Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2012 15:25:47 GMT -5
The previous season had been a strong one for Dark, who had taken six wins throughout the course of the year including notable races such as The Stable Face Off, The Handsome Mile and The Breeder's Cup Mile. Things had been looking up for him, and then his four year old season had brought with it a troubling start when he had not even managed a top three position in the Unicorn Horn Mile. Luckily. Jacob had been able to bring things back under control however when he claimed a win in the Spring Cup Grade Three, pulling the colt into Grade Two.
Two weeks later, and he was at The Wire track, preparing for The Wire Finish Cup Dirt, where he would face a field with four other horses. It would mean preparation and work, but Jacob was willing to put that in. Even though he knew Dark was capable of great things, he had set his sights lower, aiming for a top three finish in the prestigious series which had only just started to run again.
His neck arched, he moved across he dirt with power and poise. He was a powerful creature, and he had matured well. He was a racehorse with potential, and this year it was hoped that the potential would truly show. No one was sure if Dark would run another year after this, but they had all vouched to see how he was doing in himself. If he was still strong and healthy there was no need to pull him off of the track, after all.
Jacob was already mounted, the handler leading them out onto the dirt for a three furlong gallop. No gates, no messing about. Just a preparation gallop to blow off any extra steam and ensure the colt was ready to run his best against the field. TDI Live This Lie was a strong competitor, and like Dark would be confident following victory in the Spring Cup - except Falsehood had been a grade higher than Dark; Knight Rosseau, who had also won this season although he had raced much more than Dark had so far; Heartless Revenge, who was having a good season but lacked the experience of most of the competitors in the race; and Predator who was younger and less experienced despite his strong achievements and consistency.
The field was set. Dark would start in Gate Five, but that bothered nobody. Jacob watched as Lucas released his grip, moved across and ducked under the rail, and the jockey knew the time was on them. Three furlongs, and they would storm it as quickly as they could. He urged the bay colt forwards, drove him toward the post. Above them, dark clouds showed that a rain storm was on it's way in.
The dirt was dry underhoof, but it would not be come raceday. The colt responded well to commands, was moving at a good speed as the jockey continued to urge him on. They were picking up speed, the colt showing off the acceleration which had helped him numerous times in the past, his head low as he powered onwards. The ground was closing quickly, thunder clapped overhead and Jacob cracked the crop. They were fighting now, in the final stretch. In a race, every stride would count. They would have been running hard, taking over their competitors one by one. Maybe they'd already have left the leader behind, but they could still be chasing them down.
They passed the post and Jacob slowed the colt, patting his muscular neck. They had done what they could, not they would just need to perform come raceday.
Two weeks later, and he was at The Wire track, preparing for The Wire Finish Cup Dirt, where he would face a field with four other horses. It would mean preparation and work, but Jacob was willing to put that in. Even though he knew Dark was capable of great things, he had set his sights lower, aiming for a top three finish in the prestigious series which had only just started to run again.
His neck arched, he moved across he dirt with power and poise. He was a powerful creature, and he had matured well. He was a racehorse with potential, and this year it was hoped that the potential would truly show. No one was sure if Dark would run another year after this, but they had all vouched to see how he was doing in himself. If he was still strong and healthy there was no need to pull him off of the track, after all.
Jacob was already mounted, the handler leading them out onto the dirt for a three furlong gallop. No gates, no messing about. Just a preparation gallop to blow off any extra steam and ensure the colt was ready to run his best against the field. TDI Live This Lie was a strong competitor, and like Dark would be confident following victory in the Spring Cup - except Falsehood had been a grade higher than Dark; Knight Rosseau, who had also won this season although he had raced much more than Dark had so far; Heartless Revenge, who was having a good season but lacked the experience of most of the competitors in the race; and Predator who was younger and less experienced despite his strong achievements and consistency.
The field was set. Dark would start in Gate Five, but that bothered nobody. Jacob watched as Lucas released his grip, moved across and ducked under the rail, and the jockey knew the time was on them. Three furlongs, and they would storm it as quickly as they could. He urged the bay colt forwards, drove him toward the post. Above them, dark clouds showed that a rain storm was on it's way in.
The dirt was dry underhoof, but it would not be come raceday. The colt responded well to commands, was moving at a good speed as the jockey continued to urge him on. They were picking up speed, the colt showing off the acceleration which had helped him numerous times in the past, his head low as he powered onwards. The ground was closing quickly, thunder clapped overhead and Jacob cracked the crop. They were fighting now, in the final stretch. In a race, every stride would count. They would have been running hard, taking over their competitors one by one. Maybe they'd already have left the leader behind, but they could still be chasing them down.
They passed the post and Jacob slowed the colt, patting his muscular neck. They had done what they could, not they would just need to perform come raceday.
