Post by Cavallo on Nov 21, 2012 20:30:22 GMT -5
Nightshade & Michael Landing
Cosmic Warfare & Kyle Landing
It had been three weeks since Atropa's last race, a race that had put the black bay filly one win closer to Grade Three. Most of the filly's main competition had inched into the G3 realm. Michael had been watching Ventura closely. The rival filly had claimed her G3 win July Week 4 and was out again on the tracks on The Wire to steal another win. Michael wore a grim face, people said Intrepid pushed Atropa too hard for her juvenile season...well they didn't know Atropa. Nick had put the filly on three to two week breaks between her once a month races, July being the exception....but the thing was...Atropa didn't take well to being away from the track for too long. Her rambunctious nature didn't settle well to being couped up in her pasture. Her lively nature turned destructive which left the barn maintenance crew putting up a new stall door. Michael had been relieved when he said that he was running both Nightshade and Cosmic Warfare in the Harbinger Stakes on The Wire. It would be good finally have Atropa back into good racing spirits. The black bay filly was intelligent. She knew when she was just being conditioned and when she was prepping for a race. Michael knew the filly would be in great spirits now. He jogged out to the barn and bumped into Kyle. Kyle smiled at his cousin. Heard about the race this week? Michael nodded as he and his cousin walked across the paddock to the barns. Yeah, just read the board...are you ready to have Cos get crushed by a filly half his age? Michael teased and Kyle rolled his eyes. Whatever...I'll see you on the track in 10...
The two laughed and parted each racing off in opposite directions. Kyle walked into the colt barn, stopped by the tack room and grabbed the necessary gear. He walked through the aisle, to the end of the barn where a stable hand was just finishing grooming the tall, regal grey. Kyle smiled as he watched his colt playfully interact with his groom, lipping at the lad's cap and attempting to steal it. The lad slapped his hat back on and chuckled good naturedly at the grey's playful antics. Kyle hated to break the moment, but he was certain that Michael would already have Atropa warming on the tracks. Thanks Peter, for getting Cos ready. The lad turned and smiled at Kyle and quickly packed up his grooming gear to allow Kyle in. The colt nickered excitedly upon seeing Kyle. Their first race together was noteworthy, placing third in a very competitive field, but Nick and Kyle were certain that things would only be getting better.
The bond had definitely been sealed between the two. Kyle rubbed the grey's thick , muscled neck in greeting as Cos turned slightly to sniff him. Hey there boy. Let's get you saddled up and show Michael and Atrop who's boss of the turf. Shall we? The colt huffed and Kyle just chuckled as he had the colt saddled in no time flat.
As expected, Michael and Atropa were already breezing on the track as they rode up. Come on boy, let's get warmed up. The two horses were a stark contrast on the green track. Michael discreetly took peeks at their competition and he had to admit that Cos and Kyle were looking terribly fit. He patted Atropa's neck. The black bay filly needed no encouragement in their workout, she was more than thrilled to be on the track and she knew that a race was in the air.
It was going to be a fast race with some hard knock competition with a lot of competition in the back. GS Royal Crown was a juvenile that Intrepid had sold on to Witch Creek. The grey colt had done well this year for WCS, winning the Follow the Hoofprints Turf and three other first places, placing outside of the money only three times. He would be on the lead of this race most likely. Following Crow would be Mizadori most likely. This three year old filly had had a solid career this season, placing outside of the money only once so far. Then in the rear it would be his Atropa, Cos and Calle Ocho from Close Racing. One of the oldest horse in the field at the age of four, this colt boasted the most experience. Michael took note of it.
Michael looked ahead on the track, as Kyle and Cos pulled up along side of them. They both spotted Nick at the same time as he waved them over. The two pointed their horses to the rail. Nick smiled. Both horses looked breathtaking and ready, he felt bad for what he was about to do. Kyle...you and Cos are being scratched. It's too closer heavy and I want Cos' next race to be a win. Nightshade is more rested and ready for this race. Kyle's features fell a little, his grey charger stomped a foreleg impatiently. Atropa eyed the colt with an imperious eye. Michael gave Kyle a sympathetic eye. He knew what it was to be psyched and prepped to run a race and take Nick pull the horse, but this was when the jockey really had to trust Nick's judgement. I understand Nick. This will just give Cos and I more time to bond and prep. We better take the win though next go around. He smiled and Nick was glad his cousin was taking this graciously.
Thanks for understanding Kyle....Hey that said though...I still want you to help Michael and Nightshade prep for this race. She'll be going up against an older horse just like Cos...so it'll be good practice. Kyle and Michael grinned mischievously at each other nodded and spun their mounts on a dime, thundering down the turf. Who needed gates to start a race?
The older colt eyed the younger filly as he went to the inside rail, beating the dark filly to it with his longer, more developed stride. The filly would one day be able to look Cos directly in the eye, but she was still growing...still developing and for now he had the edge of age and maturity, but she didn't seem daunted in the least.
As one the two horses tore around the track. Michael and Kyle caught eyes and smiled, the wind ripping at their hair and clothes, each astride a whirlwind of speed and finesse. This was why they ram. Yes...they were hopeful that Nightshade could steal this win...and maintain her unique record of a top two placing, but it was here, two men doing what they loved and coming together to help the other. Whatever came on race day, Cosmic Warfare and Nightshade would have all the support they needed with the Intrepid team. Nick watched as the two tore about the track...two brother in spirit and two riled horses pushing each other to become better. He couldn't stop his smile. This was a deadly combination, talent and fun with a flair of competition. This was deadly warfare and they would be ready to meet the challenges come race day.
