Two's Company and Three is...Crazy. [WCS/SOPS]

[Cavallo]

<sub>Ethan glared at Kyle Landing and the two were in a serious show down with a sheepish looking Adele standing along the sidelines, hands held into the air like a person caught in the cross-fire. Dana is going to Adele and that is final. You can take Lyra outback for handling and I expect to see her eating out of your hand by the time we get back. and with that the tall Italian man turned on his heel dismissing the argument and cementing his word as law. Kyle cursed and kicked a nearby tack trunk causing the filly alongside him to raised her head dangerously within the confined quarters of the barn. He quickly had the filly in hand and looked over to Adele with eyes that still shimmered with rage. Sorry you got all caught up in this Addie. He glared at the back of the striding away man and then handed the reins of the broad blazed bay filly to Adele. She smiled slightly as she felt the dancing filly follow her. She was tap full of power and it was no wonder Kyle had fought to have her. She was a thing of beauty and power and it was apparent that she was going to be a ride that would always keep you on your toes. She liked that in a horse and felt herself immediately click. Kyle watched the instant bond that was beginning to take place and it made him even more angry at Ethan. Why's the man have to be dang right on top of it all. He nodded at the pair and then turned out to go hunt down Sophie's Pride for his own handling. She watched briefly as Kyle strode away before returning her sole attention to the filly waiting tacked and ready beside her. She hadn't known why her name had been on today's yearling workout sheet, but then she'd seen that the assignments had been changed - per order of Ethan Marino. She didn't blame Kyle in the least for being upset, but secretly she was pleased.

The filly had seemed relieved as soon as the men had left and she seemed to preen herself up with pride at having driven them all away and had a sneaky suspicion that Ethan had picked up something about the filly that Kyle had not. She didn't like men. She laughed at the prideful filly and tugged the reins to meet the others. They embraced the full sunlight with pomp and command. Adele smiled over at Jeff and Estella as both arched their eyebrows, but wisely said nothing as Ethan watched them with a firm gaze. He motioned to Dana's saddle and gave Addie a leg up without a word.

Ok. You three. Enough time has been wasted. He nodded his head to the empty old track of The Wire. It was literally a ghost town, but it was also a good place to get younger horses acquainted with the race track life. Ethan waited a second and then Nick emerged from the shadows of the barn with his own mount. Did you send them ahead Ethan? He said nothing, but nodded grimly and started walking after the trio of yearlings.

He puzzled only a second after the trainer before pulling himself up onto the bay mare's back. Come on Allure, let's go keep the peace. Her filly had just been weaned and Nick was eager to take the faithful mare back out onto the tracks. She instantly recognized the landmarks and was hot on the youngster's trail.

Estella led the parade sitting astride what she knew without a doubt was the best colt in the entire yearling crop - naturally of course. She smiled as the thick and solid colt propelled himself along with powerful propulsion and sharp eagle like eyes. He wasn't missing a beat as he surveyed the new kingdom and he liked what he saw. He chortled and side-stepped in his excitement, but minded the leg and touch of his rider and continued to move forward, his senses pricked and tuned to his environment. His body was like a dancing live wire primed and ready to strike.

Jeff posted and grimaced through the bouncy jaunt of Doubloon Moon. She was fearless in her exploration, her eyes quickly roaming and legs churning as Jeff held the filly in check. She was barely contained energy and already Jeff could tell that she would be a filly to always push the limits. She snorted her eyes locking disdainfully on the self-proclaimed leader and it took strong pressure on the filly's mouth to keep from launching after the massive colt.

Adele was primed and grinning like a Cheshire cat aboard Dana. It was like sitting with a rocket between your legs and Adele couldn't wait to find the on button. The filly was of the three the most toned. Already she was showing massive amounts of muscling with only Natural Selection having an edge. Adele guided the filly forward and grinned as they danced over the dirt track. Her eyes missed nothing as she began to stalk what she knew was competition.

Nick trotted Allure through the gap and waved at Ethan propped along the rail. He rode to close the gap between himself and Adele and stopped only to turn when her heard the approach of more horses....</sub>

[Ripley]

Mal had pushed this moment off for as long as he'd possibly could. He hadn't wanted to bring the yearlings to the track, ship them in an unfamiliar contraption or place them in a suspicious environment. Track life demanded a thoroughbred's utmost attention and it was better to get the unforgiving environment out of the way as soon as humanly possible. He'd told himself this several times on the way over. More than several times. Thousands, perhaps. Ripley had talked some sense into his seemingly illogical brain. Sense had brought him to this point, on the edge of a breakdown into panic and worry.

The source of that panic and worry flung herself to the end of the lead rope attached at the other end by Reese Balling Jones. The South American woman looked stronger than she first appeared, gritting her teeth and jabbing the lead rope several times to shake off the filly's brute force. Three humans and one horse looked on as the bay filly flung herself again and again at the end of the lead. Her face was wild her, her eyes slightly crazed and her teeth bared. It was a fear thing. Fear had to be confronted. Better to confront it now than the first time going to the starting gate.

Ripley admired the horse at the end of the lead rope, pitied her for her fear. This was the latest daughter of Touch Up. This lean, nimble filly who cursed the world she'd been born into with every slashing hoof, every defiant look. Few people knew about Awestruck because of where she'd been when she'd been born. The deal had fallen through and both filly and mother, Strike The Win, had returned to Witch Creek Stable. They would know Awestruck soon enough. The bay filly was awe-inspiring. Her talent, her brilliant nature on the track, spoke as though spoken through a loud speaker.

Mal smiled cautiously when Reese managed to wrangle Awestruck back toward her. The bay filly trembled at the end of the lead rope, out of rage and fear. She held her tail and head high, demanding an explanation for the routine disruption. Her body glittered with sweat, but no one could deny that she was in shape. She kept herself in shape almost as much as her human handlers did with her daily gallops.

"Well, that wasn't so bad, was it True," Mal crooned as he approached. Her nostrils flared in and out at the hands offered to her. She didn't turn away though. Mal made note of the improvement. He turned to Ripley and Justin. "While Reese puts her bridle on, give Justin a leg up. Let's get 'em on the track."

The humans moved swiftly and quietly, a well-working machine of many years practice. Justin smiled at Sweet Mimosa. The black filly was just as tall and sleek as Awestruck, but a little broader in the shoulders. She made a beautiful picture, a perfect combination of Sweeto Cheeto and long-distance runner Screaming Mimi. He stroked her blaze, pleasing himself with her beauty. Mimosa was nowhere near as untamed as Awestruck. Witch Creek had handled her up until this year when she'd been sold to Valkyrie Stables. As if it were fate, Mimosa had been returned. She'd acted as if she'd never left.

Reese eased the bit into Awestruck's mouth, murmuring comforts to the near-wild filly. Her eyes spit daggers at Reese, but she didn't move away. She actually knew what was coming after the bridle. She liked to run, thank God. Reese patted the filly's shoulder, hardly had time to stand before Malcolm boosted her in the saddle. Reese huffed out a breath the second before Awestruck reared, striking the air furiously. Slamming down, Reese drove True back to earth. "Alright True. Hang on. Tracks to your left."

"Tracks to the right. No way are we taking her out in public just yet." Reese flashed Mal a questioning look, but turned the bay filly in the direction of disused racetrack. Sweet Mimosa followed along, nickering ever so softly to Awestruck. The fillies provided comfort to one another. Mimosa was Awestruck's comfort. Awestruck was Mimosa's fight. Mal and Ripley trailed behind, blue and green eyes meeting with apprehension and excitement.

True rushed onto the track the minute she saw the gap, bolting sideways beneath Reese. Her mouth gaped around the bit even though it was slack in her mouth. Reese moved with her, had learned to keep her feet wrapped around the filly's barrel instead of in the short stirrups. She'd put them up before the galloped, but staying with the restless filly was the key to making her listen.

Justin was more than happy to be on Sweet Mimosa. She danced over the course, smooth as glass. She pranced, showing off her well-formed muscles and her beautiful mane and tail. A show-woman was what Mimosa was. Justin looked up, spotted company ahead. Three yearlings and a mature mare it appeared. Reese called, "Intrepid Racing." Justin looked again, recognized the faces.

"Oh look," Ripley gasped. "They brought Alluring Assault." Without another word, Ripley bustled along the rail with Malcolm trailing in her wake. She'd admired this champion of The Wire up close as an opponent and as a fan. She wanted to do so again after meeting her first offspring, World Dominion, just a month before. Mal was not a big of a fan as Alluring Assault, had believed she'd made the most of Sillenia's absence. However, her achievements were more than his, so who was he to judge?

"Hey Nick!" Ripley called, peppy as can be. She was glowing, the pregnancy was agreeing with her. Even morning sickness hadn't been able to defeat the bull-headedness of Ripley Marsh. "Who have you got there?"

Mal waved to Adele aboard Quick Silver. He knew the yearling filly from the brief time she'd spent at Witch Creek when Intrepid had been suffering from law problems. She was a beautiful horse, a wonderful personality. He considered it an achievement of both Mr. Hat and Clogs and Silver Tide. "Wait 'til you see what we brought with us!" he taunted.

Reese turned Awestruck in circles now, big loopy ones and then small ones. "You just don't quit, do you?" The bay filly flashed her tiny white star under her thick black forelock in agreement. Reese hummed, keeping most of her attention on Awestruck. She knew attention would turn to True soon enough. True was as much of an attention grabber as the flashy Sweet Mimosa. That particular filly was moseying right up to the Intrepid staff, pretty as a Sunday morning.

[S u N f r O s T ~]

This is highly unconventional muttered Amber mutinously. It was strange for her to be the one complaining, seeing as she was the Boss, but her arms - BOTH of them - had been pulled in various directions by many people, and she was simply unable to say no at this point in time. Krystal Yhate turned slightly from her place in the drivers' seat, flashing her boss a wide smirk. Come now Amber. You can't let Intrepid and Witch Creek have all the fun with their yearlings. We deserve some spotlight time too! Amber fumed. SOPS yearling training has just about always been conducted solely on our private tracks. None of this public nonsense. If I've done my job, then these horses will get to shine from the moment they step on the track as juveniles through their four year old seasons or beyond. They don't need the public exposure! Krystal shook her head vehemently. Our yearlings are a bit too private, don't you think Amber? You showcase everybody else's at the Best Bred Tournament every season. Time for us to shine! Amber sighed. There's no arguing with you... She trailed off as they arrived on the scene, yearlings in the trailer behind them. Time to get suited up said Krystal happily. Amber sighed and nodded, trying to get her spirits up. As long as we don't take them on the public track. I'm not having a bunch of high strung racehorses from other stables mobbing my yearlings! Krystal sighed but acquiesced. I can give you that much.

Within fifteen minutes the entirety of the SOPS crew had assembled on the scene. Amber looked at all of them, eyes glinting. We're taking the yearlings out for a quick breeze, something just to get their hooves wet. I'll remind you of the matchups. Kylie on Nero, Henna on Tia, Valencia on Cy, me on Al. Krystal, you can wait at the rail. Krystal suddenly starting laughing hysterically, her brown eyes watering with hysteric humor. Amber stared at her in shock...this was quite out of character. Krystal was usually the steady rock of the SOPS crew, no drama. Krystal stopped her laughing for a moment to wipe the tears out of her eyes. Oh don't worry Amber...I brought a friend in the trailer. She flounced off, leaving Amber to stare after her quizzically. She shook her head, sighed. All right then. I'll give you guys ten minutes to get ready. She paused a moment, considering her crop, then shook on her head. Nope, I'm going to give fifteen because Cy is guaranteed to hold us up. Valencia laughed. You'd better not mind Amber, she's going to run the hooves off of the best of them. Amber snorted, eyes glowing with pride at the thought even as she challenged back She'll have to share the spotlight with Al then.

Within twelve minutes - Cy had seemed interested in taking a look at the track - the yearlings were assembled. Leading the parade was none other than Altercation. Amber felt the rolling motion and thrumming power of this lion hearted colt and sighed dreamily, thoughts straying to the Turf Triple Crown. Maybe Al would finally be the one to do it. He certainly had the breeding to do it, with Worldbreaker for a sire and Royal Assault for a dam. Fiercely proud, confidence radiated off of the bay even as a taller bay mare with the aura of a champion and the obvious experience of a senior racehorse strode up alongside them. You MUST be kidding me. You smuggled SILLENIA into the trailer?! Al didn't respond to his rider's sudden explosion of tone - the colt was fearless to the point of bombproof. He was also fearsomely protective, as he took wary note of the mare at their side. Sillenia was pulling with her usual headstrong attitude towards the track, snorting excitedly. Krystal shrugged, a happy smile playing around her face. She missed her turf she said simply. Amber sighed. Well at least she can school the yearlings she muttered.

Next in line was Cyclonaria. The Sand Storm and Mystical Sunrise daughter fought Valencia every step of the way. Even at the walk, Cy tested Valencia's control and enjoyed showing Valencia how little of it she had. She was a gorgeous creature, muscular already for a yearling, and she pushed the horses around as though she owned the place. She had been eyeing Al up ever since they had left the trailer, and Valencia could sense that he was the horse she had currently marked for destruction. Valencia smirked. Wait a while Cy. He will fall like the rest! She cackled evilly. Amber glanced over her shoulder, hearing the cackle, and then turned back around, shaking her head. Something is wrong with my staff today she grumbled. She made a note to keep an eye on Cy - the chestnut filly would take a chunk out of any horse's flesh if only to make her point about authority. Darn filly. Valencia looked up, eyes sharpening. I heard that, Amber! Amber sighed, threw a small smile over her shoulder...and kept on walking. Valencia laughed. Cyclonaria reacted, throwing her weight sideways. Valencia went with the shift, her smirk widening as she rode it out and then got Cy straight again.

Third in the pack was Animatia. Vibrating with energy, she gazed ahead of her with rebellion first and foremost on her mind. Henna grinned and settled in for the long haul. Tia loved to work, and from the moment the trailers doors had opened work had been the first thing on her mind. She had been ready and willing to work from the moment the tack had come on, giving Henna less of a fuss than usual. The stunning gray attracted notice, commanded it with her attitude. Teeth bared, Tia's aggressive and bratty attitude reared its head as the track neared them. Henna knew that the moment they got on the track, Tia's tactical side would come right out. And shadowing behind them was the black colt. Incognito would seem to slip in unnoticed behind these three highly active yearlings. His strides were graceful and controlled, his focus on the track. Kylie felt nervous as she rode the third foal of the Devil after his stablemates. Nero was all collected poise and innate talent, and she dearly hoped she was up to the task of jockeying this one. I have no idea why the blue bloods like me she sighed, but couldn't help her affectionate smile. Nero had stolen her heart, just like Pandora had.

Amber Black narrowed her eyes. They had arrived at the track...and if she wasn't mistaken, those were definitely Intrepid and Witch Creek crews. On yearlings. She glanced sharply at Krystal Yhate. We should go. This is way too public! Uh, Krystal? Krystal was not paying attention. Her eyes were burning, and Sillenia was suddenly all professionalism, their eyes zeroing in on one horse. Amber looked over and suppressed a groan. ALLURING ASSAULT? Her voice probably caught too much attention on that. Krystal. We need to get out of here. Krystal ignored her and very resolutely continued on her way, on a beeline towards Alluring Assault. Krystal felt the attitude shift as they approached, but she had eyes only for Allure. Nick, hey she greeted. Ripley, Malcolm...looks like we were all thinking the same thing. Well, me mainly. Amber, not so much. She gestured behind her, where a slightly frowning Amber was clearly looking for an escape exit.

Amber sighed and prepared herself. She rode right up on Altercation, smiling brightly. Hey Ripley, Malcolm...Nick. An especially bright smile for him. Out for a yearling jaunt? Perhaps this could actually work to her advantage...her eyes snapped suddenly to a certain colt. Natural Selection! And who else but Estella aboard. It's perfect! Estella rode Infini too, so there was no doubt that Amber trusted the woman with the mount. Henna and Valencia both called out their greetings, but it was clear that their mounts were handfuls. Kylie stayed nervously silent aboard Nero. The black colt hung like a shadow, taking no notice of the commotion in front of him.

[Cavallo]

<sub>Nick smiled and shook his head upon seeing once again, Ripley Marsh and the Witch Creek crew. It was now officially weird. He could only assume that there was a leak within the ranks if they kept bumping into Witch Creek on their scheduled outdates. Deep down though he wasn't that upset about it and waved back to Ripley Marsh and her crew and stopped Allure along the rail as the two trainers approached. The procession paused as the Intrepid crew threw smiles back at the welcomed company. Well look at this. Fancy meeting you guys out here today. He took note of Ripley's glowing condition and smiled in approval as she stopped by the rail as he asked who he had. She knew full and well. Eh. This just some broodmare that was relieved of her weanling and figured I could use this 'ole gal to keep the ranks in order. Allure looked anything, but like an 'ole gal. Her bay coat glistened and her eyes were bright, feeling alive on the tracks like always. She nickered at the human, always one for attention and reached her head in curiosity. Nick allowed the mare to greet and explore, he was pleased that Allure was still out and about and rebounding well after her second foal which had just been transferred over to Firestone Racing. It was apparent that the mare was pleased to be off the grounds and back in the environment she loved.

Adele grinned widely at her man as he called out her name. Today was really turning into a great day. Dana's head raised wildly at the sudden presence of a new man. Adele kept the filly grounded and quickly spun her around in a tight circle. Adele's eyes glowed with admiration and excitement as she expertly handled the rough and tumble kind of gal. Her touch was calming on the filly, but her eyes were quick to focus on the strange man by the rail, her gaze intense and focused. Adele laughed out loud at Mal's comment and watched as Reese worked her powerhouse yearling filly, but Dana only spared the rival filly a sideways glance. She quickly took in the foreign fillies only to bare her teeth slightly in frustration as more yearlings began to crowd onto the tracks. Tension was tight on the filly's mouth, but she acted like it wasn't there and Adele quickly readjusted her strategy. Bossing this girl around wasn't going to produce results. Stubborn ox. Adele muttered to the filly. She chuckled at Mal's comment in reference to Reese and her mount. ha. Well Dana wasn't the same yearling as before. She was all tough and ready to rumble. She looked eagerly to matching up against the Witch Creek filly. I can't wait to see what exactly it is that you've brought along for us to play with. She teased at her Irish man with a teasing wink as Dana sidestepped again underneath her.

Estella Marino turned her head in surprise to see Nick yacking it up with Ripley on the rail and then another onslaught of horses and people was impending. She turned King with a light touch that he was only all to eager to obey. Estella felt King immediately taking stock of the new competition and he bowed his neck in an immediate display. Estella soothed the colt's neck with an affectionate pat. Well there was a herd of them it seemed. Three from Intrepid, two from Witch Creek and now SOPS with four of their yearlings. She quirked a small smile at seeing SOPS out and about - it was unusual to say the least to see SOPS out in the public in general, so this was indeed a rare treat. King was still, but his eyes held fire and challenge as he quickly scanned the faces to see where the unknown threats were. Estella was thinking along the same lines. She quickly took notice of Reese and her mount and both rider and horse took note. Estella smiled as she saw Amber at the front of the parade and looked over sneakily at her boss.

Nick grinned from ear to ear and looked at Ripley and nodded his head in Amber's direction. Well now we have a real party going on here don't we Ripley? He smiled boldly at Krystal as she taunted her boss and he had to admit, she had Amber pegged. She had never been the type of person to be public about her affairs. It had been months before she'd even been comfortable enough to tell other people that she was seeing him, let alone call him her boyfriend. Her kisses had told him otherwise about how she felt about him and he warmly received her grin. Allure stilled as she turned to watch the approach of other yearlings, but she immediately recognized her arch nemesis. She clacked her teeth and pinned her ears at the other mare's proximity. Nick shook his head, but had Allure well in hand. They weren't here to show down with anyone, they were here to train the yearlings. He smiled in appreciation though for Sillenia. She had thrown him a wonderful foal this season and it was good to see the dam of Silent Front making a rebound.

Looks like we all have great minds. We all wanted to take the yearlings out to stretch their legs. Estella glowed with Amber's approval at the match and King seemed to stand like a statue, solid and proud - there was nothing uncoordinated about him. He pawed the turf below impatiently, but stilled at her touch. They were a pair that were in sync.

Jeff and Doubloon Moon danced in place as the black filly got more and more animated as the track began to fill up with more and more horses and people. Her body had a light sheen to it as Jeff worked the filly from the saddle to prevent the gal from bolting on the spot. She was stubborn as a mule with each turn and twist of her head trying to turn tail and bolt down the track.

So Nick are we going for a jaunt or not? Jeff asked with a bright clip in his voice. He wasn't entirely sure how much longer he could keep the filly from flitting away from this crowd. She was more than eager to be off and away with only the wind to challenge her supremacy. Nick chuckled and shook his head.

Well Amber, are you and your crew willing to share the tracks with us? He winked at Ripley in jest.</sub>

[Ripley]

Great racehorses never left the track, no matter how many seasons had come and gone, a Thoroughbred never forgot. Ripley wondered how El Sol Del Mar would take to the track, knew the answer. She was much older than these mares, Sillenia and Alluring Assault. Both of them had been nominated to the Hall Of Fame at their respective tracks. They'd had a rivalry that had captivated a country and fans. Ripley had watched the two Goliaths run at each other one race after another, sometimes against her own Dazzling Dame. Witch Creek's mare had shined only after the two had long since retired, demonstrating how thoroughly domineering they had been in the older turf ranks.

She intended, despite her pregnant state, to turn Year Fifteen into another Year Thirteen. Her team deserved the effort and would be rewarded for it if they got the jump on the others earlier. She knew she liked what she saw from her yearlings, knew there was a chance they could replicate success in the future. While Nick and Amber played coyly with each other, Ripley's gaze was assessing each yearling quickly and thoroughly. She liked her two over all of them. Call her biased, but something spoke to Ripley about Awestruck and Sweet Mimosa. Shadows of Screaming Mimi danced in her head and she wondered if this less temperamental filly could rise above and beyond her dam's status as Year Twelve's Stayer of the Year. The very thought that she had nearly given away Mimosa to Valkyrie caused nausea in her belly. Now that Mimosa was back, she most certainly was not leaving.

Ripley could see rivalries with several of these dirt and turf horses. She knew Incognito like the back of her hand, having helped to birth him and then save his life when The Devil denied him nutrition. The colt looked magnificent and would only look better with age. Each of his older siblings, Hourglass and Saint, had proven to be quite the runners as their mom had been. He was one to watch, even though his silent nature did not endear him to her. She preferred loud and proud. Silence fit perfectly with Stride of Perfection. And while she liked the colt, she did not regret giving the matchup and therefore, the result, to her friendly rival. However, she was glad Stride of Perfection had not been around a month ago to see the likes of her other yearlings..

Mal tapped Ripley on the shoulder, jarring her out of her reverie. He'd seen her brain working like clockwork. God knew what was going to happen when she had all the time in the world to think. Mal could see the challenging light in Nick and Amber's gaze, same for their riders. Reese and Justin were too busy putting their yearlings through the paces. Awestruck had calmed down, looked terrific with her neck bowed and her mouth playing with the bit. Her ears were taunt as arrows. She was so clearly watching the others. Mal knew, by knowing Reese, that the woman was giving free rein to True, allowing her to assess the competition. From this moment forward even Mimosa would be an enemy.

Ripley smiled, finally glancing up from her fillies. "Justin and Reese will be willing to go for a gallop or slow six furlong breeze. You can choose either. Doesn't matter to me. Ours should last and be able to run some more even after today's work."

Mal choked back a laugh. Ripley's voice was laced with challenge. She was such a unique woman to deal with. He would miss her riding skills, but at least opinion would still exist.

"We're ready when you are," Ripley smiled.

She waved her riders over. They were most certainly ready for what was coming.

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber was frowning. She wanted to challenge the yearlings her rivals had sent out, truly, but she was unwilling to run her yearlings with the yearlings of other stables. She didn't know how the others would act, and she did not want to have her hopefuls injured before they even started their careers. Sure, she trusted the other riders to control their yearlings appropriately, but she was a cautious woman. Plus, she didn't want to exhibit her yearlings too much. It may have been time for some heavier work in their preparation for the track...but once again, she was cautious. Her green eyes narrowed as she scoped out the other horses. They were obviously handfuls, some more than others. Should she run against them?

Henna, for once, seemed to know what to say in order to get Amber to agree. Krystal was busy guiding Sillenia away from Allure, relaxing the mare with her hands. Henna seemed to know what Amber was thinking. Delicately guiding Animatia forward, Henna got close enough to Altercation for the two yearlings to nearly be touching. To his credit, Altercation barely moved as Tia got close to him. Indeed, the bay remained tall and proud even as Tia came up. He was too busy looking at the other horses, eyes fiery and ears perked. He was ready for battle. Henna leaned over, whispered to Amber softly They can take it. Let's give it to them. Time for some preseason publicity, don't you think? Amber glanced at Henna searchingly, then smirked. She turned to Nick and Ripley, all wavering one as she settled on a decision. Well, why not. I generally don't do this, but working with some new partners should help my yearlings. Provided your yearlings are broken properly and won't savage my hopefuls, I don't see why we shouldn't have a little battle. Her tone was teasing, but she was serious about the part regarding the savaging. She would not have her horses damaged.

Amber laughed at Ripley's words. SOPS horses are known for lasting and excelling right from the get-go Ms. Marsh. I wouldn't have brought them out here if they couldn't handle a little galloping. She glanced back briefly, admiring the revving machines that were her horses. Not one horse overmuscled the others. They all vibrated with energy and readiness. Valencia was sitting loosely on Cy, ready for anything the chestnut filly might pull. Cy was quite a ways back from the others, more for their safety than hers. Even now her ears were pinned, and Valencia felt her muscles tensing. Cy was ready to bolt at the yearlings in front of her and tear them apart. And it wouldn't matter what Valencia said otherwise about it - Cy would achieve her goal. Amber noted that it would be dangerous to work others out with Cy at this stage, but Cy would not try without another horse to compete against.

Amber counted the number of yearlings present. There were nine of them in total - four of hers, three of Intrepid's and two of Witch Creek's. That mean one threesome and then three pairs. I count nine of us here. If we're breaking them down evenly, we should have one threesome and the rest broken up into three pairs...and perhaps we should avoid pitting stablemates against each other if possible? She was more than open to the input of the other two on this matter. Based on that she continued I want Incognito in the threesome. She provided no explanation for it. Nero still hovered like a shadow in the background. He stood apart from the rest, in his own world. Kylie looked nervous aboard him, but relaxed at Amber's words. Crowds were where Nero would be the strongest.

Also, a couple words of caution on my others. Al here she patted the bay colt, who stretched out his neck and whinnied eagerly should not be a problem. Tia, on the other hand, is a little bit nippy. She nodded to the gray filly, who even now reached out with teeth bared towards Al before being checked sharply by Henna. Lucky for us she has an able rider on board. Amber flashed a grin at Henna, who smiled as she guided Tia a bit farther away. Now on to Cy. She is really the one you need to watch out for. She is...not the typical type of horse I train. As if on cue, Cyclonaria suddenly reared, hooves touching the sky. Valencia once again sat through her antics, letting the chestnut do her thing. She was really just getting a good look at the competition. Amber grinned. But boy will she kick butt when she gets out there. She is...very unique. But uncontrollable. Valencia does a fine job, but she poses a significant risk in the company of others. We need to pair her with a horse that can take her...antics.

[Cavallo]

<sub>Nick nodded in agreement to both propositions from the ladies as he sat astride the attentive Allure. The mare quickly nipped the infringing black filly that had hedged close while Jeff kept Doubloon Moon from bolting. Flit quickly pinned her ears back at the reprimand, but she stilled noticeably, the disciplining mare having quickly pulled the boisterous filly in-hand. Jeff rolled his eyes dramatically in the saddle as Nick sent Jeff a patronizing smile before preceding to move things along. I think a moderated gallop is just what the doctor ordered for this morning. And then the trainer side of Nick began to emerge as his eyes narrowed and looked over each yearling with clarity and assessment. Okay let's do it this way then. Incognito, Natural Selection and Awestruck in the threesome. As for the other three pairs we'll have Sweet Mimosa and Quick Silver pair off, Doubloon Moon and Animatia and since we've run out of other competitors that leaves Altercation and Cyclonaria. Is that ok? Do we have a problem with any of these pairings?He arched an eyebrow in question, open to any suggestions or modifications.

Estella Marino instantly looked around to locate her new workout partners. She took in the son the The Devil's Touch and locked eyes briefly with the demure looking Kylie. She smiled slightly and then looked to make out the other trio member. She pursed her lips slightly as her eyes locked onto Reese and her fiery looking filly. Pursed lips slowly turned into a small smirk as the small Italian woman warmed to the challenge that was now represented in this workout. Nick motioned for Stella to go ahead and without hesitation she turned her mount with a subtle cue and the duo led the way down the turf track with a raised war flag in their wake as they waited for Incognito and Awestruck to match their strides.

If there were any changes that needed to be made he felt certain enough in the other teams to regulate those modifications themselves. Jeff was instantly off on a lively Doubloon Moon, his eyes working quickly to locate Henna and Animatia. She had an aura of passion and life about her as she strode eagerly away from the larger group of rowdy horses and people. Finally she was free to run and move about and then it was quickly moderated as Jeff slowed the filly's pace down as they awaited their grey flashy counterpart. Hearing the approach of hooves, Jeff turned his head to the right to greet the new partner.

Adele reeled Dana in one more tight circle of control before wheeling out a safe distance behind the leading groups. The tom-boy filly underneath her was hard on the bit as her gaze swept over the field, the drive to dominate urging her forward, but the woman on her back was limiting her. Her thorns flattened in frustration against her skull, but minded her manners for the time being. They moved over the turf with a restrained grace as Adele looked over her shoulder for Justin and Sweet Mimosa as turf clods flew mildly in the air behind them. Adele grimaced. It seemed the turf was not Dana's surface of choice.

Nick watched aboard Allure as his jockeys and yearlings set out over the track. He looked down over at his quiet Yearling and Weanling trainer and silently shook his head. Relax there Ethan. No one is going to die today. His voice was filled with humor, but it rang with truth and confidence. Ethan was a superb trainer and his staff was one of the best, it was time to put some faith and stock into that. Allure's ears pricked with focused attention as the yearlings began to pull out over the track and Nick cautioned and reaffirmed the mare with an affectionate pat on the neck as he pondered whether or not he should go out on the tracks to help maintain order if need be....</sub>

[Ripley]

Ripley felt pretty relaxed in comparison to the very tense Malcolm. He wasn't a big fan of intermingling with Stride of Perfection Stables. He liked Intrepid well enough because they had always been a friend to Witch Creek. But SOPS... they unnerved him a bit with their quiet arrogance and the suspicious nature. SOPS had been a rival to Witch Creek for the last couple of years while Intrepid was only just returning to super star level. Maybe it was a little low of Malcolm to be wary of the SOPS women, but hey you didn't lay down with the enemy. Well... unless they were Adele... then you did. He flashed a blazing smile in Adele's direction, but it dimmed considerably when he caught Ripley's stony look. Like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Mal slumped into the rail and eyed her warily.

"Keep it business right now, Mal," Ripley murmured. She patted his hand, soothing her words, as she turned her attention to the track. Ripley was eager to see these SOPS horses. She knew Intrepid was very high on theirs, particularly Natural Selection. The colt was beautifully bred, all SOPS. Ripley felt a flash of independence when she noted that neither Sweet Mimosa or Awestruck were lined with SOPS lines. Both fillies deserved attention. Awestruck wsa preceded by two grade one winning sisters. Mimosa was the product of the brilliant Year Twelve Stayer, Screaming Mimi, and the beautifully lined Sweeto Cheeto. She would be the standard of what was to come from her dam. So far, that standard was extremely high.

Mimosa pranced in place, a bundle of glorious energy. She was sleek and gorgeous and her ebony coat gleamed like black diamond. Justin knew he had a live one in this filly. She was temperamental like her dam, but malleable like her sire. She was the perfect combination. Justin waited for Ripley's cue to go along with Nick Landing's plan before setting the filly down to a canter. She moved with easy grace to the heavier Mr. Hat and Clogs filly, Quick Silver. He bumped his fist into Adele's shoulder. "Long time, no see." He was more like Mal's younger brother and he was a big fan of their match-up. It just seemed right. Mimosa settled into an easy stride, long legs covering the ground with such professionalism. Mimosa also seemed just right.

Reese's filly was not very professional. Hot was what she was. While the others broke off into groups, True launched herself, narrowly missing the railing and Alluring Assault. Her mouth was agape, her eyes wild and ears slammed to her head. Reese let out a breath, forcing herself to relax on the nervy filly. The bay's audits pricked suddenly at the running yearlings and Reese barely had time to pull herself together before True was charging after them. Turf clods flew up in her wake, peppering Mal and Ripley alike, as she surged away. Ripley sent an apologetic look in Nick's direction, but she couldn't help the tingle of excitement. When Mal met her eyes, she knew he felt it too. True was a live wire and way more precocious than Winning Touch and Indian Darling.

Reese was thinking the same thing as True caught up to Incognito and Natural Selection within a matter of seconds. She carried her tail and mane high, full of her pride. She stunned Reese by continuing on, setting a brilliant pace for a filly so young. Plain brown horse she was not.

Justin was thankful that Mimosa was back here with Quick Silver. It looked True was going on her suicide missions. She was bloody quick and knew how to tire everyone else before she tired herself. He patted Mimosa as she cruised around the turn, willing as ever.