Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2012 7:02:34 GMT -5
Prideful Limits & Alexia Harshing
As a two year old, Prideful Limits had started late and finished the year with only one result - a fourth place in the December Maiden Turf. Moving into his three year old season he had been a strong competitor, although lightly raced. Now four years old, he was still highly inexperienced. There were horses of two years old nearing his experience level, but what people did not know was that there had been a reason behind it all. See, now that he was more mature Perry stood a much better chance on the track. He had a nice record behind him, really, when you considered how little he had raced, with a total of three wins, three places and three shows in twelve starts. He had been in the top three in seventy-five percent of his races and that percentage was creeping up.
This year, Perry had not started racing until March and had only started three times - his results were one win, one place and one show with the place being in a major race. Having not managed to pull off the last two races he was frustrated and determined to get out there, but Alexia was selective with his races and had chosen the Palabra Stakes as his next start, a race over seven furlongs on turf where he would face against three other horses. It would not be an easy race, but Alexia felt that they had a chance and if they could pull it off they would move into the next grade.
The entrant from Gate One had been scratched, but Chicago Blues of Close Racing was starting in Gate Two. At five years old, the stallion was the oldest in the field and had raced in an incredible thirty-three races, claiming three wins, three places and eight shows. He'd had a relatively good year, placing in the top three in seven of nine starts and seemed to be quite a threat in the upcoming race. As a front runner, he would be racing alongside Perry.
The entrant in Gate Three had also been scratched, with Perry himself starting in Gate Four. Gate Five would hold Flying Solo of Intrepid Racing. Like Perry, Flying Solo was a four year old who had been relatively lightly raced but who had proven to be less consistent. Still, he had raced five times this year without placing outside of the top three and had placed third behind Perry in the Stable Face Off the last time that they had come head on head. He raced as a stalker, and would be looking to snatch the win from tired front runners.
The final entrant, starting in Gate Six was Star Thoroughbred's Royal Cadenza - a three year old who had raced only twice as two year old and five times this season. He was the youngest in the field, and the least experienced but having placed in the top three five of seven times he was also the most consistent. Caden ran as a mid pack horse, and would be closing off the field in the upcoming race.
Perry was in his usual mood - volatile - and as usual only the most experienced of the staff were allowed near him. Even so, he had managed to get a good kick to land on one of the grooms and they had been carted off to hospital with what looked to be quite a severe break. Another employee lost, at least they had all signed waivers that they understood working with racehorses was a dangerous business. Perry was among the worst - he didn't hurt people for fun, he hurt them because he hated them and he saw no wrong in what he did.
Lucas and Mia had agreed to work together in getting the bay colt down to the track and, arriving at his stall, even they were nervous. Once they had hold of him they should be okay, but the process of catching him was the difficult part. He would know that they were here, he would be ready for them. Meeting each other's eyes, they nodded and Lucas (being a man and feeling he should protect the woman) decided to go into the stall.
Perry was, as predicted, not happy about the intrusion. He tossed his head and went to rear, forcing Lucas to take a step back as he eyes the horse. Perry snorted, scratching at the ground in challenge and Lucas sighed. They were playing this game again, and it was never fun. He edged forwards, eyes never leaving the colt, watching for signs of an attack and seeing none edged a little closer. Perry went to bite, but Lucas was quick and moved his arm away in time to avoid the worst of the bite, although he did receive a slight graze to the arm. That was it, the handler had had enough. He moved quickly, grabbing the colt's rein and forcing his head up where he couldn't bite. He then led him from the stable where Mia took his other side.
The walk down to the track was no more eventful than usual. Perry tried to break free of them several times, but they were able to keep a strong hold on his rein. Once they had reached the track and the colt saw Alexia, however, things changed. If there was one person that Perry did not hate it was Alexia. In fact, the colt absolutely adored her. Alexia walked over and patted the bay brute's neck, looking him in the eye. "You need to stop causing so much trouble. Yes you do." the colt tossed his head and Alexia laughed, moving to the colt's side and climbing into the saddle.
"We're going for two furlongs without gates." she told the handlers who nodded and led the colt to the marker. "Ready?" Lucas wanted to talk to Alexia, something seemed to be going on that she wasn't telling him, but she only nodded. Already, her eyes were set on the track ahead of her and her jaw was set. She was too focussed on work to talk to him, and she understood. Alexia loved her job, nothing else ranked above it. Not even him, it seemed.
"Three, Two, One." The handlers released there grip on the colt's rein and he broke quickly, starting to move down the turf. Dry and solid, the turf had no give in it and would be harsh unless it rained before race day. Such did not look likely, however. Luckily, the solid earth seemed to work for the colt who continued with confidence with his speed building in every stride. Yes, this was the Perry that Alexia knew. Off the track he was a nightmare, but on it he was a dream.
It didn't really matter if they won the race, although Alexia really hoped they could. What mattered was building on his positive experience and providing him with the best preparation they could. The field, after all, was a tough one filled with strong horses and while they aimed for victory such was not always possible. As they closed off the first furlong Alexia felt alive. They were making amazing time, and it was only going to get better in the next furlong.
She folded herself to the colt's neck, cracked the whip and began to drive. Stride after stride they continued, but while the colt sped up a little it was not by much. His strength came from his ability to build a speed and stay at that speed, he made a lead and he was able to keep it in the stretch. Still, it was impressive and she was feeling confident. Around halfway through the final stretch, however, the saddle slipped. It was only a little, but it was enough to knock her off her timing for several strides. The cold faltered for a moment before carrying on and when they passed the post Alexia pulled him down. Her face was pale as she climbed off of the colt, she placed her hand over her chest. They had done well, but it had been close to disaster.
