Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2013 2:16:15 GMT -5
It was the time of year that no one would forget, the races that would ultimately stamp down on the fame and glory that were to come to the horses who won them. December Week Four was quickly approaching and it was time to show the other stables that we were the little stable that could. The flight with the filly over to the track wasn't a long one, and only lasted a couple of hours, but it wouldn't be until two days after the Breeders' Cup that they would be coming home, ready to settle in for a new year. The year had been a quick one, but it wasn't stopping some horses from rising to fame within the blink of an eye.
Jacey Leigh Lanning was on the road to coming back after her miscarriage - she was a proud owner and trainer of the fine filly which would be going over to race in the Breeders' Cup. The race was still undecided but it looked likely that Winning Touch would go to the Filly and Mare Sprint, where the current entrants included Afterglow, last years winner, and After Dusk. After Dusk would be starting in Gate One. She was a good filly, and looked strong even after a rough and rocky start to the year.
She hadn't won any major races this year, all minors but she had places and shows in major races. Dusty raced over the perfect distance for this race, as her preferences meant she could race over nine furlongs aswell as being a sprinter. She had taken seven wins this year, two places, a show, and the rest were fourths. She looked strong but with her wins only in minor races, would she be outclassed by Stormi?
Gate Two was the real contender. With thirteen effortless wins including four of which from this year, Afterglow was the favourite for this race. She had thirteen wins to her name after reaching the Grade One status after winning the December Dirt Stakes. Under new jockey Valencia Andrews, she looked strong, fit, and extremely willing to take the victory in the race today. It was the race best suited to Winnie and the race which she would hope to dominate this year in preparation for the Ladies' Classic next year.
The morning had broken and Jacey walked out of her office, along the barn and to Winnie's stall. The filly had settled in nicely overnight and it was now time to take to the track. Ivana was already awake, grooming the bay filly and plaiting her name to make her seem presentable. The reporters outside the stables were ready with their cameras. We have a lot of press wanting to hear about this filly, Ivana. So we'll both answer some questions prior to the workout. Thank goodness that we came late last night, I wouldn't have been able to cope last night, Jacey laughed.
I'm nervous though, Jacey. Ivana said. I don't want to make myself seem like a fool, like last year when I rode Danny and he just completely flibbled in the Juvenile Turf. She said. Jacey frowned. Hey, you won't. Trust me on this one. This filly is going to woo them all, so go out there and knock em' dead sweetie. Jacey said, a huge grin swooping across her face as she let her brown curls fall from her head. Ivana, feeling convinced, smiled and nodded. She put the fillies dark blue rug on and her leather headcollar with a chain before leading her out of the stall. Standing before the press, Ivana forced a smile as the filly stood, ears perked looking around.
Questions were being fired. What are your race plans for next year? One reporter asked. Well we have nothing definite yet, but we have some great plans for you. I guess you'll just have to wait and see. A grin swooped across her face. When will you be retiring her? Another asked. Maybe at the end of Year 14 or 15. It depends on her performances. She replied again. Are you going to the Unicorn Horn Series at the start of Year 13? She was asked. You will see us there. A grin was stamped on her face.
More questions were fired and more questions were answered, and everything stayed under control. After half an hour it was time for the workout, and Ivana had taken the filly to her stall. Jacey proceeded into tacking the filly up whilst Ivana changed into her gear.
