Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2012 23:41:45 GMT -5
The filly's first start was good for her age. Standing at the sweltering height of seventeen hands and one inch, the filly was to make her second start in the Kraken Maiden, over seven furlongs on the turf. She'd place second first time out behind older and more experienced colt, Ashes To Ashes, who belonged to Akita Rose Stables. I, Meghan would be riding the filly today, as Ivana was out on the dirt riding Union Jaque in the Ruffian Handicap. Sighing, I groomed the filly down. She had always been a very aggressive filly, but no one knew where the aggressiveness came from. Watching her in the sale room was like a heart skipping a beat. A filly with pure potential.
The filly's velvet coat stood out from the rest of the yard. She didn't mix in like some of the blunt colours, she leapt out right at you, her eyes a piercing bright green colour. She was definitely one to watch out on the racetrack, and though today she was up against two tough competitors, she would still potentially keep her consistency level with four runners in the field. Eyeing up the line-up, I bit my lip and thought of the best tactic. How far ahead do we go? Looking down the competitors again, one horse stood out. Cross My Heart was also a front runner, but tomorrow she wouldn't be. We were determined to have that lead, and nothing would stop us. She won't tire. The training has left her in perfect form and ready.
Arlequinn was another two-year-old in the race. He raced last week so fingers crossed we were at an advantage today as the colt might be tired. The colt was a strong closer, and one to watch from behind. It would be a close call between the whole field tomorrow. You could tell. Two maidens placing second in their debuts, then two maidens yet to make their debut. We were uncertain but then again, everyone is uncertain as it all comes down to the wire. I tacked up the filly and secured everything before leading her out and mounting up. The filly shifted her weight and I slowly eased her forward. Watching the birds, the other horses working, and many more things that look so different whilst on board this fine,well conformed filly. Just breeze today I think... get her used to me. We'll do a proper workout next time.
I smiled and squeezed her into an elegant trot. She had a much longer stride. She lowered her head and tucked it in, flicking her toes out as she took the advantage to show off. I giggled slightly and stood up in my stirrups as she broke into a steady canter. I allowed her to get the feel of me. She ignored everything, but me. Her canter was smooth and she lifted her knees high. She definately had a good stride. I squeezed Night forward a little more until the canter was now a steady gallop. Night carried carried head the same, beautiful and elegant. I felt her change his leads instantly as we entered the corner. Well what a beautiful filly this is. I kept her in this steady gallop around the turn. Her hooves hit the turf, flinging it back in chunks. The turf was soft and fast. Perfect. I smiled.
As we entered the home stretch, I brought her back to a steady trot, then walk. We continued to walk until we got to the starting pole at the five furlong post, which was slightly shorter than the race itself. There stood the gates. They took hold of the rein and began to walk Night in. Her ears perked up and she slowed. I gave her a little squeeze and she went back in. Good girl, Night. I took my crop out my belt. And semi leaned forward, ready for the break. Briiiinggg. The bell. The gates burst open and Night leapt out very quickly, hogging the rail. I stood up and let the filly go. She kicked turf up behind her and she snorted. It was like she knew she was racing now. On board, we were about to go round the clubhouse turn.
She still hogged the rail and I kept her at a steady gallop, nothing to intense just yet. With each stride, Night would snort. The pace was so fast. Surely we couldn't keep this up. I niggled Night a little more, and received an instant response. She picked up the pace almost instantly. Coming round the home turn, I showed Night the whip. I was hand riding her, not using the crop, nothing. I began to fully urge, and Night pricked her ears and off she went, powering over the turf. We came into the final furlong. I relaxed and stood high in my stirrups, patting Night's neck. We crossed the line and I grinned. "You got it girl. Let's go kick some butt." I smiled and patted the muscular black's neck.
