In A Flash

[Cavallo]

IN A FLASH
featuring Lilith Wind & Mainspring

Things were looking up in the parade that was Intrepid. He couldn't stop the smile on his face as Adele and Fin exited the track. He looked over to see Jeff and Ariel pushing one another in laughter as their mounts practically danced alongside of them. Mainspring was taking in everything, his nares flared as he inhaled sharply taking in the scents, sensing the moods and dynamics on the morning wind. Ariel patted the colt's toned and powerful neck. His energy was contagious as Lilith danced in tandem to her workout partner, with Jeff reining her in as she grew excited. He paused to better control the juvenile as they made their approach to the waiting track and press. Lilith's eyes were suddenly white rimmed with excitement as she played up, but Jeff was quick to bring the filly back to the ground and placed a soothing hand on her neck. She snorted, but settled to follow Jeff's lead behind Ariel and Mainspring.

Mainspring had come so far this year, a colt of original origins was one of a kind as they came and he had truly begun to find his stride. It had been a steady climb and Ariel was determined to see their climb continue and with Jett's determination and talent she knew the forecast was bright. He was no longer just a lean and green up-and-comer, he was truly beginning to find his niche and Ariel couldn't have been more proud of him. Miracles could be worked with a horse that had confidence in their abilities. The foundation had been laid and now it was time to building upon it and what better chance than to go against the top horses in the game and both horse and rider couldn't wait to rise to the challenge. They always responded to a challenge and they were going to take on the biggest one yet.

Nick observed the two sprinters with a gleaming eye of appreciation. Lilith was living up to the legacy of her relations and she was primed for another round, one last shot this year to perform at exemplary levels and he could see the dancing hunger in her eyes. Lilith was ready for another round. He nodded to both Jeff and Ariel from the observation ledge as they each got a leg-up into their saddles. "You two are looking fired up today. They're looking great you two." Ariel smirked over at Jeff who rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. "What's the marching orders today boss man?", he asked as the chestnut filly rippled with muscles and power and underneath him, mouth chomping and playing with her bit as Jeff maintained firm contact, much to Lilith's overeager frustration. "Both have raced earlier this month. Take em' at a gallop for four and sprint the final two. Ariel hold Jett back the first sprinting furlong and then allow him his head the last one. Lilith needs the challenge and Jett needs to not be overconfident. We're entering these two into races where it could be anybody's game and I want them both hungry for the win and at the wire in a flash." Mainspring sidestepped in eagerness, he was a barely contained ball of energy as he watched horses flash by on the dirt track, but Ariel worked magic as she gave the boss man a brief salute and took the lead with a muttering Jeff in her wake.

Jett was lethal over the six furlongs and dirt was his specialty. Ariel felt the colt relish the surface as he charged forward in a collected, but powerful gallop as Lilith and Jeff settled in alongside them, a daring gleam in the filly's eyes and a gleam that both Winslow and Jett had no problems answering. They were a striking pair, a dark bay and a flaming torch as they warmed up on the first two furlongs and then the atmosphere shifted between the two equines, it was not longer just fun and games galloping, but rather a show of dominance as back and forth they bobbed one head and then the other in front and the frustration began to blossom in both equines, their riders remaining stoic and true to their instructions, much to their mounts dismay.

Jett had age and experience on his counterpart and knew it. He huffed as they flew through the next furlong, his mouth straining on the bit, but Winslow was resolute. His competitive spirit when harnessed correctly was a lethal weapon, but out of hand it could be a detriment, as they experienced back in August in the Tick Tock Sprint* and since then they had learned their lesson, victory was worth the wait and it didn't hurt when you had the power and turn of foot to sweep at the finish. Lilith was a simmering force waiting for her cue to strike as she held her own against the bay, but she wasn't decieved for one moment that she had this duel in the bag and Jeff kept the filly light on her feet as they flashed through the third furlong and powered up gradually as the duo entered the last galloping furlong before the show down. The anticipation was sizzling in the air, crackling with the promise of an impending release of speed and wrath and both fed off the energy as they squared off and took the breath before the deep plunge.

Nick watched the gathering storm as the two powered up and challenged the wind itself. People whispered about the bay colt of unknown origins and saw the marked brilliance of the Speed Demon daughter and all Nick could do was start the stopwatch and stare as the tip of the iceberg was unleashed in a flash of brilliance. Mainspring wanted nothing more than to power up and away, but Winslow stood true to her instructions and kept the colt in tandem with the lurking Lilith. The chestnut filly was like a coiled snake just waiting for the colt to move and she knew Lilith would be on them in seconds. Admiration welled up within her for her foe, but she would not be swayed into conceding defeat and as the final first furlong passed, she pushed aside all mercy and gave Jett his head. The reaction was immediate as the bay lunged forward with such force and confidence that caused Lilith to roar in challenge. Jeff saw Jett flash up and out and he unleashed his own simmering force of power and the wind demoness was all in to face the true challenge and he felt the filly's rising satisfaction of being allowed this brief moment to truly run. She gained on the colt to face him and that was the impetus that Jett needed to dig in once more and pull up and neck out over the rallying Lilith.

Nick clicked the stopwatch and whistled low as he watched the dancing horses on the track, Jett with a wild toss of his head and Lilith with the look of pure hatred and a promise of revenge. She was by no means the lesser horse here. The Juvenile was on the precipice of running with the older horses and time and experience would only sharpen her already lethal arsenal. A :23.71 2F sprint to Mainspring's :21.71 was nothing to be ashamed of and there was plenty left in the tank come race day. He smiled to himself, as he watched the clockers hum in approval as Winslow led her bay charge off the field. They may have come from unknown origins, but Mainspring was no longer an unknown entity and they were going to give the status-quo a challenge far above what was normal. Jeff slapped Lilith's neck in praise, but she was having none of the brief comfort as her eyes trailed after Mainspring with locked determination. There would be no concessions given again.