Stalker.

[Cavallo]

<sub>ABASTOR & JEFF SAUNDERS PREP FOR FTH TURF CLASSIC

I can't believe it! Jeff kicked a feed bucket as he then walked over to lead the black colt, fully tacked out form the barn. Nick shook his head, a slight grin on his face as he followed the British jockey out form the barn.

And you're sure Blue is going to be there? Jeff had that incredulous look on his face as he hoisted himself into the saddle. Aba picked up on his mate's stress and he tossed his head and side-stepped slightly almost letting Jeff fall on his rear. Jeff caught the colt's black mane and managed to save himself the embarrassment of falling in front of his boss. ABA!!! he practically screamed as he saved himself and found his seat astride the tall black thoroughbred. Nick smiled at the two...they really did make a great pair. Nick held the bridle of the colt while Jeff got himself situated...he was still fuming.

You know...I bet the only reason they entered Blue into the classic was to get back at Aba for winning the last race...stalkers... he muttered the last word. His mind flashed back to the Magic Millions...that had been such a crowning moment for him and the colt and the race that had really sealed the deal...the relationship between Jeff and the black colt. So far this season, Nick had raced the two year old carefully and selectively. He was glad that he's scratched Aba from last weeks race when he saw who the other two horses were in the field. This wasn't going to be a walk in the park. Blue would be coming back with determination and vengeance and Legacy would be hungry for the win as well...

The key here was to want it more. The black colt had a great record, with five starts, two wins , one second and two thirds...he had yet to finish outside of the money and Nick and Jeff credited that largely to the sheer aggressiveness and determination that lurked within the untapped depths of this Bucephalus son. The rivalry that had formed between Blue and Aba wasn't without warrant and, if truth be told, Blue was a worthy foe to have. The colt had five wins to his name out of six races...his one hiccup had been Abastor. Sparks flew when the two colts were near and it was this that they would feed off of come race day.

Take Aba three furlongs...no more...no less. Blue and Aba are going to push each other the whole race, but be mindful...Legacy will be closing and running unchallenged from behind, so you have two threats to be mindful of.... Jeff nodded as Abastor nearly took off, but Jeff qucikly spun the colt and faced Nick again..

This is our chance...to defend the title and really establish Abastor as a turf threat. Blue has some major wins to his name..he's established....Let Aba feel the need to win...he needs this and not just the normal need....I want him to feel the desperation of the possiblity of loosing to these two horses on the field...Don't feed into Blue's drive! He'll be coming hot and ready with even the sight of Blue, but you hold Aba...he's gonna want to push Blue and drive him nuts...but hold him....let him linger slightly behind...let Blue and his jockey wonder why there's not as much pressure and then...when the finale comes and Legacy is charging....let him feel the rush, the need to respond. He's quick on his legs and you and I both know he's known for his speed in the end.....let Legacy fuel this and then you let him lock onto Blue...and believe me. He'll run for you like nothing you've seen before. Nick smiled and slapped the black's rump, sending the colt bursting forward into his canter around the track, letting a buck fly in his exuberance. Legacy was going to have to be a close horse to watch in this race. The Merry bay King son was due to break out soon and with the distance and temperament of Blue and Aba...Nick was sure that they'd try to play off of that...in hopes that Blue and Aba would be too absorbed with each other that they wouldn't see Legacy coming, but Nick was prepared....that's why it was so key, that they drive Blue from a distance....it would give Blue a false sense of security and would ensure that Aba would have the speed, drive and stamina to fend off the underestimated closer, A Royal Legacy. Legacy could very well steal the show.

Abastor was alive. He was fired and he sensed the electricity in the air.....he fed off the atmosphere...he fed off of the desire he felt flowing from the reins into his mouth...and it ran down the length of him into his effortless stride. They were out to prove themselves and they were going to die trying...come one....come all.

The desire flowed throughout the dark form's entire being as the turf flew and the ground seemed to face away. The three furlongs was a joke to the black and as they passed the third furlong he pulled on the bit asking Jeff for more, but soon found the opposite being required of him. His desire was overwhelmed by frustration as the black colt entered a battle of wills with Jeff, but the colt and the man knew the language of each and soon Jeff had Abastor slowing down into his canter as he pointed the colt back to Nick. Abastor shook his head and frame and trilled a cry of a desperate need for more...he had tasted what would be required of him come race day and he was all to eager to comply. Nick smiled and slapped the colt's lathered neck as Jeff rode him by, back towards the barn.

Now he knows and now he can reply to the request we've asked of him...come race day... you two are going to give the competition a run like they've never experienced and come win or lose....you and Aba are headed for greater things...mark my words....mark my words... Jeff shook his head at his boss' words, but he couldn't help but stop the small smile that had creeped up onto his features. He had felt the colt respond to his desire....to his need and had felt the similar spirit in Abastor. There was no doubt in his mind. This colt wanted this run...wanted this race....and wanted to win. Badly.

Word Count: 1,076</sub>