Post by Cruisey on Dec 15, 2014 15:18:47 GMT -5
Gray Fire
Princetta && Sammie Pickett
Silver Serendipity && Devon Blackthorn
This heart of fire is burning proud
I am every dream you lost and never found
This heart of fire is stronger now
Build your walls but you can't keep me out
I'll burn them down.
Princetta && Sammie Pickett
Silver Serendipity && Devon Blackthorn
This heart of fire is burning proud
I am every dream you lost and never found
This heart of fire is stronger now
Build your walls but you can't keep me out
I'll burn them down.
Carter was pacing around the track’s racing office like a nervous wreck. It was Firestone’s first Breeders Cup in the barns’ history, and Carter didn’t know how to act. He was thankful that he actually had horses that qualified for this prestigious day, and he owed it all to the barns around the country who had given him horses. Technically, Firestone was still a new face to the racing scene, with only having few accomplished racehorses and an abundance of young horses that hadn’t made a mark in the racing scene yet. But it was with Carter’s help that a little filly by the name of Silver Serendipity had climbed up the rankings to get that grade three status just months after claiming her from the In Stride Reclaim Sale in April. Her last workout clocked in at 40 seconds, an extremely fast time for a 15 hand horse. Not only did he upgrade Demi, he helped Intrepid Racing get the daughter of Hail To Prince x Blanchette to a grade one status. The mare had been cruising along nicely in the undercard races until the last part of the season where she placed in all of her HOTY races with the exception of The Flower Bowl against a tough batch of turf horses. The mare had also won her last race in the December Turf Stakes, and Ripley Marsh said she could be tough competition in the Breeders Cup.
While Carter broke a sweat, the two silver horses were tied in their stalls getting ready. Silver Serendipity would be running in the Breeders Cup F/M Turf Sprint at 7 furlongs, whereas Princetta would be adding 3 furlongs to Demi’s race and would be running in the Breeders Cup F/M Turf at 10 furlongs. Demi stood quietly as her groom finished wrapping her legs in the respective black and red polos of Firestone Racing. The three year old looked about ready to fall asleep, her eyes slowly shutting despite the hustle around The Wire’s backstretch. Malva on the other hand was getting impatient. Her short-temper with noise didn’t mix well with the backstretch environment, as she was anxiously shifting around in the ties. Bridles were on and so was the race for the Breeders’ Cup title. Horses were coming and going from the track, and it was time for the two mares to make their way to the turf. Carter walked with Sammie and Devon while the two horses were lead in front of them.
“Sammie, you’re up against some of the toughest turf horses yet. Horses like Stalking The Stars, who has been dominating the undercard races, Passion Heart who you just faced and only won by a head, Dare To Impress who almost won the Turf Triple Crown and Fleet Majesty who has been a real tough competitor this season. Malva has the advantage of age and wins, but that doesn’t mean let up any time soon.” The petite girl nodded in concentration. “I want you to stay where she’s comfortable. Don’t push her out of her limits. If she wants to be last, let her be last. You and I both know she has the stamina to fully complete her outside ascent to the wire.”
“Devon, this is your first real ‘big’ race. Your only competition so far is Innocent Passion. This is not a horse to take lightly. She’s beaten Flying Solo multiple times in the older sprint series and even he is a tough stallion. You have to watch her behind you. There is no real front leader in this race and her jockey will most likely have her come from behind.” Devon nodded. Truth be told, Carter was a bit worried about the dual between the grade one and grade three horses in the Breeders Cup. Anything could happen, but a place was better than nothing – especially in a prestigious race like this one.
They had reached the track and Carter helped give both jockeys a leg up. Sammie settled onto Malva’s back and Devon did the same with Demi. Before they made their way onto the track, Carter stopped the both of them to give instructions.
“All I want today is a nice ¾ mile gallop. No breezing, no racing against each other. This is pre-race time, and every stride and breath is important in the performance of these horses, especially since Demi has just raced. No gates will be used; you may start galloping once you feel both of them are ready. I’ll be waiting here at the end.” Carter patted Demi and then allowed the jockeys to step onto the dirt track. They would have to cross the dirt to get to the turf track, which sounded easier than done. Both jockeys had to time it so that they trotted across with no horses galloping by. Walking on the edge of the track, Devon signalled to Sammie that the coast was clear and they trotted across the track to the turf opening. As soon as the Demi stepped onto the soft turf, she let out a giant whinny, which pierced the ears of her rider.
“Really Demi, was that necessary?” Devon asked the little horse, who seemed to puff up in size. Malva pinned her ears at the younger horse and picked up a stronger trot. Sammie rose in her stirrups, feeling the powerful stride of the horse beneath her. Demi trotted alongside the older horse, who matched her size and stride perfectly. Devon loved riding the silver horse because he loved her stride. Despite her size, her strides were long and fluid like he was riding a 17 hand dressage horse.
Sammie stood tall on the gray mare, which were all eyes and ears. Malva’s strides were efficient and her expression matched how she was feeling; ears forward and eyes shining. She knew she was no Estella Marino, but the horse didn’t take too much offence to that and has actually started to trust her. Before they both knew it, the horses broke into a perfectly synced canter. Demi’s nose was tucked into her chest – somewhat mimicking the frame of a perfectly trained dressage horse – as she cantered strongly beside the almost white mare. Malva’s ears were still forward, enjoying the change of pace. Devon’s stirrups weren’t at jockey length since they were just galloping today, so his legs reached halfway down Demi’s barrel. Sammie preferred the jockey-length stirrups on Malva because it helped her balance more for race stimulation.
Both horses weren’t the sorts to be aggressive towards others, but something must have been up with the younger filly as she lunged for Malva, teeth bared. Squealing, the white horse bolted, threatening to buck. The jockeys were caught off guard; Devon was crooning to Demi to calm her down while Sammie was fighting to stay on the romping mare.
“What did you put in that filly’s feed there, Dev?” Sammie yelled across to the man atop the wired Demi.
“Beats me Sam, she just feels good, I guess.” As if nothing had happened, the two regained composure and were cantering side by side again. So very strange… the blonde girl thought. The two never realized that their starting point had been reached and the two mares eyed each other before rocketing off. Devon was having a hard time controlling the speedy filly; all she wanted to do was rocket off in front of Malva. If Carter saw them duelling, he would have both their heads on a plate.
“Demi, slow it down,” The man grumbled to the horse, who had the bit between her teeth and was ready to run off. He had to give her one strong yank before she finally listened and was galloping at a reasonable pace. Malva and Sammie had no problem settling into a nice galloping rhythm. With each stride, both horses started to really relax and roll smoothly along the turf.
Sammie hunkered down on Malva’s neck, following the movement of her neck and her smooth stride with the reins. The horse was buzzing with excitement and she definitely felt fresh and well rested. Devon was perfectly balanced on top of his mount, who was chewing at the bit, eager to run more. Demi showed no signs of fatigue since coming back to The Wire from Green Horse Fields. Her ears were pressed forwards and her breathing was even.
It was nearing the end and both mares knew it. To a viewer on the sides, all that could be seen was a tangle of gray on gray. Tails streamed behind the horses like a silver banner, and anyone could see the fire in the eyes of the horses. The jockeys allowed a tiny portion of the reins to slip from their fingers, increasing the galloping pace from moderate to a little bit faster. The greys moved forward in unison, crossing their finishing point in a dead heat.
When it was time to slow down, Sammie had no problems bringing Malva to a trot. Her eyes were shining and Malva’s expression was filled with pride and happiness. The blonde girl was feeling confident in her mount, and all she could hope for was a clean race. Devon on the other hand was having great difficulty slowing the three-year old down. Demi’s expression matched that of her partner, but it held the mischievous look of a youngster. While Malva was trotting, Demi had other ideas and continued to canter beside her. With a final tug on the reins and a growl from Devon, the young horse slowed down to a trot. She definitely did not feel like she had just raced, which proved to be on the positive side.
From the side of the track, Carter was nodding in approval. He definitely thought these two would be tough competition in the following week, and he was excited to see the outcome.
While Carter broke a sweat, the two silver horses were tied in their stalls getting ready. Silver Serendipity would be running in the Breeders Cup F/M Turf Sprint at 7 furlongs, whereas Princetta would be adding 3 furlongs to Demi’s race and would be running in the Breeders Cup F/M Turf at 10 furlongs. Demi stood quietly as her groom finished wrapping her legs in the respective black and red polos of Firestone Racing. The three year old looked about ready to fall asleep, her eyes slowly shutting despite the hustle around The Wire’s backstretch. Malva on the other hand was getting impatient. Her short-temper with noise didn’t mix well with the backstretch environment, as she was anxiously shifting around in the ties. Bridles were on and so was the race for the Breeders’ Cup title. Horses were coming and going from the track, and it was time for the two mares to make their way to the turf. Carter walked with Sammie and Devon while the two horses were lead in front of them.
“Sammie, you’re up against some of the toughest turf horses yet. Horses like Stalking The Stars, who has been dominating the undercard races, Passion Heart who you just faced and only won by a head, Dare To Impress who almost won the Turf Triple Crown and Fleet Majesty who has been a real tough competitor this season. Malva has the advantage of age and wins, but that doesn’t mean let up any time soon.” The petite girl nodded in concentration. “I want you to stay where she’s comfortable. Don’t push her out of her limits. If she wants to be last, let her be last. You and I both know she has the stamina to fully complete her outside ascent to the wire.”
“Devon, this is your first real ‘big’ race. Your only competition so far is Innocent Passion. This is not a horse to take lightly. She’s beaten Flying Solo multiple times in the older sprint series and even he is a tough stallion. You have to watch her behind you. There is no real front leader in this race and her jockey will most likely have her come from behind.” Devon nodded. Truth be told, Carter was a bit worried about the dual between the grade one and grade three horses in the Breeders Cup. Anything could happen, but a place was better than nothing – especially in a prestigious race like this one.
They had reached the track and Carter helped give both jockeys a leg up. Sammie settled onto Malva’s back and Devon did the same with Demi. Before they made their way onto the track, Carter stopped the both of them to give instructions.
“All I want today is a nice ¾ mile gallop. No breezing, no racing against each other. This is pre-race time, and every stride and breath is important in the performance of these horses, especially since Demi has just raced. No gates will be used; you may start galloping once you feel both of them are ready. I’ll be waiting here at the end.” Carter patted Demi and then allowed the jockeys to step onto the dirt track. They would have to cross the dirt to get to the turf track, which sounded easier than done. Both jockeys had to time it so that they trotted across with no horses galloping by. Walking on the edge of the track, Devon signalled to Sammie that the coast was clear and they trotted across the track to the turf opening. As soon as the Demi stepped onto the soft turf, she let out a giant whinny, which pierced the ears of her rider.
“Really Demi, was that necessary?” Devon asked the little horse, who seemed to puff up in size. Malva pinned her ears at the younger horse and picked up a stronger trot. Sammie rose in her stirrups, feeling the powerful stride of the horse beneath her. Demi trotted alongside the older horse, who matched her size and stride perfectly. Devon loved riding the silver horse because he loved her stride. Despite her size, her strides were long and fluid like he was riding a 17 hand dressage horse.
Sammie stood tall on the gray mare, which were all eyes and ears. Malva’s strides were efficient and her expression matched how she was feeling; ears forward and eyes shining. She knew she was no Estella Marino, but the horse didn’t take too much offence to that and has actually started to trust her. Before they both knew it, the horses broke into a perfectly synced canter. Demi’s nose was tucked into her chest – somewhat mimicking the frame of a perfectly trained dressage horse – as she cantered strongly beside the almost white mare. Malva’s ears were still forward, enjoying the change of pace. Devon’s stirrups weren’t at jockey length since they were just galloping today, so his legs reached halfway down Demi’s barrel. Sammie preferred the jockey-length stirrups on Malva because it helped her balance more for race stimulation.
Both horses weren’t the sorts to be aggressive towards others, but something must have been up with the younger filly as she lunged for Malva, teeth bared. Squealing, the white horse bolted, threatening to buck. The jockeys were caught off guard; Devon was crooning to Demi to calm her down while Sammie was fighting to stay on the romping mare.
“What did you put in that filly’s feed there, Dev?” Sammie yelled across to the man atop the wired Demi.
“Beats me Sam, she just feels good, I guess.” As if nothing had happened, the two regained composure and were cantering side by side again. So very strange… the blonde girl thought. The two never realized that their starting point had been reached and the two mares eyed each other before rocketing off. Devon was having a hard time controlling the speedy filly; all she wanted to do was rocket off in front of Malva. If Carter saw them duelling, he would have both their heads on a plate.
“Demi, slow it down,” The man grumbled to the horse, who had the bit between her teeth and was ready to run off. He had to give her one strong yank before she finally listened and was galloping at a reasonable pace. Malva and Sammie had no problem settling into a nice galloping rhythm. With each stride, both horses started to really relax and roll smoothly along the turf.
Sammie hunkered down on Malva’s neck, following the movement of her neck and her smooth stride with the reins. The horse was buzzing with excitement and she definitely felt fresh and well rested. Devon was perfectly balanced on top of his mount, who was chewing at the bit, eager to run more. Demi showed no signs of fatigue since coming back to The Wire from Green Horse Fields. Her ears were pressed forwards and her breathing was even.
It was nearing the end and both mares knew it. To a viewer on the sides, all that could be seen was a tangle of gray on gray. Tails streamed behind the horses like a silver banner, and anyone could see the fire in the eyes of the horses. The jockeys allowed a tiny portion of the reins to slip from their fingers, increasing the galloping pace from moderate to a little bit faster. The greys moved forward in unison, crossing their finishing point in a dead heat.
When it was time to slow down, Sammie had no problems bringing Malva to a trot. Her eyes were shining and Malva’s expression was filled with pride and happiness. The blonde girl was feeling confident in her mount, and all she could hope for was a clean race. Devon on the other hand was having great difficulty slowing the three-year old down. Demi’s expression matched that of her partner, but it held the mischievous look of a youngster. While Malva was trotting, Demi had other ideas and continued to canter beside her. With a final tug on the reins and a growl from Devon, the young horse slowed down to a trot. She definitely did not feel like she had just raced, which proved to be on the positive side.
From the side of the track, Carter was nodding in approval. He definitely thought these two would be tough competition in the following week, and he was excited to see the outcome.
