Post by Snowflake on May 16, 2013 7:16:57 GMT -5
BORN TO IMPRESS WORKS FOR THE PREAKNESS STAKES
Of the pair of Star Thoroughbreds' Kentucky Derby entrants, War Cry had definitely been the favourite to win. But Born To Impress had emerged from her shadow finally and taken the Derby in heart stopping style. He had shown to world what he was really made of, finally, and proven his lineage. Now came another big question - was he good enough to follow in his sire's hoofprints? Could he take the Preakness Stakes as well? Could he be good enough to become a Triple Crown Champion?
Of course, it came down to not only being good enough, but a bit of luck as well. And so far, it looked as though luck might be on their side. Impress was the only colt in the field, and the field was also consisting of just three horses. Sizzling Dawn was a surprise entry from Stride Of Perfection Stables. The front running filly was grade three and had run well so far this season, but this would be her first run against the top three year olds. She had so far been playing it safe in small fields and small races, avoiding the major Triple Crown prep races completely. She did, however, have the advantage of being rested.
Nightshade was the other entrant. The black filly had come out from nowhere to claim second in the Kentucky Derby, after not having been seen since March. She had again not been seen since Derby day, but they would definitely not discount her in the Preakness Stakes. Nightshade would run behind them during the race, and Sizzling Dawn in front of them. If everything went right to plan, Born To Impress would have a great chance of flying past the finish line in first. Impress was feeling great and he was letting everybody know it. He refused to stand still while Sarah was launched onto his back, and was off in a flash the moment her legs gave the slightest squeeze to his sides.
The workout was happening later than they had originally planned but it was no problem for Impress. It was just a matter of avoiding reporters for Sarah. They had practically been stalking her and Impress since his Derby win - there were many with high expectations of the colt due to his heritage, and they had many questions. Most of the questions were basically the same one: Can Impress win the Triple Crown? The answer was unknown at this point, of course. The Triple Crown was very difficult to win and only two horses had done it in GHF's history. Impress' bloodlines didn't matter when he was racing, only his desire to win.
The colt trotted with his neck arched and his tail raised so it flowed behind him like a silky banner. He was showing off, of course. There were many fine young fillies about, and just as many colts he needed to compete with. After about fifteen minutes, Sarah allowed him to quicken his pace to canter. Impress ducked his head and launched himself forward joyfully, kicking up his heels slightly. Smiling, Sarah gathered the reins again as her thoroughbred settled, starting the focus on the task at hand now. He knew now that galloping wasn't too long away.
They were going to gallop six furlongs, sprinting the middle two, and galloping out two. So she would let him go at the four furlong pole, drive him on between the two furlong pole and the finish line, then slow him down gradually in the two furlongs that followed. It was a solid maintenance workout, to keep the colt fit while taking the edge off of his energy, without tiring him too much for race day. The four furlong pole was not far away now, as Impress had a quick canter. Sarah quickly ensured she was ready for the quick burst of speed by adjusting her feet in the short stirrups and leaning closer to the colt. Three, two, one...
Impress made the near-instant switch to gallop with a surge of speed. Sarah quickly took a firmer hold on the reins, rating the colt so he didn't run his top speed right off the bat. They moved closer to the inside rail, and hugged it as they rounded the turn. The two furlong marker was ahead and Born To Impress began to tug on the bit in anticipation of being released to his full potential. Sarah eyed the marker and waited a few moments, letting the thoroughbred begin his sprint to the finish right on time.
His strides became faster and stronger, and his hooves pounded the dirt harder and yet more lightly at the same time. Impress reached full speed quickly, and continued to hold it until Sarah took in the reins again and leaned back, slowing the colt effectively. As they galloped out Sarah felt pride swell inside her and knew Impress would do his best in the Preakness Stakes. He was born for this.
