Post by Cavallo on Aug 30, 2012 22:34:15 GMT -5
[Arachne] & Jeff Sanders - Prep for the Ruffian Handicap*
With Training Partner - Atalanta & Kyle Landing
There was the call of war as the senior mare yelled across the tracks at the equally intimidating Arachne. The two half-siblings did not take a liking to each other in the least. Both were extremely dominant and neither was willing to submit and that was exactly what Nick had been counting on when he'd scheduled the workout.
Kyle kept a firm hand upon the legendary Atalanta. The two had such a close and special bond, that even in light of her burning desires to squash the younger Arachne she simply sufficed to yell death threats. Kyle sighed, but knew it would do little good to try and silence the mare...it was better to keep pushing her forward as they began to finish their warm-up.
Trailing behind was Ara and Jeff. The biceps in Jeff's arms bulged and flexed as he kept the bull-headed Ara two lengths behind the older pair. Easy Ara...easy... Jeff tried to sooth the filly, but she was inconsolable...so long as this demon mare loomed ahead of her. Her every instinct told her to bolt and defeat the mare, but her rider didn't seem to be getting the message. She cunningly played sudden submission and Jeff relaxed his grip in relief...mistake.
The moment he relaxed was the moment the three year old sphinx grabbed that bit and locked in on her target. Attie heard the thunder of hooves from behind and immediately responded. Kyle surprised gave a sudden yelp and got control once again of the brief runaway. He peeked under his arm to see how Jeff was fairing and what he saw was...well predictable...Kyle smiled as he remembered the few wild rides Attie had taken him on in her younger days....she still did. Jeff had gotten control once again, but he waved at Jeff...
We might as well just jump right in... Kyle got the message and settled into the saddle and Attie knew that it was truly game time. Ara gained her two furlongs in a few brief rapid strides and settled down next to the older mare. The two locked eyes in a deadly match of wills. Both horses were solid and exceptional closers...this would indeed be a test of wills.
The furlongs flew and neither horse gave an inch. Jeff looked to Kyle with a smile, as they two ran about the tracks almost in mirror motion. Ara was fresh and Attie was seasoned...each had an amazing advantage and both had the determination to fight...to the finish.
Jeff moderated Ara's speed. She fought for a second, but relaxed and the older mare gained a length...Jeff smiled as he felt the fiery rebellion growing with the depths of her belly. This was exactly what he wanted. Four furlongs gone, they sat on the back of the fifth and then...
Jeff gave Ara her full head as Attie charged down the stretch in her full glory. Never had such a glorious sight been seen...this wasn't just a workout...this was indeed the battle for the crown...the queen status if IR and the hearts of the audience that had all frozen and gathered in silent shock and admiration of the mirror reflections of greatness.
There were only a few horses that had ever caught Attie in her final death blow...and Jeff knew Ara would do it. He felt her momentum gain as they flew in the final stretch...life was like a blur...Attie and Kyle loomed ahead and then were suddenly nearby. The older mare and the younger locked eyes once again....the finish a few mere strides away... Eyes were locked and wills clashed as the finish faded from reality.
Kyle swiftly brought Atalanta under control, her eyes blazed fire and murder as did Ara. Jeff brought the younger horse under wraps as he turned her and looked to Kyle a look of wonderment on his face.
Did we?.. he left the question open and Kyle shrugged his shoulders...the two females locked eyes as a look of respect crept into their eyes...
Mirrored reflections of proven greatness. Jeff affectionately slapped Ara's boa and looked to Kyle...he was mindful to keep the distance between them... Looks like we'll never know.
Kyle smiled and whispered loving affections to the mare, she tossed her crown in wild abandonment, droplets of sweat falling into the air.
I don't know Jeff....but if Ara can run and match Attie here...you two will definitely give the competition the run of their lives..
A look of respect for the new jockey filled Kyle's features and Jeff mirrored the same...
Surely reflections didn't lie.
