Silent Snap.
Trinity & Impressionable.
STAR OF THE SHOW.
ROYAL ASSASSIN & HENNA TURATH.
WISH UPON A STAR & KRYSTAL YHATE.
A new year meant it was time to let new horses shine. And those new horses were Royal Assassin and Wish Upon A Star. The stories these two brought with them were colorful. Royal Assassin had arrived at Stride of Perfection along with Royal Cadenza in late August of last year. He had taken to some extra attention at his new home and had risen to new heights. He had not skyrocketed like Royal Cadenza had, though. His rising had been more steady, but he had still been successful. He had been off since November of last year to train and now he was completely ready to go in Year Fourteen. He was going to start off small and then build up to a hopeful Breeders Cup appearance as well as some lead-up appearances in the Senior Sprinter Series. But that was a long way away, and right now they needed to focus on the first race of the new year. The New Year Dirt Sprint was a fantastic place to start against other horses also hopeful of rising in the rankings and becoming top dog before the end of this season. Henna admired the half-brother to Pegasus Wings from her position on the ground. The warm spring breeze blew in through the half-opened barn door and she grinned. It was time to go on out and show that Prince meant business.
She mounted up and began her journey down to the dirt track. Stride of Perfection's tracks had been redone during Breeders Cup week and were now in top condition, ready to welcome horses both new and old. Prince stepped out onto it with the readiness of a workhorse. His one track mind was finely tuned into Henna's commands. It was as though he was saying here I am, now tell me what I need to do. Henna felt ready to go out and win the world on this speedy stallion. He was five years old and in the likely final season of his racing career, and she wanted him to enter the breeding shed with a bang. She spotted Amber sitting on her elevated trainer's chair, a new edition to the tracks that she had finally acquiesced to and initially rejected due what she termed the laziness of it. Henna smiled at the thought and shook her head. The chair was perfectly practical and in no way lazy, especially since Amber had so many horses to train. Their senior ranks had swelled to include new horses. Even with the departure of Infinite Warcry and her own mount Sugar Jayde, there were plenty of horses who could step up to fill those shoes left behind. SOPS would stay strong and she wanted Royal Assassin to be a big part of their expanding sprinter division.
Krystal Yhate felt like she was going back in time when she looked at Wish Upon A Star. The bay mare was gorgeous. She was lean and graceful, and she moved like a dressage horse rather than a thoroughbred. Every movement was controlled and smooth. She had come to them the week before the Breeders Cup and had spent two weeks galloping and working out here. She was well used to the routine now and she even greeted Krystal with an acknowledging snort. Wish was a horse that had been long in coming to SOPS. She had traveled to them from Witch Creek, where she had been retired early due to a lack of space and perhaps even motivation to work with her. Krystal had gone straight to Amber when hearing that and persuaded her to add Wish to their already loaded senior division. Amber had granted the request, and Krystal wanted nothing more than to show Amber that Wish had been worth the investment. The daughter of Everyday Hero and Warm Wishes was blue blooded, but there was more to her than that.
Krystal had seen the contained power and the eloquent grace in Wish's movements and had seen Moondance. The mare she used to jockey had gone on to win the Breeders Cup Classic once she had left SOPS and was now the dam of the hotly anticipated juvenile Impress The Moonlight. Krystal did not want to let such talent go untapped again. She wanted to make Wish shine as a champion racehorse. Wish had campaigned through the Turf Triple Tiara last season, but Krystal wished to switch the filly onto the dirt. She saw something in this filly and Amber had been willing to let her go with her gut. Krystal was going to prove her gut right. She swung onto the lean bay mare with authority and they were soon on their way to the dirt track. Wish moved like a classic filly. Her strides were long but graceful, and Krystal felt like she was floating on a cloud. Here was a filly that could cover distance and could turn into the next big marathoner for SOPS. She just had that stride about her, and Krystal would know it from anywhere, having jockeyed Fire Dancer to victory in the Breeders Cup Marathon. She grinned at the thought and wondered if Wish could get her there again this year.
Amber eyed Wish and began to see what Krystal had seen. The mare definitely had some smooth movements about her. She was built for distance and she did not lack in stamina or speed, based on what she had seen through her daily gallops. Wish was against an easier field for her first SOPS start in the New Year Dirt. They would build into tougher races based on what Amber saw there. Amber liked what she had seen so far from both new editions though, and she was looking forward to actually getting them out there and gunning it to the top. Her instructions would be clear and simple. I want a mile gallop and a lengthier seven furlong workout. Prince could use the stamina for his front running exploits and Wish will just appreciate it. Henna laughed, looking affectionately down at Prince and already envisioning the feeling of his sprint to the finish. Krystal merely smiled, but she was businesslike now. This was a business of taking horses to the top, making them established. It was tougher than keeping them at the top for sure. They had reputations to build and great workouts were key to getting them there.
The two ladies hopped to it. Wish's strides floated over the dirt. She seemed to barely touch the ground and defied the laws of gravity. She was one of the smoothest rides Krystal had this season. She was content as could be at the canter, and she stretched out eagerly into the gallop, strides still graceful even as power filtered into them from her ready muscles. Prince was a bit different. His stride was high energy and his attitude eager as he plowed up the dirt like a yearling. He was all excitement that Henna had to contain even as she reveled in it. Prince was shedding some of his arrogance at SOPS. He was becoming a bit more focused, a bit more obsessed with speed rather than power. Henna knew it was entirely her fault, because those were her traits. She smirked and guided Prince a bit more to the inside as they looped around the first turn. Wish was hugging their outside like a burr and not letting go. She was a quiet mover, one Henna could almost forgot the presence of if she wasn't paying attention. That made her dangerous.
Prince felt the looming threat as they entered the backstretch. He accelerated just a bit more and then hit a wall in the form of his rider. Henna conserved the stallion as they opened up a length on their workmate, then another. Two lengths in front and Prince settled himself down comfortably, his eyes burning with the desire to blaze Wish into the ground. Krystal Yhate eyed Prince warily. The sprinter had the advantage for the beginning of the workout, but by the end of it Wish would be rolling and he would be in big trouble if Henna didn't hold him in now. Wish was tactical as she hugged the inside rail, just biding her time and waiting for the signal. She was astonishingly focused even though Prince was ahead. Krystal wondered if it was because Wish was used to being behind and dismissed that notion. She was too tactical, too wanting for the victory to have that sort of attitude. They brushed through the the three quarter pole and looped into the stretch. Even now Wish waited for Krystal's signal, but she was ready and Krystal knew it. The bay mare was eating up the ground and feeling the desire to unfurl and go free.
Henna looked under her elbow as they approached the start of the workout. Wish was two and a half lengths behind but seemed to be closing the distance like a hunter to her prey. She was hitting her element. Prince would be in big trouble unless they had enough left. This was a challenging workout for him and Henna hoped they would receive benefits from the stamina driven workout. They hit the wire and Henna let Prince go. The stallion accelerated rapidly and Henna felt her blood roar as the speed tripled. This was why she raced sprinters or speed crazy racehorses. It was for this feeling of pure speed and exhilaration. They sped up and Henna nearly lost herself in the speed as they blazed around the first turn again. But they had seven furlongs of this to go. She took hold of Prince, eased him up a bit, and the five year old checked his speed slightly. They needed to have something left or Wish would definitely get them. Henna looked under her elbow and blinked in shock.
From the moment they had hit the wire Krystal had known that Wish had it in the bag. She had said go and the four year old had gone. Her massive turn of foot had everything to do with the distance and nothing to do with Krystal. Wish was doing this all on her own. She scooted up the track and chopped down the distance. Prince had bolted off and that was when Krystal knew the advantage had fallen to them. Prince opened up another four lengths but that would not be enough. Three furlongs into the workout and it was time for Wish to shine. Her opponent had floundered six lengths in front and now Wish cut into the distance. Five lengths, three, one. They roared up on the outside of Prince with two furlongs left to go. Wish locked into battle and glared eye to eye with Prince, some of her Witch Creek fire roaring in her veins and through her eyes. Prince battled back with his own glare and Henna urged him to dig down deep. He scooted up a half length and that was when something changed in Wish.
The gears turned and suddenly Wish blazed right on past, pretty as you please, putting Prince away with such ease that Krystal felt her mouth pop open in surprise. Where in the blazes of hell had this come from? With one furlong left Wish was leading the charge and opening up daylight. Prince dug down deep but it was not enough as they hit the wire seven lengths in front and still opening it up. Krystal pulled Wish up, feeling a bit shaken with shock as she did so. Wish was breathing steadily, and she pranced a bit with unspent energy as she slowed to the gallop out. Prince caught up to them, and Henna exchanged a glance with Krystal before both women whooped in happiness and slapped high fives. It was time for new stars of the show to take center stage.
She mounted up and began her journey down to the dirt track. Stride of Perfection's tracks had been redone during Breeders Cup week and were now in top condition, ready to welcome horses both new and old. Prince stepped out onto it with the readiness of a workhorse. His one track mind was finely tuned into Henna's commands. It was as though he was saying here I am, now tell me what I need to do. Henna felt ready to go out and win the world on this speedy stallion. He was five years old and in the likely final season of his racing career, and she wanted him to enter the breeding shed with a bang. She spotted Amber sitting on her elevated trainer's chair, a new edition to the tracks that she had finally acquiesced to and initially rejected due what she termed the laziness of it. Henna smiled at the thought and shook her head. The chair was perfectly practical and in no way lazy, especially since Amber had so many horses to train. Their senior ranks had swelled to include new horses. Even with the departure of Infinite Warcry and her own mount Sugar Jayde, there were plenty of horses who could step up to fill those shoes left behind. SOPS would stay strong and she wanted Royal Assassin to be a big part of their expanding sprinter division.
Krystal Yhate felt like she was going back in time when she looked at Wish Upon A Star. The bay mare was gorgeous. She was lean and graceful, and she moved like a dressage horse rather than a thoroughbred. Every movement was controlled and smooth. She had come to them the week before the Breeders Cup and had spent two weeks galloping and working out here. She was well used to the routine now and she even greeted Krystal with an acknowledging snort. Wish was a horse that had been long in coming to SOPS. She had traveled to them from Witch Creek, where she had been retired early due to a lack of space and perhaps even motivation to work with her. Krystal had gone straight to Amber when hearing that and persuaded her to add Wish to their already loaded senior division. Amber had granted the request, and Krystal wanted nothing more than to show Amber that Wish had been worth the investment. The daughter of Everyday Hero and Warm Wishes was blue blooded, but there was more to her than that.
Krystal had seen the contained power and the eloquent grace in Wish's movements and had seen Moondance. The mare she used to jockey had gone on to win the Breeders Cup Classic once she had left SOPS and was now the dam of the hotly anticipated juvenile Impress The Moonlight. Krystal did not want to let such talent go untapped again. She wanted to make Wish shine as a champion racehorse. Wish had campaigned through the Turf Triple Tiara last season, but Krystal wished to switch the filly onto the dirt. She saw something in this filly and Amber had been willing to let her go with her gut. Krystal was going to prove her gut right. She swung onto the lean bay mare with authority and they were soon on their way to the dirt track. Wish moved like a classic filly. Her strides were long but graceful, and Krystal felt like she was floating on a cloud. Here was a filly that could cover distance and could turn into the next big marathoner for SOPS. She just had that stride about her, and Krystal would know it from anywhere, having jockeyed Fire Dancer to victory in the Breeders Cup Marathon. She grinned at the thought and wondered if Wish could get her there again this year.
Amber eyed Wish and began to see what Krystal had seen. The mare definitely had some smooth movements about her. She was built for distance and she did not lack in stamina or speed, based on what she had seen through her daily gallops. Wish was against an easier field for her first SOPS start in the New Year Dirt. They would build into tougher races based on what Amber saw there. Amber liked what she had seen so far from both new editions though, and she was looking forward to actually getting them out there and gunning it to the top. Her instructions would be clear and simple. I want a mile gallop and a lengthier seven furlong workout. Prince could use the stamina for his front running exploits and Wish will just appreciate it. Henna laughed, looking affectionately down at Prince and already envisioning the feeling of his sprint to the finish. Krystal merely smiled, but she was businesslike now. This was a business of taking horses to the top, making them established. It was tougher than keeping them at the top for sure. They had reputations to build and great workouts were key to getting them there.
The two ladies hopped to it. Wish's strides floated over the dirt. She seemed to barely touch the ground and defied the laws of gravity. She was one of the smoothest rides Krystal had this season. She was content as could be at the canter, and she stretched out eagerly into the gallop, strides still graceful even as power filtered into them from her ready muscles. Prince was a bit different. His stride was high energy and his attitude eager as he plowed up the dirt like a yearling. He was all excitement that Henna had to contain even as she reveled in it. Prince was shedding some of his arrogance at SOPS. He was becoming a bit more focused, a bit more obsessed with speed rather than power. Henna knew it was entirely her fault, because those were her traits. She smirked and guided Prince a bit more to the inside as they looped around the first turn. Wish was hugging their outside like a burr and not letting go. She was a quiet mover, one Henna could almost forgot the presence of if she wasn't paying attention. That made her dangerous.
Prince felt the looming threat as they entered the backstretch. He accelerated just a bit more and then hit a wall in the form of his rider. Henna conserved the stallion as they opened up a length on their workmate, then another. Two lengths in front and Prince settled himself down comfortably, his eyes burning with the desire to blaze Wish into the ground. Krystal Yhate eyed Prince warily. The sprinter had the advantage for the beginning of the workout, but by the end of it Wish would be rolling and he would be in big trouble if Henna didn't hold him in now. Wish was tactical as she hugged the inside rail, just biding her time and waiting for the signal. She was astonishingly focused even though Prince was ahead. Krystal wondered if it was because Wish was used to being behind and dismissed that notion. She was too tactical, too wanting for the victory to have that sort of attitude. They brushed through the the three quarter pole and looped into the stretch. Even now Wish waited for Krystal's signal, but she was ready and Krystal knew it. The bay mare was eating up the ground and feeling the desire to unfurl and go free.
Henna looked under her elbow as they approached the start of the workout. Wish was two and a half lengths behind but seemed to be closing the distance like a hunter to her prey. She was hitting her element. Prince would be in big trouble unless they had enough left. This was a challenging workout for him and Henna hoped they would receive benefits from the stamina driven workout. They hit the wire and Henna let Prince go. The stallion accelerated rapidly and Henna felt her blood roar as the speed tripled. This was why she raced sprinters or speed crazy racehorses. It was for this feeling of pure speed and exhilaration. They sped up and Henna nearly lost herself in the speed as they blazed around the first turn again. But they had seven furlongs of this to go. She took hold of Prince, eased him up a bit, and the five year old checked his speed slightly. They needed to have something left or Wish would definitely get them. Henna looked under her elbow and blinked in shock.
From the moment they had hit the wire Krystal had known that Wish had it in the bag. She had said go and the four year old had gone. Her massive turn of foot had everything to do with the distance and nothing to do with Krystal. Wish was doing this all on her own. She scooted up the track and chopped down the distance. Prince had bolted off and that was when Krystal knew the advantage had fallen to them. Prince opened up another four lengths but that would not be enough. Three furlongs into the workout and it was time for Wish to shine. Her opponent had floundered six lengths in front and now Wish cut into the distance. Five lengths, three, one. They roared up on the outside of Prince with two furlongs left to go. Wish locked into battle and glared eye to eye with Prince, some of her Witch Creek fire roaring in her veins and through her eyes. Prince battled back with his own glare and Henna urged him to dig down deep. He scooted up a half length and that was when something changed in Wish.
The gears turned and suddenly Wish blazed right on past, pretty as you please, putting Prince away with such ease that Krystal felt her mouth pop open in surprise. Where in the blazes of hell had this come from? With one furlong left Wish was leading the charge and opening up daylight. Prince dug down deep but it was not enough as they hit the wire seven lengths in front and still opening it up. Krystal pulled Wish up, feeling a bit shaken with shock as she did so. Wish was breathing steadily, and she pranced a bit with unspent energy as she slowed to the gallop out. Prince caught up to them, and Henna exchanged a glance with Krystal before both women whooped in happiness and slapped high fives. It was time for new stars of the show to take center stage.
ODE TO THE DEVIL.
ODE TO GLORY & KRYSTAL YHATE.
DEVIL'S FLAIR & VALENCIA ANDREWS.
A time for comebacks and a time for new beginnings. Those two themes of Year Fourteen were reflected in the two horses that took to the turf track now for their workout. One of these two horses embodied a comeback. He was a lighter gray than he had been in years past and completely on the muscle. Focus blazed in his form and eyes and he was ready to go out and let the world hear his name again. He was Ode To Glory, the injured winner of the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf, now behind the competition he had defeated in his surprise win. Ode To Glory was back on form, though. He had healed up from his injury in late October, walked about the barn without and then with a rider for a month and then had been back into working gallops since early December. Since then had had galloped five days a week, with one gallop being a major workout. He was a picture of good health and energy. This was a stallion prepared to take on the world. Krystal felt similarly as she fiercely wheeled the gray onto the turf track. They had so much to prove, so much to do before the end of the season. Ode was coming back in a tough race in the Top Notch Stakes. He was facing horses razor sharp off of Year Thirteen racing. But there was one thing Ode had that his competition didn't, and that was the burning desire to prove. He hadn't raced since August, hadn't tasted a win for so long now. Krystal felt the need as badly as her horse did. If things went their way...they would be putting up one hell of a fight.
They were squaring off with one of the most promising juveniles they had acquired last year. This horse had bonded closely to Valencia's heart due to his recklessness and his overwhelming power. The chestnut Devil's Flair was a son of Augusto, and the hot blood of his sire burned through his eyes. He was big and muscly, and he was already eyeing Ode up like a bully looking for victims with lunch money. It didn't matter to Devil that his competition was two years older than him and fairly accomplished - he would take him down anyway the only way he knew how. All out war. Valencia felt like she beating the war drums as she sat astride this powerful chestnut. Devil strode forward with brute force and arrogance in every stride as well as the anticipation of giving his competition as rough a time as possible. Valencia felt like she could be aboard a barrel racer leaning precariously close to each barrel on a turn. Devil's speed was just as wild and passionate, just as powerful and crazy. They were a whirlwind out on the track and Valencia wanted the world to know their names well in advance of next season's classics. Devil's burnished chestnut hide gleamed like the setting sun against the sky. He was dark and menacing now, reigning in hiss eagerness to crush as he eyed Ode up, eyes gleaming.
Krystal felt the buzz of calculation from her competition and eyed Valencia and her new bully of a two year old with interest in her eyes. Ode was not phased in the slightest by the competition, so she took this time to study them. Devil was built like a classic horse. He was heavily muscled, was big with long legs and a deep chest, but what really made Devil stand out was the way he held his head, the way he looked at the world around him as though he owned it. Here was a colt confident enough to own the world. Here was a colt confident enough to take that same world he owned, crush it and gallop away laughing like an evil maniac. There was so much potential for great things in this half brother to Comeuppance. Krystal considered her own mount. All For Glory and On To The Spotlight had had great careers, but Ode had been their firstborn. He had done them proud in Year Twelve, and in Year Thirteen Onya's filly had done a great job. But now both Ode and Innie would take center stage. Krystal's gaze turned flinty as she looked at Devil. She would not let some chestnut who thought he knew it all even before his first race take control of the whole world. Not if Ode had anything to say about it.
Krystal searched for Amber and found her sitting in the trainer's chair, same as half an hour ago, except this time Amber motioned Krystal with a hand, nod and encouraging smile to take control of the workout herself. Krystal's eyebrows shot into her hairline, but she nodded and turned to Valencia, who had missed the exchange because she was too busy smirking at the turf track and visualizing her and Devil decimating their competition. We're going to go out for an eight furlong gallop and two furlong tune up Valencia. Valencia snapped back into the planes of the earth and looked at Krystal like she was crazy. Krystal sighed. Amber gave me control of the workout Valencia, so that's what we're doing. Valencia frowned Why has she been doing that so much lately Krystal? And she's been taking less mounts too... Krystal shrugged, though the thought had also entered her head. I don't know, and right now we have horses to work Valencia. Let's go. Valencia shrugged, though her gaze switched briefly to Amber before turning Devil on a dime and veering away to join Ode and Krystal at the rail.
Ode loped up the track with classic energy glittering in every stride. He was moving smoothly and powerfully, and he was definitely ready for his first start back. Valencia and Devil slipped onto the inside, veering dangerously close to the rail as they skirted it into the backstretch for the first time. Valencia was grinning maniacally already as they accelerated into the gallop. This was how she and Devil functioned - recklessly. They could be called a danger to their competition, but Valencia just liked to think that they were brave enough to take chances and the rest of the world was not. Her smirk widened as they stuck with Ode going into the backstretch. Ode didn't try to muscle them around, but they would definitely try to muscle him. Valencia readied Devil and they drifted out a bit as they hit the straight. Just enough to tip Ode off a bit and get him to take a longer trip, placing them a sudden half length ahead in the straight, but small enough that Krystal could convince herself it was juvenile error. Valencia smirked almost evilly. She and Devil were always up to no good. Now they slowed down again and let Ode come up alongside once more.
Krystal was frowning. She felt as though Devil and Valencia were playing tricks with her somehow. That slip on the rail that had led to Ode drifting wide just seemed too deliberate. She glanced over and saw Valencia's smirk, could practically feel the waves of satisfaction rippling from Devil. The juvenile acted like a senior out on the track already - the only thing new about him was his penchant for not following the rules, and the fact that his jockey didn't mind one bit. Krystal studied the already strong bond that Devil and Valencia seemed to have and wondered just how far the pair would go before all was said and done. She hoped it would be far, for the sake of the stable, but she would be damned if she let Devil get Ode at this early stage of the game. She urged Ode on a bit more, and the four year old opened up his stride and coasted forward, neatly adding a length of distance between him and Devil. Valencia almost laughed. This was the perfect position for Devil to urge Ode on from. She let the colt have some free reign. The chestnut's cunning mind considered the angles, and suddenly they were on the inside of Ode again. Just his nose, but the move paid off. They hit the final turn and Ode was forced to take it wide in order to avoid colliding with Devil's nose.
Valencia smirked as Devil kicked it into high gear as they hit the wire a half length in front of Ode. Devil did not accelerate. He just went suddenly, like breaking from a stand still, into a higher speed. Valencia cackled as Devil blazed a path for the last quarter of the workout, but she was to be put in her place. Her eyes widened in shock as suddenly Ode To Glory bore down on them. The gray stallion was not having this. He hooked to their outside, and Valencia saw Krystal throw a taunting smirk in her direction before he was gone, going away before throwing on the breaks at the end of the prescribed quarter. The pair slowed down, and Krystal was the one smirking now as Devil's Flair pulled up alongside. You play a dirty game Valencia, but I'd say you guys are ready to hit the tracks. Ever courteous in defeat, Valencia glared at Krystal, pouted for a bit and then smirked as she came into agreement with her. And I would say that Ode To Glory is back Krystal. Krystal grinned proudly and leaned forward to hug the sweaty gray's neck. Now that you know that, it's time to give the world the same message, don't you think? Valencia smirked in agreement. They were each ready to take on Year Fourteen.
They were squaring off with one of the most promising juveniles they had acquired last year. This horse had bonded closely to Valencia's heart due to his recklessness and his overwhelming power. The chestnut Devil's Flair was a son of Augusto, and the hot blood of his sire burned through his eyes. He was big and muscly, and he was already eyeing Ode up like a bully looking for victims with lunch money. It didn't matter to Devil that his competition was two years older than him and fairly accomplished - he would take him down anyway the only way he knew how. All out war. Valencia felt like she beating the war drums as she sat astride this powerful chestnut. Devil strode forward with brute force and arrogance in every stride as well as the anticipation of giving his competition as rough a time as possible. Valencia felt like she could be aboard a barrel racer leaning precariously close to each barrel on a turn. Devil's speed was just as wild and passionate, just as powerful and crazy. They were a whirlwind out on the track and Valencia wanted the world to know their names well in advance of next season's classics. Devil's burnished chestnut hide gleamed like the setting sun against the sky. He was dark and menacing now, reigning in hiss eagerness to crush as he eyed Ode up, eyes gleaming.
Krystal felt the buzz of calculation from her competition and eyed Valencia and her new bully of a two year old with interest in her eyes. Ode was not phased in the slightest by the competition, so she took this time to study them. Devil was built like a classic horse. He was heavily muscled, was big with long legs and a deep chest, but what really made Devil stand out was the way he held his head, the way he looked at the world around him as though he owned it. Here was a colt confident enough to own the world. Here was a colt confident enough to take that same world he owned, crush it and gallop away laughing like an evil maniac. There was so much potential for great things in this half brother to Comeuppance. Krystal considered her own mount. All For Glory and On To The Spotlight had had great careers, but Ode had been their firstborn. He had done them proud in Year Twelve, and in Year Thirteen Onya's filly had done a great job. But now both Ode and Innie would take center stage. Krystal's gaze turned flinty as she looked at Devil. She would not let some chestnut who thought he knew it all even before his first race take control of the whole world. Not if Ode had anything to say about it.
Krystal searched for Amber and found her sitting in the trainer's chair, same as half an hour ago, except this time Amber motioned Krystal with a hand, nod and encouraging smile to take control of the workout herself. Krystal's eyebrows shot into her hairline, but she nodded and turned to Valencia, who had missed the exchange because she was too busy smirking at the turf track and visualizing her and Devil decimating their competition. We're going to go out for an eight furlong gallop and two furlong tune up Valencia. Valencia snapped back into the planes of the earth and looked at Krystal like she was crazy. Krystal sighed. Amber gave me control of the workout Valencia, so that's what we're doing. Valencia frowned Why has she been doing that so much lately Krystal? And she's been taking less mounts too... Krystal shrugged, though the thought had also entered her head. I don't know, and right now we have horses to work Valencia. Let's go. Valencia shrugged, though her gaze switched briefly to Amber before turning Devil on a dime and veering away to join Ode and Krystal at the rail.
Ode loped up the track with classic energy glittering in every stride. He was moving smoothly and powerfully, and he was definitely ready for his first start back. Valencia and Devil slipped onto the inside, veering dangerously close to the rail as they skirted it into the backstretch for the first time. Valencia was grinning maniacally already as they accelerated into the gallop. This was how she and Devil functioned - recklessly. They could be called a danger to their competition, but Valencia just liked to think that they were brave enough to take chances and the rest of the world was not. Her smirk widened as they stuck with Ode going into the backstretch. Ode didn't try to muscle them around, but they would definitely try to muscle him. Valencia readied Devil and they drifted out a bit as they hit the straight. Just enough to tip Ode off a bit and get him to take a longer trip, placing them a sudden half length ahead in the straight, but small enough that Krystal could convince herself it was juvenile error. Valencia smirked almost evilly. She and Devil were always up to no good. Now they slowed down again and let Ode come up alongside once more.
Krystal was frowning. She felt as though Devil and Valencia were playing tricks with her somehow. That slip on the rail that had led to Ode drifting wide just seemed too deliberate. She glanced over and saw Valencia's smirk, could practically feel the waves of satisfaction rippling from Devil. The juvenile acted like a senior out on the track already - the only thing new about him was his penchant for not following the rules, and the fact that his jockey didn't mind one bit. Krystal studied the already strong bond that Devil and Valencia seemed to have and wondered just how far the pair would go before all was said and done. She hoped it would be far, for the sake of the stable, but she would be damned if she let Devil get Ode at this early stage of the game. She urged Ode on a bit more, and the four year old opened up his stride and coasted forward, neatly adding a length of distance between him and Devil. Valencia almost laughed. This was the perfect position for Devil to urge Ode on from. She let the colt have some free reign. The chestnut's cunning mind considered the angles, and suddenly they were on the inside of Ode again. Just his nose, but the move paid off. They hit the final turn and Ode was forced to take it wide in order to avoid colliding with Devil's nose.
Valencia smirked as Devil kicked it into high gear as they hit the wire a half length in front of Ode. Devil did not accelerate. He just went suddenly, like breaking from a stand still, into a higher speed. Valencia cackled as Devil blazed a path for the last quarter of the workout, but she was to be put in her place. Her eyes widened in shock as suddenly Ode To Glory bore down on them. The gray stallion was not having this. He hooked to their outside, and Valencia saw Krystal throw a taunting smirk in her direction before he was gone, going away before throwing on the breaks at the end of the prescribed quarter. The pair slowed down, and Krystal was the one smirking now as Devil's Flair pulled up alongside. You play a dirty game Valencia, but I'd say you guys are ready to hit the tracks. Ever courteous in defeat, Valencia glared at Krystal, pouted for a bit and then smirked as she came into agreement with her. And I would say that Ode To Glory is back Krystal. Krystal grinned proudly and leaned forward to hug the sweaty gray's neck. Now that you know that, it's time to give the world the same message, don't you think? Valencia smirked in agreement. They were each ready to take on Year Fourteen.
CONFLICTS ARISE.
ATHENA'S DESIRES & HENNA TURATH.
PANDORA & AMBER BLACK/KYLIE SILVERSTAR.
Henna Turath felt like cheering as she finally got aboard the mount she had been looking forward to all day. Athena's Desires, sired by Pegasus Wings and out of Deadly Desires. was absolutely blue blooded. She possessed the finest sprinting lines and was related to the finest sprinting names. Hers had been a breeding generations in the works and the result was Athena. The short juvenile was built like a bullet. She was sleek, small and fast. Her movements were precise, and there was so much speed within her that Henna barely knew how Athena could handle it. Athena was the definition of a horse Henna took to like bees to honey - absolutely speed crazy. That was why the filly only handled five to seven furlongs, just like her father, and that was also why her debut in the Kudzu Stakes was perfect. The Kudzu was over five furlongs on the Wire's speedy turf course. Henna fully intended to break fast, go out in front and then draw away to win by open lengths if possible. Athena had been training like a machine and she was the fastest horse she had ever ridden.
Sadly, the filly was a carbon copy of her dam. She was cold to the core, cold and businesslike and deadly. She was stoic and moved with deadly promise. No emotion flickered through her eyes and Henna picked up on none through the reins. She aimed to match the filly's temperament, settling deep into herself and throwing an imaginary bucket of cold water over her head as she headed out to the turf track. Athena stalked forward like a jungle cat. Her eyes were emotionless, but Henna felt like the filly was hungry, was ready to go. Racing was something Athena would take to like a fish to water. Defeating her opponents, crushing them into miserable remains of themselves...this filly would bring about the apocalypse if she could. She was all about speed, and she was all raw talent. Henna felt consumed by an inferno as they started their warm up on the turf track. They were alone for now, but Henna knew exactly who she would be expecting for this workout - the even more blue blooded Pandora, whom Amber had laid dibs on from the moment she had been born. Pan had seemed like Amber's type, and Henna was happy enough with what she had.
Her eyes narrowed as she picked up on raised voices from the direction of the barn. She looked out and saw, to her great astonishment, Pandora being led out by a very quiet Kylie Silverstar with a fuming Amber Black in tow. Kylie looked like she was on the verge of tears or already was crying. Amber just looked pissed off. To her credit, Athena didn't even react to the raised voices and didn't bolt like a green juvenile would have. In fact, she didn't even flick an ear. It was like the conflict was beneath her notice. Henna wondered what was going on. She spied Krystal Yhate standing in the shadow of the barn door looking shocked. She whistled, making Athena's ears actually flick to catch the sound, and Krystal caught Henna's gaze. She motioned urgently to Henna to begin her workout. Henna cocked an eyebrow, but Krystal kept motioning urgently with her hands, mouthing Seven furlong workout, two furlong breeze in her direction. Henna was intensely curious as to what was going on, and figured that the sooner she finished this workout the sooner she could find out just what was going on. She turned Athena, and the ice princess cut over the turf track into the beginning of the gallop.
Her movements were cold, efficient and rapid. Her legs seemed to blur even at this easy pace. Henna's eyes teared up in the breeze and her worried face turned into one of exhilaration. She was well and truly addicted to this feeling, and Athena more than her other mounts seemed keen to provide it. Athena was flying around the first turn and doing it so easily. Her Hall of Fame blood showed as she snapped off swift fractions without even trying. Henna felt as though they could come up against it in the Kudzu Stakes if others had fillies like hers. She was eager to discover just where Athena stood in the pool of new juveniles at the end of her first race. They whipped around the first turn and started to travel down the backstretch. Athena showed no signs of slowing down. Though there was no horse pushing her through this workout, she was still performing at the top of her ability. She required no one else to get things done and perhaps didn't even require a rider either. Henna stayed on tight as they looped into the stretch and approached the conclusion of the gallop. Athena was not moving at anywhere near top speed yet. She was searingly impressive as they flashed under the wire and entered the second portion of the workout.
Now Athena actually began to run. She reached farther forward with her head, and her legs doubled in pace as she sprinted. She put her head down and turned it up grimly. Henna felt a flicker of emotion from her - exhilaration, focus like the sharp blade of a knife - flitting about her as she polished off the workout faster than she would have thought possible. Now she could finally find out what was going on. She slowed Athena to a canter and began to make her way over to where Pandora was standing with a fierce Amber in the irons and Kylie standing quietly with tears going down her face. Amber was gesturing with one hand while holding Pan in with the other. Kylie, you're the apprentice youngstock manager. When the youngstock grow up, they become racehorses, and either me, Henna, Krystal or Valencia take them on. Kylie, you train them at a young age, but you're not a jockey, especially not for a horse like Pan. Kylie spluttered slightly at that, her normally neat curly brown hair completely out of place. You don't understand Amber! Pan gets along best with me, and she won't get along with you. She just won't. If you ride her, you ruin her career.
Amber gasped as though she had been insulted, her glare turning deadly. Kylie, if you think you can jockey just about the most blue blooded incoming juvenile for Year Fourteen and jockey her to the biggest races where she belongs and do this all against professional jockeys...then you're wrong. You don't have the experience or the training. I won't ruin Pandora, you will. Henna sensed that the battle was turning deadly. She approached the two, roughly walking Athena right in between them. A stern expression fixed itself on her face. Listen up! From what I can see, there's debate over who should ride Pandora. Let's make this nice and simple. Amber, Kylie, you should each take Pan for a two furlong gallop with a two furlong breeze. I'll observe with Krystal to see who does better, and I'm not just looking at the times here. Sounds fair?
She wheeled around on Athena and left no room for debate. Krystal was making her way down, and Henna explained the situation to her. Amber glared at Kylie and at the world before wheeling around on Pandora and beginning the workout. She was impressive as she coaxed Pandora through her pace, and Pan looked impressive as she coasted around the turf track. She ended impressively and Kylie was practically shaking as she mounted up on Pandora. The daughter of Impressario and Wildly Natural was sleek. Her movements were like music and there was depth to her eyes, depth no other horse had. Kylie felt her soul connect one step into the workout. She lost her wavering edge. Pandora gave Kylie confidence. Her frown became a small smile as they began to coast up the turf track. Pandora's strides were full of life and energy. The filly herself was a graceful mover, and intelligence glimmered in her eyes. Kylie felt at home. She felt like she was aboard a filly that could take her to the moon and back.
The answer was obvious. When Kylie came back, Krystal and Henna gave her the mount. Amber threw her hands up into the air and walked away, the beginnings of tears in her eyes. Krystal glanced back and ran after Amber. Henna shrugged. Kylie, you have a lot of work to do as a jockey, but listen, if you can keep up with your apprentice duties and deal with me we'll get you ready. We're going to scratch Pan out of that maiden race this week and head into another later in the month. I want you to meet me in the afternoons for some jockeying lessons, okay? It's clear that Amber isn't going to help you until she gets over this, whatever it is. Kylie felt like crying. Her boss was mad at her, but she had received the ride she had always wanted. Henna...I don't even have a license to ride... she whispered. Henna smiled encouragingly. You're a natural, girl. We're going to get you there, together. Kylie from her spot aboard Pandora attempted a watery smile. Henna nodded. That's my girl. Chin up. You'll get through this.
Sadly, the filly was a carbon copy of her dam. She was cold to the core, cold and businesslike and deadly. She was stoic and moved with deadly promise. No emotion flickered through her eyes and Henna picked up on none through the reins. She aimed to match the filly's temperament, settling deep into herself and throwing an imaginary bucket of cold water over her head as she headed out to the turf track. Athena stalked forward like a jungle cat. Her eyes were emotionless, but Henna felt like the filly was hungry, was ready to go. Racing was something Athena would take to like a fish to water. Defeating her opponents, crushing them into miserable remains of themselves...this filly would bring about the apocalypse if she could. She was all about speed, and she was all raw talent. Henna felt consumed by an inferno as they started their warm up on the turf track. They were alone for now, but Henna knew exactly who she would be expecting for this workout - the even more blue blooded Pandora, whom Amber had laid dibs on from the moment she had been born. Pan had seemed like Amber's type, and Henna was happy enough with what she had.
Her eyes narrowed as she picked up on raised voices from the direction of the barn. She looked out and saw, to her great astonishment, Pandora being led out by a very quiet Kylie Silverstar with a fuming Amber Black in tow. Kylie looked like she was on the verge of tears or already was crying. Amber just looked pissed off. To her credit, Athena didn't even react to the raised voices and didn't bolt like a green juvenile would have. In fact, she didn't even flick an ear. It was like the conflict was beneath her notice. Henna wondered what was going on. She spied Krystal Yhate standing in the shadow of the barn door looking shocked. She whistled, making Athena's ears actually flick to catch the sound, and Krystal caught Henna's gaze. She motioned urgently to Henna to begin her workout. Henna cocked an eyebrow, but Krystal kept motioning urgently with her hands, mouthing Seven furlong workout, two furlong breeze in her direction. Henna was intensely curious as to what was going on, and figured that the sooner she finished this workout the sooner she could find out just what was going on. She turned Athena, and the ice princess cut over the turf track into the beginning of the gallop.
Her movements were cold, efficient and rapid. Her legs seemed to blur even at this easy pace. Henna's eyes teared up in the breeze and her worried face turned into one of exhilaration. She was well and truly addicted to this feeling, and Athena more than her other mounts seemed keen to provide it. Athena was flying around the first turn and doing it so easily. Her Hall of Fame blood showed as she snapped off swift fractions without even trying. Henna felt as though they could come up against it in the Kudzu Stakes if others had fillies like hers. She was eager to discover just where Athena stood in the pool of new juveniles at the end of her first race. They whipped around the first turn and started to travel down the backstretch. Athena showed no signs of slowing down. Though there was no horse pushing her through this workout, she was still performing at the top of her ability. She required no one else to get things done and perhaps didn't even require a rider either. Henna stayed on tight as they looped into the stretch and approached the conclusion of the gallop. Athena was not moving at anywhere near top speed yet. She was searingly impressive as they flashed under the wire and entered the second portion of the workout.
Now Athena actually began to run. She reached farther forward with her head, and her legs doubled in pace as she sprinted. She put her head down and turned it up grimly. Henna felt a flicker of emotion from her - exhilaration, focus like the sharp blade of a knife - flitting about her as she polished off the workout faster than she would have thought possible. Now she could finally find out what was going on. She slowed Athena to a canter and began to make her way over to where Pandora was standing with a fierce Amber in the irons and Kylie standing quietly with tears going down her face. Amber was gesturing with one hand while holding Pan in with the other. Kylie, you're the apprentice youngstock manager. When the youngstock grow up, they become racehorses, and either me, Henna, Krystal or Valencia take them on. Kylie, you train them at a young age, but you're not a jockey, especially not for a horse like Pan. Kylie spluttered slightly at that, her normally neat curly brown hair completely out of place. You don't understand Amber! Pan gets along best with me, and she won't get along with you. She just won't. If you ride her, you ruin her career.
Amber gasped as though she had been insulted, her glare turning deadly. Kylie, if you think you can jockey just about the most blue blooded incoming juvenile for Year Fourteen and jockey her to the biggest races where she belongs and do this all against professional jockeys...then you're wrong. You don't have the experience or the training. I won't ruin Pandora, you will. Henna sensed that the battle was turning deadly. She approached the two, roughly walking Athena right in between them. A stern expression fixed itself on her face. Listen up! From what I can see, there's debate over who should ride Pandora. Let's make this nice and simple. Amber, Kylie, you should each take Pan for a two furlong gallop with a two furlong breeze. I'll observe with Krystal to see who does better, and I'm not just looking at the times here. Sounds fair?
She wheeled around on Athena and left no room for debate. Krystal was making her way down, and Henna explained the situation to her. Amber glared at Kylie and at the world before wheeling around on Pandora and beginning the workout. She was impressive as she coaxed Pandora through her pace, and Pan looked impressive as she coasted around the turf track. She ended impressively and Kylie was practically shaking as she mounted up on Pandora. The daughter of Impressario and Wildly Natural was sleek. Her movements were like music and there was depth to her eyes, depth no other horse had. Kylie felt her soul connect one step into the workout. She lost her wavering edge. Pandora gave Kylie confidence. Her frown became a small smile as they began to coast up the turf track. Pandora's strides were full of life and energy. The filly herself was a graceful mover, and intelligence glimmered in her eyes. Kylie felt at home. She felt like she was aboard a filly that could take her to the moon and back.
The answer was obvious. When Kylie came back, Krystal and Henna gave her the mount. Amber threw her hands up into the air and walked away, the beginnings of tears in her eyes. Krystal glanced back and ran after Amber. Henna shrugged. Kylie, you have a lot of work to do as a jockey, but listen, if you can keep up with your apprentice duties and deal with me we'll get you ready. We're going to scratch Pan out of that maiden race this week and head into another later in the month. I want you to meet me in the afternoons for some jockeying lessons, okay? It's clear that Amber isn't going to help you until she gets over this, whatever it is. Kylie felt like crying. Her boss was mad at her, but she had received the ride she had always wanted. Henna...I don't even have a license to ride... she whispered. Henna smiled encouragingly. You're a natural, girl. We're going to get you there, together. Kylie from her spot aboard Pandora attempted a watery smile. Henna nodded. That's my girl. Chin up. You'll get through this.
SNAP INTO ACTION.
PALISADES PIRATE & HENNA TURATH.
SILENT SNAP & AMBER BLACK.
Henna Turath couldn't help feeling a bit nervous as she vaulted into the irons of Palisades Pirate. The son of Shiver Me Timbers and Palisades Silver skittered sideways with unease, almost frightened at the nervous energy pouring off of his rider in droves. Henna sighed. She was just really nervous about riding into a workout with Amber Black right now. Losing Pandora as a mount had been tough for her to get through, but as a sort of compromise Trinity had been transferred into her care. Trinity would likely get along better with her anyway, if only Amber would realize it. Henna sighed and decided it really would be best for her to refocus right now on the workout. Pyrite was relying on her to make a strong start to his racing career, after all. And he definitely did not like waiting. He calmed down as Henna did, and together horse and rider made their way to the dirt track.
Amber Black had long since showed up at the track aboard the powerful force of nature known as Silent Snap. She had needed to get out here as quickly as possible. She had breezed Pandora and then watched as Kylie Silverstar, her employee who didn't even have any training, had turned in a supreme workout aboard the filly she had dreamed of riding since planning the breeding so many years ago. She was furious, but she couldn't tell who she was mad at. What she needed to do was focus, trust in herself and let things go. She knew that, yet it was impossible sometimes. Her aggressive energy could only be shed out here on the track, and this colt was the perfect horse to let it all out on. Snapper was gorgeously lined. He was related to Lynara's Kingdom and to Battle Wings, two hot hot fillies who had each taken a Breeders Cup race in Year Thirteen. He entered the racing world as a promising sprinter miler and was debuting in the Cup and Saucer Stakes at the mile distance. It should be right up his ally if pedigree and past workouts had anything to say about it. Snapper was muscly and big. He could run forever at top speed if he believed that he could. Here was a horse with a lot of potential.
Henna nervously trotted Pyrite up to where Amber and Snapper were. Snapper took stock of the other colt. A dangerous gleam entered the chestnut's eyes. In no time at all he had snaked his head out to attempt giving Pyrite one heck of a bite. Amber veered the colt away sharply, a frown on her face at his bad behavior. This was why Snapper was separated from everybody else when he was in the barns. He was just such a dangerous colt to be around, a dangerous colt to be with. With A Snap had produced a devil in Lynara's Kingdom, and Silent Wings was no sweet pea either. The arrogance and demonic energy of his line were embroiled in this colt, but he had the speed of the devil too. Amber gazed at Pyrite and wondered just how the other colt would compare. He didn't flash brilliance like Snapper did, and he didn't carry himself the same way. But she had bred him so carefully...maybe there was something there she hadn't seen just yet?
She smiled as Henna and Pyrite drew up at a respectable distance away. Pyrite was eyeing Snapper warily. The juvenile was mild mannered, but he still had common sense. Snapper thrust his head high, acting as though he'd won the war and not just the battle. Henna felt the impatience to go and felt impatient enough. She wanted this to be done with so she could go find Kylie and get her ready for the track, but she'd be insane to rush Amber right now. Amber looked preoccupied, lacking some of her usual focus, but she seemed to be focusing now as Snapper jerked the reins and glared daggers only like a horse could at Pyrite. Let's head out for a mile gallop and a two furlong tune up. A good old fashioned workout. I like this one a lot. It gets them galloping for a bit of distance and sharpened up, but not so much that they falter and die, you know? Henna blinked, surprised at Amber's conversational tone. I guess so Amber. She wondered just how else she was supposed to react and sighed with relief when Amber turned and got Snapper going.
Amber's colt was amazing in motion. Henna eyed him admiringly. His gallop was a strut and it flowed with absolute power and confident domination. She did not want to be outmatched by this colt and his arrogance, though. Pyrite was eager to go on the minute that she gave the signal. He was energetic and practically bounced after Snapper, his eagerness and juvenility unmistakable. Henna felt like she was riding an elastic band. Every time Pyrite swept through a cycle of strides, it was like his energy coalesced and just was not lost. This colt was born to be a front runner...but so was Snapper. As Pyrite swept up to run side by side with the intimidating chestnut up top, both Amber and Henna felt the pace become blistering. Snapper pinned his ears and increased his pace. Amber felt the wind whip through her and as it did remove the bad feeling she had harbored before. She felt unstoppable aboard this chestnut powerhouse. But she looked over and saw Pyrite gamely increasing his speed to match theirs. He was not giving up. He was not going to fold. He was more impressive than she had at first thought.
Aboard Pyrite, Henna felt like she was having the ride of her life. Valencia had told her about the potency of speed Shiver Me Timbers foals had, and how they had improved with age. Krystal had backed it up, and now Henna was experiencing it herself. Timbo Tam really could produce well mannered but fiery runners that didn't know how to give up. They were approaching a speed that they shouldn't have been able to approach, and all because Snapper was urging them on. Amber looked over at them and grinned. They were coming to the start of the two furlong tune up now. They flew around the final turn and up the stretch, and as they charged under the wire both women dropped their reins and strongly urged their mounts to throw down the gauntlet. Who would react first, the chestnut superstar with no starts under his belt or the bay upstart who had more potential than it seemed?
There was no winner. Both colts dug deep and accelerated. Hunger for the win burned in both of their eyes. For Snapper, it was about winning to preserve his dominance. For Pyrite, it was about winning to prove himself and please his rider. Eye to eye, hoof to hoof, the two colts challenged each other and set an absolute blistering pace. By the end of the quarter their riders slowed them down feeling slightly breathless themselves. Amber's eyes were bright with exhilaration. She snapped a high five with Henna spontaneously and then veered away as Snapper angrily lashed out at Pyrite again. The chestnut was turning demonic. Amber called out Well done Henna. Could you go get Kylie working please? And Henna smiled as she realized that Amber had surmounted the obstacle that had been in the way the whole time - her pride.
Amber Black had long since showed up at the track aboard the powerful force of nature known as Silent Snap. She had needed to get out here as quickly as possible. She had breezed Pandora and then watched as Kylie Silverstar, her employee who didn't even have any training, had turned in a supreme workout aboard the filly she had dreamed of riding since planning the breeding so many years ago. She was furious, but she couldn't tell who she was mad at. What she needed to do was focus, trust in herself and let things go. She knew that, yet it was impossible sometimes. Her aggressive energy could only be shed out here on the track, and this colt was the perfect horse to let it all out on. Snapper was gorgeously lined. He was related to Lynara's Kingdom and to Battle Wings, two hot hot fillies who had each taken a Breeders Cup race in Year Thirteen. He entered the racing world as a promising sprinter miler and was debuting in the Cup and Saucer Stakes at the mile distance. It should be right up his ally if pedigree and past workouts had anything to say about it. Snapper was muscly and big. He could run forever at top speed if he believed that he could. Here was a horse with a lot of potential.
Henna nervously trotted Pyrite up to where Amber and Snapper were. Snapper took stock of the other colt. A dangerous gleam entered the chestnut's eyes. In no time at all he had snaked his head out to attempt giving Pyrite one heck of a bite. Amber veered the colt away sharply, a frown on her face at his bad behavior. This was why Snapper was separated from everybody else when he was in the barns. He was just such a dangerous colt to be around, a dangerous colt to be with. With A Snap had produced a devil in Lynara's Kingdom, and Silent Wings was no sweet pea either. The arrogance and demonic energy of his line were embroiled in this colt, but he had the speed of the devil too. Amber gazed at Pyrite and wondered just how the other colt would compare. He didn't flash brilliance like Snapper did, and he didn't carry himself the same way. But she had bred him so carefully...maybe there was something there she hadn't seen just yet?
She smiled as Henna and Pyrite drew up at a respectable distance away. Pyrite was eyeing Snapper warily. The juvenile was mild mannered, but he still had common sense. Snapper thrust his head high, acting as though he'd won the war and not just the battle. Henna felt the impatience to go and felt impatient enough. She wanted this to be done with so she could go find Kylie and get her ready for the track, but she'd be insane to rush Amber right now. Amber looked preoccupied, lacking some of her usual focus, but she seemed to be focusing now as Snapper jerked the reins and glared daggers only like a horse could at Pyrite. Let's head out for a mile gallop and a two furlong tune up. A good old fashioned workout. I like this one a lot. It gets them galloping for a bit of distance and sharpened up, but not so much that they falter and die, you know? Henna blinked, surprised at Amber's conversational tone. I guess so Amber. She wondered just how else she was supposed to react and sighed with relief when Amber turned and got Snapper going.
Amber's colt was amazing in motion. Henna eyed him admiringly. His gallop was a strut and it flowed with absolute power and confident domination. She did not want to be outmatched by this colt and his arrogance, though. Pyrite was eager to go on the minute that she gave the signal. He was energetic and practically bounced after Snapper, his eagerness and juvenility unmistakable. Henna felt like she was riding an elastic band. Every time Pyrite swept through a cycle of strides, it was like his energy coalesced and just was not lost. This colt was born to be a front runner...but so was Snapper. As Pyrite swept up to run side by side with the intimidating chestnut up top, both Amber and Henna felt the pace become blistering. Snapper pinned his ears and increased his pace. Amber felt the wind whip through her and as it did remove the bad feeling she had harbored before. She felt unstoppable aboard this chestnut powerhouse. But she looked over and saw Pyrite gamely increasing his speed to match theirs. He was not giving up. He was not going to fold. He was more impressive than she had at first thought.
Aboard Pyrite, Henna felt like she was having the ride of her life. Valencia had told her about the potency of speed Shiver Me Timbers foals had, and how they had improved with age. Krystal had backed it up, and now Henna was experiencing it herself. Timbo Tam really could produce well mannered but fiery runners that didn't know how to give up. They were approaching a speed that they shouldn't have been able to approach, and all because Snapper was urging them on. Amber looked over at them and grinned. They were coming to the start of the two furlong tune up now. They flew around the final turn and up the stretch, and as they charged under the wire both women dropped their reins and strongly urged their mounts to throw down the gauntlet. Who would react first, the chestnut superstar with no starts under his belt or the bay upstart who had more potential than it seemed?
There was no winner. Both colts dug deep and accelerated. Hunger for the win burned in both of their eyes. For Snapper, it was about winning to preserve his dominance. For Pyrite, it was about winning to prove himself and please his rider. Eye to eye, hoof to hoof, the two colts challenged each other and set an absolute blistering pace. By the end of the quarter their riders slowed them down feeling slightly breathless themselves. Amber's eyes were bright with exhilaration. She snapped a high five with Henna spontaneously and then veered away as Snapper angrily lashed out at Pyrite again. The chestnut was turning demonic. Amber called out Well done Henna. Could you go get Kylie working please? And Henna smiled as she realized that Amber had surmounted the obstacle that had been in the way the whole time - her pride.
BIRTH OF A RIVALRY.
IMPRESSIONABLE & KRYSTAL YHATE.
TRINITY & AMBER BLACK.
After four blistering workouts, the SOPS crew were finally at the end of the day. Valencia was off doing gods knew what - probably rocketing around the trails on the newly healed Mercurial Magic or something. Henna had disappeared with Pyrite after her workout and was getting Falsehood saddled up for a quick ride under Kylie in an effort to polish her skills. Krystal was now emerging from the barn leading the gorgeous chestnut filly Impressionable. The daughter of two full siblings to Triple Crown champions and twin to Meritorious was gorgeous. She behaved as a princess would - all pride and intolerance for a lack of respect for her supposed exalted position. To Krystal, Empress deserved her glory. She was gorgeous to her. Empress held herself in high esteem and it was amazing to even be accepted by this filly as a rider on her back. Krystal had had to work for that spot at the yearling rider tryouts. Empress had just clicked with her. She smirked. The pretty ones typically did, she had to admit. Empress was their Triple Crown filly in Year Sixteen. It was a long way away, but the preparations for greatness started young.
Amber Black was aboard a new mount, Trinity. The daughter of The Immortal and All Smiles was loaded with MHS bloodlines Amber had been desperate to get her hands on. The filly herself was quiet and unassuming. She was a gorgeous dark bay built like a classic filly and she would be taking to the dirt this season. She was shy and gregarious. It had taken Amber a lot of patience to coax her out of her stall, but a little carrot piece had done the trick. Now Trin was practically her best friend. She just wondered how long the tolerance would last. Trin was a gorgeous creature indeed, though. She just didn't have the confidence to back herself up yet. That was why Amber was there. She vaulted aboard the filly and exuded enough confidence for the both of them. She couldn't explain it, but she felt as though she was destined to really get along with Trin. The filly was like a balm for her sores, likely because they were so similar to each other. Trin was quiet and withdrawn and confident only in situations in which she was familiar; Amber was the same way. This connection made them strong and ready to face their competitors in the Dirty Duck Stakes this week.
Trin stepped out daintily onto the dirt track, her eyes curious and her stride hesitant. She was familiar with the track, and she was somewhat familiar with Empress, but she was not overly familiar with Amber. Amber continued to exude confidence as they picked their way over to where Empress and Krystal were waiting for them. Empress raised her head higher as they approached, as though looking at a subject of hers. Trin did not react to Empress at all, instead stopping quite a distance away like an introvert avoiding the heart of a party. Empress snorted in what could almost be deemed contempt and Krystal smirked slightly. Your filly's going to be easy pickings unless she works on that attitude Amber she called over teasingly. Amber snorted. From where I'm sitting, Krystal, Empress is likely to be dethroned by the end of this workout. Krystal snorted with disbelief. Amber smirked. Eight furlong gallop, two furlong tune-up. Now that made Krystal laugh. Your favorite! Funny, Henna mentioned that you were in a regular-workout mood. Guess you really are. Amber shot her a smile. Let's get started.
The two riders wheeled around on their mounts. Empress strode forward with confidence, Trin with hesitation. Krystal smirked as she urged her filly forward, taking the lead as they accelerated into a gallop and tracked their way into the far turn. Amber was quiet and calm aboard her filly's back. This was a horse that needed to get used to the race for the first couple of furlongs before making a move, and that was exactly what she did. Empress was rolling confidence out there. Trin was the silent threat. Amber felt the filly straighten out beautifully off of the turn. She focused her in on Empress, who was rolling ahead of them by two lengths. Trin felt the dirt in her face and didn't like it. Amber smirked as a flash of focus appeared in her stride, a sudden confidence that had everything to do with belief. Trinity was settling down. The bay filly was quickly approaching the point that she would be ready to go. While Empress looked the best and strode away some more, opening her lead to four lengths, Trin settled and waited for the right moment to pounce.
Empress did everything so easily. Krystal didn't move a muscle as Empress rolled away from her competition disdainfully. The filly now considered Trin beneath her notice. Krystal was willing to bet Trin would have some sort of nasty surprise for them by the end of the race. She hunkered down and just let Empress do her thing. The filly was comfortable going around the final turn and Krystal readied herself for the adrenaline rush of finally letting the filly run at full speed for the final quarter. She checked Trin's position and found her a steady four lengths back. She wasn't losing ground anymore. Amber was quiet as a mouse aboard Trinity. Trin had settled down, displaying less of her high strung tendencies as she calmly tracked Impressionable around the turn. Four lengths was no discouraging factor for this filly. Amber was starting to think that there was no way for Trinity to get discouraged. Trin just stayed positive the minute she settled. The key to getting her to tick was settling. Meanwhile, Krystal realized that the key to getting Empress going was to let her have her way. If that was assured, the race would go smoothly.
They hit the wire and Empress got the head start. The chestnut filly took off, accelerating smoothly but with no real pressure seeing as Trin was nowhere nearby and as far as the princess was concerned she had this in the bag. Amber gritted her teeth and when they hit the wire she said GO. And go Trinity did. The filly stretched out, legs blurring as she set off in sudden pursuit of Empress. Trinity was deadly determined. Empress thought she had this race in the bag and perhaps she would have if any other horse but Trinity was going after her. Amber was struck by her raw determination and raw speed. This was the filly she had been searching for the entirety of the workout. Trinity gobbled up the open lengths, and within a half furlong she had drawn alongside the filly that had looked like a flyaway winner. Eye to eye at last, the two fillies were neck to neck. Empress snorted in disdain and dug down for more without urging. She wasn't going to give up. But Trinity had momentum behind her. She had desire and the will to go on. In the last half furlong, Trinity put on that desperate spurt of speed that she needed. She opened up a length before the quarter pole slammed down upon them.
In that moment of victory and defeat, a rivalry was born.
Empress blazed past them in the gallop out, absolutely furious and nearly bolting with Krystal Yhate. Krystal hushed the filly up with quiet hands and contact, a smirk growing on her face as they returned to Amber and Trinity. Trinity shied sideways at Empress's approach, obviously intimidated. Amber had a wide smile on her face. Thank you for giving up the ride Krystal. Krystal grinned back. Anytime boss. And now that I have...these two are going to be going after each other for eternity. Did you feel that? Amber's face turned thoughtful. Indeed I did. The pair looked down at their mounts thoughtfully, future plans rolling around in their heads.
Amber Black was aboard a new mount, Trinity. The daughter of The Immortal and All Smiles was loaded with MHS bloodlines Amber had been desperate to get her hands on. The filly herself was quiet and unassuming. She was a gorgeous dark bay built like a classic filly and she would be taking to the dirt this season. She was shy and gregarious. It had taken Amber a lot of patience to coax her out of her stall, but a little carrot piece had done the trick. Now Trin was practically her best friend. She just wondered how long the tolerance would last. Trin was a gorgeous creature indeed, though. She just didn't have the confidence to back herself up yet. That was why Amber was there. She vaulted aboard the filly and exuded enough confidence for the both of them. She couldn't explain it, but she felt as though she was destined to really get along with Trin. The filly was like a balm for her sores, likely because they were so similar to each other. Trin was quiet and withdrawn and confident only in situations in which she was familiar; Amber was the same way. This connection made them strong and ready to face their competitors in the Dirty Duck Stakes this week.
Trin stepped out daintily onto the dirt track, her eyes curious and her stride hesitant. She was familiar with the track, and she was somewhat familiar with Empress, but she was not overly familiar with Amber. Amber continued to exude confidence as they picked their way over to where Empress and Krystal were waiting for them. Empress raised her head higher as they approached, as though looking at a subject of hers. Trin did not react to Empress at all, instead stopping quite a distance away like an introvert avoiding the heart of a party. Empress snorted in what could almost be deemed contempt and Krystal smirked slightly. Your filly's going to be easy pickings unless she works on that attitude Amber she called over teasingly. Amber snorted. From where I'm sitting, Krystal, Empress is likely to be dethroned by the end of this workout. Krystal snorted with disbelief. Amber smirked. Eight furlong gallop, two furlong tune-up. Now that made Krystal laugh. Your favorite! Funny, Henna mentioned that you were in a regular-workout mood. Guess you really are. Amber shot her a smile. Let's get started.
The two riders wheeled around on their mounts. Empress strode forward with confidence, Trin with hesitation. Krystal smirked as she urged her filly forward, taking the lead as they accelerated into a gallop and tracked their way into the far turn. Amber was quiet and calm aboard her filly's back. This was a horse that needed to get used to the race for the first couple of furlongs before making a move, and that was exactly what she did. Empress was rolling confidence out there. Trin was the silent threat. Amber felt the filly straighten out beautifully off of the turn. She focused her in on Empress, who was rolling ahead of them by two lengths. Trin felt the dirt in her face and didn't like it. Amber smirked as a flash of focus appeared in her stride, a sudden confidence that had everything to do with belief. Trinity was settling down. The bay filly was quickly approaching the point that she would be ready to go. While Empress looked the best and strode away some more, opening her lead to four lengths, Trin settled and waited for the right moment to pounce.
Empress did everything so easily. Krystal didn't move a muscle as Empress rolled away from her competition disdainfully. The filly now considered Trin beneath her notice. Krystal was willing to bet Trin would have some sort of nasty surprise for them by the end of the race. She hunkered down and just let Empress do her thing. The filly was comfortable going around the final turn and Krystal readied herself for the adrenaline rush of finally letting the filly run at full speed for the final quarter. She checked Trin's position and found her a steady four lengths back. She wasn't losing ground anymore. Amber was quiet as a mouse aboard Trinity. Trin had settled down, displaying less of her high strung tendencies as she calmly tracked Impressionable around the turn. Four lengths was no discouraging factor for this filly. Amber was starting to think that there was no way for Trinity to get discouraged. Trin just stayed positive the minute she settled. The key to getting her to tick was settling. Meanwhile, Krystal realized that the key to getting Empress going was to let her have her way. If that was assured, the race would go smoothly.
They hit the wire and Empress got the head start. The chestnut filly took off, accelerating smoothly but with no real pressure seeing as Trin was nowhere nearby and as far as the princess was concerned she had this in the bag. Amber gritted her teeth and when they hit the wire she said GO. And go Trinity did. The filly stretched out, legs blurring as she set off in sudden pursuit of Empress. Trinity was deadly determined. Empress thought she had this race in the bag and perhaps she would have if any other horse but Trinity was going after her. Amber was struck by her raw determination and raw speed. This was the filly she had been searching for the entirety of the workout. Trinity gobbled up the open lengths, and within a half furlong she had drawn alongside the filly that had looked like a flyaway winner. Eye to eye at last, the two fillies were neck to neck. Empress snorted in disdain and dug down for more without urging. She wasn't going to give up. But Trinity had momentum behind her. She had desire and the will to go on. In the last half furlong, Trinity put on that desperate spurt of speed that she needed. She opened up a length before the quarter pole slammed down upon them.
In that moment of victory and defeat, a rivalry was born.
Empress blazed past them in the gallop out, absolutely furious and nearly bolting with Krystal Yhate. Krystal hushed the filly up with quiet hands and contact, a smirk growing on her face as they returned to Amber and Trinity. Trinity shied sideways at Empress's approach, obviously intimidated. Amber had a wide smile on her face. Thank you for giving up the ride Krystal. Krystal grinned back. Anytime boss. And now that I have...these two are going to be going after each other for eternity. Did you feel that? Amber's face turned thoughtful. Indeed I did. The pair looked down at their mounts thoughtfully, future plans rolling around in their heads.