Post by Cavallo on Aug 17, 2012 12:06:51 GMT -5
Experience wise Firebird and Lynara's Kingdom were the most successful, but each horse so far in the field was equally matched with sixteen starts under their belts. This however was Firebird's third attempt at claiming the mile and each time Executioner's Apprentice had whisked the win right from under them, but they weren't about to be outmatched this go around...maybe indeed this would be third times the charm.
They'd been working hard and with each practice and race run against the higher graded horses, Firebird had simply gotten faster with each attempt...Michael was praying that now was their time...maybe...just maybe.
This was going to be a tricky race indeed, most of the runners were versatile runners and it would be tricky indeed to determine where each horse would run, minus Canjun Moon who preferred to close. He'd taken a close second and Firebird was fired up and ready to run in this Wire Finish Cup Mile. The Breeder's Cup and the Unicorn Horn had been denied to them, but that was from lack of experience.... that was no longer an issue.
Firebird was all energy as he pranced across the track with Michael sitting securely in the saddle. He didn't try to check the stud colt, he let him trot about the length to the track. They entered the gate and saw that the track was solely theirs. Fire trembled with anticipation and Michael grinned at their good fortune..
Michael spurred on the colt with the slightest touch....they were off at a solid canter. He felt the tension easing from their bones as they both relaxed into the steady thunder of hooves, with a hungry taste in their mouths.
The three furlongs flew by in a breeze, as Michael then pointed the fired up chestnut towards the gates at a light canter. They loaded with ease into the gate, as imagery of setting fire to the tracks took root in his mind...
The gates unleashed and so did the fury and hunger as they thundered down the tracks as they pictured hunting down each foe and opponent...the wildfire had been unleashed and they were going to set this mile on fire....
Michael rode closely to the flame licked colt, his speed breath taking and exhilarating as they whizzed over the turf surface. Fire's massive lungs veraciously inhaled the clean air, giving life and power to his extravagant motion. They had worked hard and trained.
The last race, they had been denied, but no more. They weren't going to be walked over in this race, they would give it everything they have. Michael knew to not let App push Fire, but he also knew not to fall for his traps, maybe indeed...things could really go down in flames this one time for their old foe...just maybe.
