Post by Cavallo on Nov 7, 2012 23:41:10 GMT -5
Top Admiral & Nick Landing - Prep for Prince of Wales Stakes
The War Admiral son had just started his racing career, but at three years of age the black colt was mature, intelligent and bringing everything to the table. Nick had decided that it simply would have been an utter shame for the TC lined colt to never enter a TC race. They had a shot. In racing, grades really didn't matter. What mattered come race day was the sheer talent and grit of each competitor and the tactics of their riders.
The black beast towered over others and yet there was such a grace about his movements and motion. The wind whipped the colt's black mane and Nick licked his dry lips, feeling them crackle all the more. The weather was cooling rather quickly, but Nick and the horses didn't seem to mind, it only made everything and everyone seem more alive. Except for Admiral it seemed. The colt was running cool and cold as usual as though bored with the routine warmup. Nick could feel the colt growing slightly irritated, but he continued at Nick's request. He didn't see a need to challenge the man at this moment.
Eight furlongs Nick galloped the colt. Nice and steady. He felt Admiral's rhythmic motion and determined strides. He was as sound as an ox and as fresh as ever. Speed wasn't an issue for this guy. His haunches were bulking and huge, storehouses of power.
The competition was proven and had more experience, but as said, Nick knew that in a race it didn't matter how many wins a horse had to their name...it came down to which horse had the edge for the day...and Nick knew that Admiral had it. He released some of his hold on the black colt and like a well oiled machine he upped his pace. The black colt was utterly unique in every way. Dominant, but not abrasive, confident, yet not brash, front runner and closer. The colt was a running oxymoron and it had to be what Nick loved the most about the colt. He thought strategically about the colt's upcoming race. It was going to be great experience for the colt and he simply knew that there was no way for the black to be left in the dust. The colt simply did whatever it took to win and Nick was just here to encourage that line of thought...WIN.
He knew they would be looked at as the severe underdogs, but let them think that while they charged down the homestretch, hopefully upsetting the show....What a riot that would be...to upset the Canadian TC favorite Instant Success...the new Top Admiral. Nick tasted the thought and he relished it. Admiral seemed to pick up on Nick's pleasure and asked for more of his head. He laughed, the colt knew...running faster...more pleasure...more pleasure well...what was better? The colt was truly having a hedonistic moment and he wasn't going to deny him that if it meant a victory for them in the upcoming race.
Ashes to Ashes was a good colt as well with a versatile running method, very similar to Admiral...the exception being that he would either be front or a preceder. Instant Success would be running unchallenged in the back, leaving the front to Admiral. It was the perfect setup. Admiral ran like a tank. Nothing phased him on the tracks...and it would be interesting to see Ash try and press them out of their pace. That would be happening. Cold and collected, pressing Admiral would be like saying a machine has emotions...wasn't going to happen.
They would get to set the pace and if Ashes passed them...that was fine...because they would be waiting for the small chestnut in the back. Admiral could run as closer and if indeed Ash passed them...they had no issues running neck and neck with the race favorite and bring the crowd a show they'd be dying for...and the louder the crowd screamed the faster Admiral would get.
Nick smiled....yes...they had a chance and they were going to light this track on fire come race day and leave in their wake a breeze of instant Ashes. Win or loose...they would leave the field with their pride and honor intact.
