Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2012 6:59:03 GMT -5
Blue Me Away & Jacob Donovan
The colt was making quite the impression on the turf racing track, claiming five wins in only six starts. He had encountered a blip in the Magic Millions, placing third behind Abastor and Livin' The Jazz but had then bounced back onto his winning streak in the April Juvenile Face Off. All in all, he was an incredibly powerful young racehorse who was absolutely bursting with potential and, already at Grade Four, the stables had high hopes for him. Certainly, they hoped he would at least climb to the next grade before the end of the year.
Following their plans for the colt, he was next scheduled to run in May Week Two for the Follow The Hoofprints series - a new, two year old only racing series which would once again test him against the best of his peers. Of the races available to them, they had selected the Turf Classic for the colt - an eleven furlong race which would test the colt's stamina to it's limits. It was not expected to be an easy race, in fact there was no doubt that all of the stables would be sending their best into the series and while their was a variety of choice the classic would be popular with stables who hoped to send their horses to the Turf Triple Crown the following year.
The field as it stood promised an interesting race. Although there were only three entrants which had been declared, they were all strong and powerful horses. Certainly, it would see those horses fighting to prove themselves and to come above the others. Furthermore, Blue would be facing his rival in the race - Abastor of Intrepid Racing - and when those two came together sparks were always sure to fly. In fact, it was hald of the reason why they had selected the classic for the colt, rather than the mile.
Jacob had spent a little time looking over the other two entrants in the field, and was very excited about the race. He knew that they were tough competition, but to him that was half of the fun, and if he could come out on top it was always more satisfying when you knew you'd needed real skill to do it. What made it more exciting, of course, was that every race gave them a chance of victory and that every victory brought them closer to their next goal. With five wins now, they were only two wins away from Grade Three - the highest grade a two year old had reached the previous season.
Walking down to the track, the jockey considered what he knew about the entrants. Gate One - A Royal Legacy. Owned by Akita Rose Stables, raced by Stride Of Perfection Stables, and jockeyed by Amber Black, Legacy was a beautifully bred colt who had broken his maiden in April Week Two before showing in the Damoiseau Stakes in Week Four. He had competed in several major races, showing in three and placing fourth in another. Unfortunately, he had not yet held himself up to some of the more successful horses but that certainly did not mean he was not capable. After all, he had placed in the top three is five of seven races which showed he had the skill, it just needed refining. Legacy was a closer, he was one of those horses that were easy for forget about in a race until it was too late to do anything about it. Jacob would need to be wary of this.
The other entrant, Abastor, Blue and Jacob were more familiar with. Owned and raced by Intrepid Racing the colt was a rival to Blue, and when they raced they seemed to switch positions. Neither had ever really proven themselves to be superior over the other but for now Intrepid Racing had bragging rights, seems as they had come first in the Magic Millions. Still, Blue would be fighting to claim victory in this outing, to prove that Abastor was not better than him. Abastor was a preceder or a front runner dependant on situation, and had two wins in five races having never placed outside of the top three. The colt had been scheduled to race at Green Horse Fields the previous week but had been scratched and was, therefore, better rested than Blue. It didn't matter though - since losing in the Magic Millions the colt had become a truly ferocious and determined creature.
Blue had been kicking up a fuss in the yard, kicking at his stall door for several days and charging every time someone had gone to enter. He was clearly frustrated and ready to race again, his energy levels peaking. If he was recovering this quickly as a two year old, Matthias was a little worried what he would be like as a three year old. After all, most horses tended to become stronger and recover more quickly as they matured. Lucas had become the only one who could enter the colt's stall, and so it was him who had been asked to bring him down to the track for the workout.
Blue knew what tack and Lucas meant, he knew exactly where he was being taken and the energetic black colt had responded eagerly to being led from his stall by the small, blonde man. He moved well beside the handler, responded to everything he was asked, until they started passing other horses being led through the yard. Domineering Italian Ice, being led to pasture by Mia; stud Cryin' Out Loud with Jack. Every time they came across another horse Blue seemed to kick up a storm. He wasn't normally this bad, but clearly the competition was starting to make the colt more aggressive. Lucas wandered if perhaps he would benefit from another break and vowed to himself that he would mention it to Matthias.
Once they were out of the yard they seemed to be fine. Well, except for the fact that the colt was trying to yank his arm from it's socket he was so excited. At least that had not changed - the colt was determined to move onwards and get to to track as fast as he possibly could. Once they got to the track, he would be determined to start the workout and once the run had started he would not want to stop. It was his favourite past-time after all, and when he raced all it meant was that he had someone to go up against which fired up his competitive nature.
It was lucky that Jacob was already at the track when Lucas arrived with the colt - it saved the handler from having to try and keep the equine under control when clearly all he wanted to do was get started. Although Jacob did grin at the sight of the handler being dragged out on the turf when they first arrived. Still chuckling he walked over and laid his hand on the colt's shoulder. "Calm, Blue. We'll get started right away." his tones were soft as he spoke to his ride, and then he moved to the side of the colt before pulling himself into the saddle.
The planned workout would run over only two furlongs, and the colt would be held back. In some ways, it was perhaps a little risky - the colt would be left frustrated and more determined than ever. Still, it would help him to find what it took to beat out the other horses in the field and claim another victory. At least that was what they hoped would happen, although only time would really tell.
As they weren't using the gates Lucas led the colt further out on to the track. Blue tossed his head, half-reared and struggled against the handler's grip - now all he wanted to do was run and he knew it was so close, that all that was stopping him was the handler. The colt was determined, and Jacob could tell that there was no point in waiting for the colt to settle down. Instead, he rose in his stirrups and winked and Lucas, who knew what the jockey was about to do. As soon as they reached the two furlong point, Lucas released his grip on the colt who broke off instantly.
Jacob had quite the job trying to slow the colt down - all Blue wanted was to do was power forwards and he was quite unhappy when the jockey started to pull him back. To start with, the colt fought against the jockey's request - he continued to speed up to start with, was pushing forwards - but Jacob was stern, determined and soon the colt started to come under control. By this stage, however, the first of two furlongs had closed out.
The colt's movement was wonderful as he galloped up the track. He appeared comfortable, at ease with the workout. His head was held naturally, his powerful limbs moving with ease as they carried him over the turf. Jacob could feel the colt's frustration in the movement, however - he knew that all the colt wanted to do was increase his speed and show off. But he did not let him, he forced the colt to remain at the low pace as they approached the post. He was determined, and the colt was too. They passed the post, the colt clearly frustrated, and the workout was over. Now, Blue would be more determined than ever for the race - he would be longing for the chance to run, to compete, and to win. Yes, Blue was ready and Jacob was determined to give the field a real run for their money.
