Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2013 1:15:10 GMT -5
Paradise Island had gone downhill again since her win in the Independence Cup, and Jacey was beginning to lose hope. She had raced over the turf on a few occasions and despite the fact she was the Triple Tiara winner, it didn't seem to be making a difference. Jacey was hoping that in her next race back on the dirt, she could make her mark back at The Wire after being defeated by Blue Me Away over the turf. She was up against four filly and mare contenders in the Black Eyed Susan over ten furlongs on the dirt.
Jacey squeezed the filly forward and she walked out onto the soft dirt. It wasn't too dusty, but it wasn't too sloppy either, it was simply pristine. It painted a perfect picture. It was the same track that Sonja had earned her pedigree, now she was getting bigger and better - though a four year old, she still had some growing to do. She looked simply amazing as she climbed into her best years. She had a long way to go, but it had been decided if she was to retire this year or next year. She will race next year, and she will have a foal in Year 15. She would going to the Unicorn Horn Classic at the start of Year 14 and dependant on how well the season was going for her, she may carry on racing.
Spinning the filly in a few large circles, she walked her round whilst talking through the workout plan with Ivana. They were going to breeze five furlongs, to keep her steady and ready for the race without wearing her out. She was raring to go. The filly pricked her ears and chomped on her hanging cheek bit. It was comfortable in her mouth, as Jacey always used happy-mouth bits rather than french links as it means there is more contact as it is a slightly stronger bit. She trotted Sonja up the dirt and along the surface gently.
The filly rocked into a canter at the seven furlong pole - her head bobbed along and she tossed her mane energetically from side to side. She continued to lope along the dirt surface at a steady pace and Jacey stood in the irons, letting her romp on. She plugged on, ears flickering back and forth, she was enjoying herself, and as they came to the five furlong pole, she let her loose and sent her on her way.
She sped up but didn't rush - Sonja cantered energetically along the surface, tossing her head again before recomposing herself and rounding the bend, changing her lead as they came into the home stretch. Jacey let the filly have some rein and sent her on her way. The mare sped up and extended her stride. She didn't push her, she just let her run. Sonja's long stride covered the dirt with ease and she came into the final furlong, her huge bounding strides carrying her easily over the wire. Jacey patted the filly's neck. She was ready for this race, and she would defeat Fire Dancer… Jacey was doing this for Matthias. It was his filly, and now that he was gone, it was his legacy - it was his dream to have a triple tiara winner before he died. Now she was here. But it was up to Jacey to carry that legacy on now.
