Post by S u N f r O s T ~ on Jun 13, 2014 20:39:54 GMT -5
ODE TO GLORY AND KRYSTAL YHATE
ROYAL CADENZA AND VALENCIA ANDREWS
CADEN'S WORKOUT FOR THE FOURSTARDAVE/MALIBU
Krystal Yhate could not keep the exhilarated, happy smile off of her face. Ever since Call of the Wild had shocked the press by thundering home to place second in the Belmont Turf Classic, it had been hard to quell her happiness. Call had made a statement and served notice with that dramatic improvement and brave performance. He was going to be the next horse of the ages if Krystal had anything to say about it, or at least a horse respected. Similar wishes to what she wanted for the horse she currently rode. Ode To Glory had fallen from glory without fully experiencing it, and now he was on the long trek back up. One win from grade one, Ode's times had been steadily improving over the past two weeks. Most notably, ever since Ode had clinched victory two weeks ago in a minor series race. But they were back in the big time again, heading for the Seashell Cup. It had been a slight change in plan, an effort to shake Ode up by taking him to a different track. Ode had a race this week and the Seashell Cup in two weeks after. He had to be ready. A lot of effort was being expended to make sure that he was, indeed, prepped and set.
Royal Cadenza, on the other hand, was a true rising star. The five year old stallion had experienced a skyrocketing career ever since he joined the ranks of SOPS and Valencia was smitten with the stallion's arrogance and talents. He had gorgeous bloodlines and four wins on the season, including one just last week. And now they were really stepping into the big time with planned appearances in the Fourstardave and the Malibu. Caden was zero for two at a mile this season, but boy could the stallion run well. He had run well all season at any distance, and Valencia was confident of continued success. If they actually had horses show up for the Fourstardave, which currently boasted an empty field. Valencia could have snorted in annoyance, but chose silence instead to communicate her feelings. They would just have to settle for defeating who showed up to it, and wait patiently until then.
Caden sized the gray four year old up and snorted. Nostrils flaring, he turned sharply and led the way to the track. Ode eyed him, some steel entering his gaze. Krystal felt the change and wondered if Caden knew what was coming to him. The arrogant black was facing a horse that had grown and matured into something far more deadly. Caden had gotten better, but so had Ode. It was immediately apparent as they began to gallop that Ode was not taking a beating sitting down - instead, he moved to be the one giving out the attacks. He met Caden stride for stride, unusually on the muscle as they began to gallop down the rail, around the first turn and into the stretch. Krystal did not move a muscle as she allowed her powerhouse to exert his authority. Caden lightly pushed off the turf, ease in his movements as he dropped back slightly to track the headstrong Ode into the backstretch. Valencia sat chilly, also making no motions aboard the black stallion's back.
Ode kept up the steady clip as they raced down the backstretch. He remained strong and true, each stride brimming with power. He looked the flashier of the pair down the stretch - surprising considering the heights Caden was reaching these days. But Caden was similarly not to be outdone. He would not take this sitting back and relaxed. He raced forward now as they hit the final turn, determination burning in his eyes. His muscles flexed as he suddenly powered forward, blazing a trail for the stretch. But Ode did not stray from his side. In fact, Ode did not stray from his leadership position. Perception on both his part and Krystal's led to them going with the tide. Their position on the outside disadvantaged them slightly, but the minute they hit the stretch it became clear he was still in front. A minor battle became a full blown conflict as the two put on the jet boosters and raced for home. Eagerness for victory battled against hidden talent, merged and reformed between the two racehorses as they ran for the glory they and their riders craved.
They hit the wire, fast and furious. In the shadow of their exit, Amber Black could be seen, grinning widely as her two hopefuls thundered under the wire. SOPS had been a bit weak over the turf recently, perhaps, but these two stallions were out to strengthen that roster tenfold.
