bolide

[S u N f r O s T ~]

BOLIDE
In The Spotlight & Valencia Andrews - Breeders Cup Turf
a term used to describe an exceptionally bright meteor, typically will produce a sonic boom

The sun slanted through the trees surrounding the barn, and Amber blinked at the blaze of sudden light against her eyes. She looked away, smiling as she did so, feeling some of the warmth in the otherwise cold winter air. Her green eyes immediately locked onto the form of the young woman approaching her. Valencia Andrews glared defensively at her boss, tossing her hair impetuously and then proceeding into the barn. The click of a camera followed her in, and Amber laughed. It looked like Valencia was letting the annoyance of the press get to her. The woman was prickly on most days, and downright didn’t tolerate the press unless she got to brag to them. But with Breeders Cup workouts to be done, Valencia was not in an obliging mood. And neither was Amber, for that matter. She knew the press would be only seconds behind, and she had to escape while she still could. She struck out for one of the shortcuts she knew of to the track, eyes twinkling merrily all the way.

In ten minutes, Amber Black was welcoming In The Spotlight with Valencia Andrews aboard for the first of Stride Of Perfection’s workouts. The three year old filly danced in place like a yearling, whinnying loudly and appreciatively as the cameras flashed and the press took note of the filly. In The Spotlight had become a crowd pleaser this season. The recent winner of the World Turf Cup was impressive to look at, built sleekly with muscles rippling if you cared to look for them. Her chestnut coat was a thing of beauty, gleaming like a new penny in the sun. Her tail billowed out like a banner behind her as well. Valencia looked smug as she let Innie dance sideways, always keeping her in hand but allowing her to move. The win in the World Turf Cup had really drawn attention to Innie that had been there before, but not as strongly. A three year old taking a premier race like that brought attention.

Amber drew Valencia towards her with a sweep of her hand. Valencia’s eyes quirked in surprise, but she drew closer aboard her filly. Amber pitched her voice so only Valencia could hear her. Valencia, I want you to know something - I believe in this filly’s ability. I don’t ask my three year olds to go into races like the World Turf Cup, especially not the Breeders Cup Turf. It’s not that I have no other candidate for the Turf - I truly believe Innie deserves the spot in this race. And that means I want you to head out there on race day aiming to win, not just to place. Yes, you’re against Bella Luna, and odds are that the mare will get you in the end...but that doesn’t mean you give up. Got it? Valencia snorted with amusement, but nodded, eyes gleaming. She had an indomitable fighting spirit already, and Amber’s words only bolstered her confidence.

In The Spotlight swung onto the racetrack like a greyhound, body low and hooves flying into the gallop. Valencia knew exactly what the workout plan was - run quick for five, push for three. Innie was coming into the Turf off of three weeks rest. She was facing not only Bella Luna, but Abastor and Lookin Back Lucky. Abastor was an older horse who they’d taken down in the World Turf Cup, and Lookin Back Lucky was in their age-group and placed consistently in big races while never quite winning them. In The Spotlight was among the upper echelons of turf mares in her generation so far, having defeated the World Colt Cup winner as well, one time, the highly touted Paranormal Hunter. She would bring a lot to the table on race day - her energy and capability to wire fields as well as the bull-headedness to not give in.

Amber watched the filly she had bred flashing down the backstretch with easy energy and power. She looked calm and was rolling, clicking off precisely the fractions that Amber wanted all along the way. Valencia knew she felt as though she was sitting on an entirely different horse. This Innie moved like a horse that hadn’t run a tough three year old campaign through the Turf Triple Tiara and the Green Mile series. She moved as though she’d rested, and there was a sharpness to her motions that both jockey and trainer appreciated. Valencia settled calmly and rode the chestnut out through the first five furlongs. Innie gradually accelerated as she knew she would, but never exceeded the set boundaries. But then they hit the last three eighths and Valencia leaned lower over her neck, releasing the cannon and letting her fly.

Innie exploded as though she’d been standing still. She rocketed around the final turn and just galloped on, heedless of anything but the appreciative shout Valencia gave her and the turf beneath her hooves. The world was a blur and it was just the way Valencia liked it. She whooped as they crossed the wire, pumping her fist in the air and heedless of the display of revelry. Amber was much more serene, but even she couldn’t help the broad smile on her face. Innie was ready to hit the Breeders Cup Turf with her best shot, and it would be a hell of a race.