Post by Cavallo on Jul 31, 2012 19:00:20 GMT -5
Michael clucked to the now seasoned chestnut thoroughbred. Last year they had gotten the colt's feet wet in the racing world, but with two big races under his belt against grade one competition, Fire was more than ready and experience to take on the horses at his G4 level, but that didn't mean they could get lazy or over confident...
Racing still took prep and work and come race day the four year old would be more than ready to give his all. These 9 furlongs over turf was something that both he and Fire would be looking forward too.
It was time to move up in the ranks. They had dallied at the start of the year letting the colt meet and face off with more seasoned horses and now it was simply time to fall down into his grade and move on up.
Their eyes were on the winner's circle and there would be nothing that would come between them and performing their all. With The Wire Finish Cup right around the corner, now was the time to get a move on.
Michael had a good connection with the flame licked stud colt as they finished their 3 furlong warmup...they moved about the turf track with the grace and fluidity of an Olympic athlete. The week of rest after the Unicorn Horn had settled well with them both.
They were toned, refreshed and ready to take on the racing circuit here with their fire and passion. Ease up boy...ease up.
Michael halted the colt and turned him back to the front of the track, approaching now the gates. Fire's eyes locked on the metal contraption with a gleam of excitement in his step...he crow hopped slightly and let a little buck fly as they approached. Michael anticipating the colt's eagerness held his seat well and smiled at the exuberance of his ride.
It was always a pleasure to ride the chestnut. He truly was his "buddy" and the two had that unique bond and connection that made racing more than a job...it made it a pleasure and a treat.
They arrived in their slot and settled in nicely. Okay boy, just a five furlong blow out.
Michael wasn't entirely sure what the field was going to be like come race day, but leading up to the event he'd keep track of the entries and develop a strategy come race day. Firebird was a versatile horse and was excellent at adapting to doing whatever it took to steal the win.
They'd been denied lately the honor of the winner's circle and they were hungry for it. Michael could feel it in the flame colts motion and see it in his eyes. He was ready to run this weekend and today was only a prep...
Michael settled in and Fire stilled as they waited for the inevitable break and the thrill that followed.
The gates broke and the duo sprung forward with lightening quick grace and ease...Michael was actually a bit surprised...the colt had gotten faster running against the higher graded horses. He smiled...Firebird was learning quick and growing faster....
The turf flew behind them like a green spray as Fire settled into his stride, Michael letting the colt run his course, but keeping him in slight check...no need to fully extend just yet.
Fire minded Michael, but still Michael could feel him playing with the bit in eager expectation. They flew in moderate exhilaration as Michael continued to keep the bit from the willing Firebird.
Three furlongs flew in rapid succession and Michael shrunk even smaller drawing closer the to colt as he fed him the rein. Fire instantly responded to his new found freedom as he surged forward, head reaching and body extending...
The final two furlongs were like a wisp...there and then gone and Michael was fighting to bring the colt in.
Worked up and over eager in the moment, Firebird fought the control to slow initially, but eventually minded his rider.
Michael was all grins as he slapped Fire's muscled and lathered neck as he pointed him on at a light canter to cool off.
He was overly impressed with Fire today...for some reason he had that extra spark...that extra edge today and as the season was progressing he was only growing sharper and faster...
Yes, come race day Fire would fall into his rightful place, leading the charge to the winner's circle and it would be a fight worth fighting for.
