why shouldn't i

[S u N f r O s T ~]

ODE TO GLORY AND KRYSTAL YHATE
FLEET MAJESTY AND AMBER BLACK
IN THE SPOTLIGHT AND VALENCIA ANDREWS

ODE'S WORKOUT FOR THE TWILIGHT STAKES

There was nothing but thoughtfulness in Krystal's eyes as she regarded her beloved Ode To Glory. The gray stallion stood majestically, outlined against the morning sunlight, his head tilted to one side as he regarded his rider carefully. Krystal didn't think she imagined the affection in his brown eyes, the contented and dreamy gaze that he set on her, the relaxed set of his head and the twitch of his tail as he beat away the ever present flies. Contentment could be tasted in the air. Ode To Glory was the proud winner of the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic last time out. He had finally succeeded not only once, but twice in one season at the highest level. That was why Krystal was so happy, though they could very well get their butts handed to them in the Twilight Stakes. They were going against the likes of Bella Luna, Infinite Warcry and Paradise Island as well as others - horses that could be considered well out of their league. Though Amber's heartstrings tugged after Infinite Warcry and Krystal's own were tugged by Bella Luna's Turf Triple Crown championship season, her love right now rested in Ode To Glory and how much the underrated stallion deserved some success. He had dead heated with Blue Me Away once at the Breeders Cup, but even after that he had not risen. Krystal thirsted for her boy's success. He would get it with careful preparation, a well timed ride and a heck of a lot of luck and readiness on race day.

They were met today on the track by two others. Krystal swung into the stallion's saddle and sat proudly to his smooth, powerful walk. Ode knew his way to the turf and wasted no time in getting there. Krystal looked and saw the beautifully put together Fleet Majesty. Amber Black looked as though she was melding into the motions of her horse as they trotted and cantered along the turf. Mage had some of the lightest, most graceful motions Krystal had seen on a thoroughbred racehorse and some of the smoothest Amber Black had ever felt. Pride similar to Krystal's own lit Amber's green eyes as she rode her mare. Mage had just become the only back-to-back winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. She had defeated Dazzling Dame last season and this time around had taken down The Devil's Hourglass and one other. Amber's pride should know no bounds after that accomplishment. Krystal nodded to Amber, who grinned back and swept one hand down her mare's gray neck. Mage neighed happily, stretching her neck in joy. Ode responded to the mare's happiness with a neigh of his own and began to prance. Affection rent the air, and both riders thought only one thing - why couldn't both of these horses rise to become champions regarded as the top of the pack rather than near the bottom?

An impatient neigh rent the air. It was In The Spotlight and Valencia Andrews. The gorgeous chestnut filly rippled with muscle and was high on energy. She was proud of herself after accomplishing something really special last time out. Widely regarded as a distance filly, Innie had finally hit the jackpot last time out in the Frankel Green Mile. She had conquered the mile distance over the likes of both Paranormal Hunter and Demonic Desires as well as others. It was her fourth Horse of the Year victory of the year and both horse and rider were riding high on success and looking for more. Valencia smirked as she nodded to the two older horses that greeted her out here on the turf. Innie snorted and pranced in place, responding to the contentment from both Ode and Mage with energy. The senior horses were definitely more calm than the hyper three year old, but all of them were talented. Mage and Ode were in their final seasons; Innie had one or two more. Regardless, just as much determination burned in Valencia's eyes as the other two. It was time for a prep workout to get Ode ready for the Twilight and the other two ready for more domination.

Innie led the way as the three horses broke out into gallops. Her chestnut legs flashed in the sunlight as she headed around the final turn. Ode To Glory charged after her, very on the bit as she led by only a half length. Innie snorted and extended her lead to a full length, but she wasn't going to be able to shake Ode off completely. He was just too forward-moving and ready off of that win nearly a month ago. He was fresh and full of run. Krystal personally thought the competition would be in for a surprise in the Twilight Stakes. Mage adopted her usual spot three off the leaders, the love of the hunt glinting in her eyes. Amber had a lot of horse under her and she utilized that fact wisely, just letting the mare run at her own speed. They hit the backstretch and the straight really favored Innie's forward-going motion. She drew off to lead by two. Ode settled down, but never lingered far from the lead. Krystal smirked, feeling confident, though she could feel the prick of eyes on her back. It was no doubt Mage and Amber getting ready to run them down - and indeed they were. Mage accelerated slightly, gliding up to shadow Ode on his outside. Innie still led, but now she had two fresh horses coming after her. But Valencia had a horse cruising in her own power as well. Neither Ode nor Mage would have an easy task in the stretch.

They curved around the final turn and now Mage accelerated some more. She was a gradual type of closer, not one with an explosive kick but one that built up bit by bit. Ode let her leave him, preferring to save his move for a little bit later. But as they hit the stretch, Ode exploded forward and made up the ground as Mage did. There was a target on Innie's back and the chestnut filly knew it. She exploded as well, legs flashing and eyes burning with determination. She was not going to let these two pass her. Mage and Ode fought their way to the filly's side, and then they were gridlocked. It became a test of not talent or speed or stamina, but of heart. Their riders realized this, implored their horses for more and got a response from each of their mounts. But perhaps none wanted this as much as Ode and Krystal. The gray stallion took command now, drawing away by a half length. Krystal felt her eyes sting with rare tears as they thundered under the wire. Pride, love, contentment. It was in each of these women's eyes. Krystal, Amber and Valencia looked at each other as they finished, horses still ready for more but worked out well by this effort. The same message was in each of their eyes - why shouldn't they explode to the top and become champions? It was all in reach as long as they continued to work hard and succeed at each stepping stone along the path.