throwing knives

Aug 19, 2012 12:47:33 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2012 12:47:33 GMT -5

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EXECUTIONER'S APPRENTICE

[/color][/b]
workout with
TOBIAS LANCASTER
for the
THE FINISH CUP MILE[/color]
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It had been a sudden decision, and something of last-minute one, too. But that didn't mean there wasn't time to prepare and prep. The Wire Finish Cup, one of the most prestigious races at the circuit in question, and they were headed into the mile. Eight furlongs, on turf. A favorite distance of the stallion Tobias sat one, the dapple grey with the trademark red shoulder. Executioner's Apprentice. But just because they'd settled on a race that was his favorite distance and, of course, turf for the turf monster, didn't mean this race was in the bag. They had some element of surprise, yes, by entering at the last second, but it would all come down to good, hard work.

"Okay, Tobias." Skylark looked up at him, clipboard in hand. "One of the entries is Firebird, then we also have Lynara's Kingdom and Cajun Moon. They're all good horses, all strong. But I believe we have a chance if we play this right. Of course, Firebird and that crew will know App. We've bested them twice before, and they'll probably want to close with him with us in the pack. Just remember, be a rock out there. Pressure them on, push them on, drive that race no matter what, but don't let them drive you. If they try, just set your own pace. If you end up in front, set your own pace and then just run away with that race. They'll either have to catch up, or take in front, and either way you're going to drive them with some luck and skill. Try speeding a little into the curve, too. They won't expect pressure there, and no matter what they think of App's running style, they won't expect it. Catch them off guard, and use it. Got that?"

"Righto." Tobias nodded, looking over the turf.

"Keep a clear head, and get out there. App is smart, he'll go with you. We'll go the whole mile, get a good solid work done." Skylark nodded, and with that, Tobias Lancaster wheeled the dapple grey colt around, and to the gate. Getting into the gate wasn't an issue, really. Executioner's Apprentice had long since gotten used to the gate as a meaning of a run to come, and so the fidgeting and fighting was kept to a minimum, which was good. With a race of this caliber, similar in nature to the Breeder's Cup, it was all about practice and strategy. They could work out a strategy anytime, but it was only practice that brought it close to perfect (as true perfection was totally impossible, unless you were God or something) as they could possibly get it to be.

The gates sprang open, and with them, App. The grey looked almost colorful against the green turf - red-shouldered, with a black mane and tail and dapples - App was about as colorful as any horse called "grey" could get. He was also steady on his feet, and Tobias could feel the hooves as if they were his own. Each step was sure, with no hint of lameness, which was good. He would need all four feet, and he would need them to be sound. Muscled rippled under the stallion's coat as Tobias brought him out, away from the rail. They wouldn't run on the full outside, but neither would they run right next to the rail and risk boxing. Right in the middle, where App could go either way, and possibly force along anyone on his outside, as well. It would also give them room for shenanigans in the curve. Everyone knew App stalked the other horses, but most often, everyone let up a little in the fighting in the curve itself, to avoid disaster. But App was surefooted, and a little pressure there might just give the other three horses a surprise.

However, they had to practice it first. Tobias saw the curve coming up, and gave App a little bit of the stick. App sped up a little as they moved into the curve, and kept that pace through it. He didn't go and run through the bit, however, which was good. There would be no bit-running! That, after all, could cost them a race if he just went for broke too soon. However, once they were out of the curve, then he could go for broke. Right now, it was a little bit of a pre-show as they rounded the bend, past the white blur of grandstands, and then out of it again, six and a half furlongs into the eight furlong race. This was when moving even faster was part of the equation.

Tobias gave the stallion his head for the most part, and the stick. This was the time to move. The rest of the field would be moving as well, and it was important to get App going. The horse was a fighter, yes, but Tobias wasn't too concerned with the Prison Hill stud getting caught up in battles. He had a brain in that head of his, and that would help them. Still, Tobias kept enough of a hold on the reins that he could intervene if necessary, and keep App focused on the task at hand. This was one race, after all, with a recurring horse - Firebird, and it would be interesting to see the dynamics between the two horses. It was also another reason they were switching it up a bit, and giving a little extra at the six-furlong curve rather than doing exactly what was expected. A little change was a good thing, and would hopefully help their chances.

They flew past the eight furlong marker at top speed, and once they came down from it, went back and joined Skylark, who was writing on the ever-present clipboard. "I like what I see. I think we have a shot at it." Skylark said with a nod. "Just remember. Take nothing for granted. There's always a wildcard factor. We've worked hard, and we'll keep working hard, but always be aware." After all, the horses in the feild were going to pose a risk. There never wasn't risk, but all of them had strengths. App had the experince, but anything could happen in a race, and the Prison Hill crew knew better than to count anyone out. They were going to be prepped and prepared, too. It would all come down to the wire, Tobias was sure.

"We will be, I promise." Tobias said, giving Executioner's Apprentice a pet before dismounting. "Isn't that right, Appie? We'll do our best, and see if we can give 'em a run for thier money." As in in agreement, App whinnied.

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WORKOUT STATS