Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2013 6:24:04 GMT -5
The field for the Just A Trot Futurity, the first leg of the Youth Challenge, was looking strong. In fact, it was perhaps one of the most competitive juvenile fields which had been seen all season. Yet such competition was expected - the Youth Challenge series set the best dirt juveniles apart from the rest. It was what made it special, what made a win in these races really count. Still, Lillith could not help but be a little concerned as she looked down the entries. Elle was a strong racer, but would she be able to hold out against this field?
For the last three weeks the filly had been off the track, the stable focusing on preparing her for the series and the challenge they had known she would undoubtedly face. As a result she was well rested, ready for competition and as ready as they could have her yet an important question remained - would it be enough? Lillith was hopeful that Elle and Lucas had the talent to run well, but that was not everything in this series. Luck had to be on your side too.
Eight entrants had been declared, including Elle, although the status of Radiation Therapy had yet to be confirmed as the colt had been entered in races both on the dirt and turf that week. Either way, at this stage Lillith would act as if he was indeed racing the Just A Trot Futurity as to be unprepared was unacceptable. After all, these races could make or break the filly and they didn't want to waste her abilities.
Elle herself would be running from gate one. It put her close to the rail, and as long as she did not allow herself to become trapped this would be an ideal starting position. She was not the most experienced horse in the field, but she did have a strong base behind her and her name was not unknown. With any luck, that experience would give her enough to draw on in this competitive environment. Also running were Limited Edition, who had proven himself a strong racehorse throughout the season; Battle Wings, whom Elle had nosed out the last few times they had met; Flashpoint; Anodyne, who was making a comeback after a long lay-off; Reflected In Water; Radiation Therapy; and Headstrong.
All in all, the field was best described as front-heavy and the exact way in which things would run as a result would be difficult to predict. However, it could be said that the race was likely to have a furious pace and in some ways those horses that ran further back in the field would have an advantage. At least they would, if smart riding wasn't brought it. But Lucas was a smart rider, and Lillith would discuss a theory with him later - after the all important workout.
For the last three weeks the filly had been off the track, the stable focusing on preparing her for the series and the challenge they had known she would undoubtedly face. As a result she was well rested, ready for competition and as ready as they could have her yet an important question remained - would it be enough? Lillith was hopeful that Elle and Lucas had the talent to run well, but that was not everything in this series. Luck had to be on your side too.
Eight entrants had been declared, including Elle, although the status of Radiation Therapy had yet to be confirmed as the colt had been entered in races both on the dirt and turf that week. Either way, at this stage Lillith would act as if he was indeed racing the Just A Trot Futurity as to be unprepared was unacceptable. After all, these races could make or break the filly and they didn't want to waste her abilities.
Elle herself would be running from gate one. It put her close to the rail, and as long as she did not allow herself to become trapped this would be an ideal starting position. She was not the most experienced horse in the field, but she did have a strong base behind her and her name was not unknown. With any luck, that experience would give her enough to draw on in this competitive environment. Also running were Limited Edition, who had proven himself a strong racehorse throughout the season; Battle Wings, whom Elle had nosed out the last few times they had met; Flashpoint; Anodyne, who was making a comeback after a long lay-off; Reflected In Water; Radiation Therapy; and Headstrong.
All in all, the field was best described as front-heavy and the exact way in which things would run as a result would be difficult to predict. However, it could be said that the race was likely to have a furious pace and in some ways those horses that ran further back in the field would have an advantage. At least they would, if smart riding wasn't brought it. But Lucas was a smart rider, and Lillith would discuss a theory with him later - after the all important workout.
