hit the big leagues

[S u N f r O s T ~]

FLEET MAJESTY AND AMBER BLACK
ODE TO GLORY AND KRYSTAL YHATE

DUAL WORKOUT FOR THE DONCASTER CUP

It didn't take a genius to figure out that SOPS was up to something - either that, or they had disappeared for good. They were usually open to the press, being used to the attention as a long standing stable should be, but lately they had become closed off, silent. Amber's green eyes glowed in the morning light now as she planned how they were going to sneak onto the track for the next workout. Fleet Majesty and Ode To Glory - the cornerstone of SOPS's turf division this year. Mage had been rising slowly up the ranks and boasted a fantastic record for the season. Ode had been slow coming back from his injury but had taken the world by surprise with a win in the Sheema Classic nearly two weeks ago. These were two sharp horses ridden by riders hell-bent on getting them to the top. Things were in the works. It was time for them to take center stage.

Amber felt giddy as she rubbed affectionate circles into Mage's neck. The gray mare from unknown bloodlines was off little acclaim, but had been steadily climbing the ranks ever since she had joined SOPS. She had shocked the world with a win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over Dazzling Dame last season, but since then had quietly faded. This season she had been strong. Three wins and three seconds was nothing to sniff at. Mage had matured into her four year old self. All she needed was a win in this Doncaster Cup to officially stake her claim as a top turf mare. She was hitting this and the big King George XV Stakes over the next two weeks in preparation for a world class turf campaign. Amber's hopes were soaring with every race Mage ran. The mare was ready to light the world on fire.

Ode To Glory was a different story. Krystal didn't think as she rode the gray out and began to trot him up and down the turf. Here was a horse who should have been a star in the Turf Triple Crown but had faded due to injury. In a complete surprise, he had dead heated with the champion Blue Me Away in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf for a win. Coming off of it, something had been off. He had taken some races, competed subpar in others and had lost the ability to win. An injury had been the cause, and he had missed the Breeders Cup. But this season, Ode was taking giant strides to make up the loss. He had been raced quietly so far, but his win in the Sheema Classic had been anything but quiet. Krystal was still smirking and reveling in the glory of that victory right now. He was improving in leaps and bounds and he was ready to go against top class competition - Hokum, Blue Me Away and GS Supercharged.

Amber met Krystal on her return lap. Her eyes glowed green - her strategic gleam. Blue's been a runaway train Krystal. That's a streak we need to break she began simply. During this race, we're going to take full advantage of whatever pace there is. We just need to make sure we have room to run. Krystal nodded in agreement, her gaze sharpening. It had been a long time since Ode had stood on equal footing with Blue. Today would restart the cycle. I want a four furlong gallop, two furlong breeze. Focus on the speed Amber instructed. These two are in good form. While Mage is jumping up in class a bit, I have faith she'll put in a good performance. Ode is coming back. He's sharp. Even if we take home fourth and fifth, the experience will be good. Krystal nodded.

The two horses wheeled out to the track. Ode quietly took the lead, his good nature showing through. Mage was excited. Her stride was energetic as she tracked Ode around the turn and into the stretch. Both horses were relaxed and ready, ears perked and awaiting instructions. They came within the prescribed four furlongs. Their riders leaned forward and the signal was given. Mage accelerated the fastest, her bounding stride reminiscent of a hunter who had picked up the scent of her prey. She was gone, gray legs blurring. But Ode was no pushover. He was just as good. He made up the ground quickly, eagerness to please and perhaps even the fire to win burning in his belly as he ran stride for stride with his stable nemesis.

The pair blurred through the remaining two furlongs, and Amber was not the only one grinning as they pulled up their mounts. Well done Krystal! We have a real pair of upcomers here. Krystal agreed in her mind, though her physical response was a nod. I...I really hope we're back to where we were before Amber. Ode deserves better. Amber nodded. We'll see, Krystal. We'll see. Either way...we're ready to hit the big leagues winning! And she definitely thought so, too, after the workout these two had just put in.