Post by Cavallo on Jul 7, 2012 14:32:26 GMT -5
The flame licked four year old colt looked like a living flame as he danced across the track, the sun reflecting off his radiant pelt. Leading the colt was Michael. He smiled at Fire's animated action...one thing was for sure Fire was never dull to be around. Fire's eyes were immediately scanning the track looking for rivals or foes he mus vanquish. Michael chuckled..Sorry boy...it's just you and me out today.
The colt huffed as if disappointed, but was soon returning to his lively trot alongside Michael.
Nick was jogging to catch up to the pair and slapped Michael on the back when he arrived. Fire is looking mighty spirited today! Michael smiled nodding his head in agreement as he stroked the chestnut's muscualr neck. At four years old this year, Firbird was in his prime and looked the part of a fully grown stud colt. He was nicely muscled, his body rippling with toned textures.
Yes, he's more than ready to run and perform for the Out of the Gate Stakes.
Firebird was more than ready. It had been two weeks since their disappointing third place in the BC Mile, but had proven to be a great learning experience for both Michael and Fire. They had run against two grade one horses and had only come in behind them at two lengths...not bad...given that Firebird was a recent grade four....not bad at all.
Michael and Fire had come off the track a little disappointed, but had also come off the track sharper, wiser and even more determined. They were going to go places this year...Michael could feel it in his bones...
Nick smiled as he watched Michael lost in his thoughts about the flame hued colt. They really were a great team.
Okay, the race is 8 furongs and the field is going to be tough.
Michael raised an eyebrow at Nick's words...
In gate one you have Sugar Jayde...she's gonna be tough to beat and then in gate three there will be Thunderstrike...a well-bred boy from ARS..
Michael paid rapt attention as he brought Fire to a halt in front of the track gates and hoisted himself into the saddle while Nick held Fire in place...still talking strategy.
Suagr Jayde is a versatile runner, but she'll probably go for the precceder position behind the front runner Thunderstrike. The field is small so there will be lots of room to manuever...let Fire run in the back...that way we can keep an eye on the field and seal the deal with a strong closing finish...Fire will definitely have the stamina and speed to rally and defend in the final stretch.
Michael nodded as he gathered the reins...Fire chomped at the bit eager to be off. He tried to pull his head free of Nick's grip, but failed and huffed annoyed that they were still standing there...not going into the gates...and not running...
You got it boss. Hold Fire to the back...but I think we'll still need to break fast because both horses tend to like the front end...the speed will probably be quick...
Nick nodded his approval. Yup. You'll need to break fast, but then settle back and watch....Fire will do the rest.
Michael nodded again and clucked to the stud colt. Nick let go and Fire eagerly sprung forward and did a little crow-hop as they approached the gate. Michael smiled at the colt's spirit...they would need it come race day...
Take him four furlongs after you break...hold him to the last two. At the second furlong...give him a bit of his head and at the final...let him go full-out.
Michael nodded as he jockeyed into position. Horse and rider's eyes were glued ahead to the turf track...their destiny looking ahead...simply waiting for them to get fresh out of the gates...
They were coming...and they were going to come hard after that dream...
