Post by Cruisey on Feb 18, 2015 14:04:26 GMT -5
AQUATIC ADDICTION && JAMES COLLURA
SIREN CALL && DEVON BLACKTHORN
As January came to a close, the Firestone team was moving onwards from some bad starts by some of the horses. Both Siren Call and Aquatic Addiction had come 4th in their only start in January; not something Carter was expecting, but he could certainly build on the rocky experiences. That’s why he decided to work the two together; both could learn something from each other despite the age gap. Carter was holding off the HOTY races until the two could rank up, more so Siren for the Triple Sprinter Tiara, possible Crown races, and Theo for the older dirt sprinter category. The spunky bay filly was led to the dirt track with Devon sitting atop her back. Her head was held high, revenge burning in her dark eyes. Siren remembers all of the horses who beat her, and she’s sure to never let them forget it either. After her time off from her Breeder’s Cup adventures she had matured and filled out quite a bit, not something common in fillies. She trotted daintily on the track while the older bay stallion was lead towards them. Theo towered over Siren’s small frame, but she wouldn’t allow him to think better of her. Personality wise, Siren could pass for a stud more than Theo could. His tail swished towards the filly, snorting his confusion at her angry facial expressions. Siren jumped a bit at the sudden noise, and Devon couldn’t help but laugh at their antics. He nodded to his fellow jockey, James, who was just getting some final words from Carter.
“Alright boys, six furlongs total. If they want to be competitive, let them. None of this staying even today with them, I want to see them go at each other.” The two jockeys nodded and the horses were set free from their lead shanks. Siren must have been feeling good as she shot forwards and added a little hop and squeal for pizazz. Devon shook his head as he regained control of the wired filly, trotting beside Theo as they started their warm up lap. Theo felt loose under James, which was a significant difference from when he first arrived.
The horses had different racing styles, but it planned the workout with ease. Siren was a mid-pack runner. She likes to break evenly and stick behind the leaders and settle in the middle. She will power energetically down the home stretch, using the slower pace the leaders set to excel over the surface, whereas Theo was a very strong closer. He breaks fairly fast but will often stumble which places him in the back of the field. He will hang back there until the last turn where he really shines.
Siren pinned her ears and as they were loaded into the gates. As soon as the shutters closed on her she instantly became a mess. She fidgeted side to side, rocking the gates in anticipation. Devon stroked her neck in reassurance, but they both knew it did nothing for the filly. Theo walked in calmly beside her, only tossing his head once at the sudden movement of the gates due to Siren’s nastiness. Both jockeys crouched down, waiting for the bell. When it rung, the shutters were released and Theo was the first away. He leapt forward, stumbling as he left the gates; no surprise there. Siren took advantage of his stumble and settled in front of him at the pace she was used to in a race.
James tightened his grip on the reins and made sure that Theo wouldn't run on. The first furlong passed exceedingly quickly. Siren still led, not pulling on Devon too much. James sat two and a half lengths behind on Theo, who was cruising along at a comfortable pace. Neither horse really seemed to want to go at each other’s throats at this point, so James the released the grip on his reins bit by bit. Theo was confused as to why there was less hold on his face, but he quickly filled up the loose contact by surging forwards. Siren saw the massive stallion coming up quickly behind her and swished her tail in annoyance. Into the home stretch and Siren still lead but there was a quickly closing Theo behind her. Devon let Siren go and her long strides drew closer to her prize. James urged Theo on and soon enough, both horses were side by side. Now was the real test for the two – who was more competitive to get to the wire. Crops rose and fell onto rumps, and Siren seemed annoyed that the stallion was breathing in her space. Theo looked comfortable and didn’t mind the competition as they flew under the wire. It was hard to tell who actually crossed it first because it was so close. It was a thrilling finish, really. Both horses seemed in top form and competitive enough to take on tougher fields.
