Powerful Emergence

[Cavallo]

Powerful Emergence
Featuring: Nightshade

Nightshade was here again. It wouldn't be their first attempt over the sand courses here, but this year they had ever intention of having different results and if anyone could make that happen it was Nick Landing. He'd had the most experience as a trainer and rider over the sand and he'd been running the black bay filly periodically over the sand courses all year long to prep for this moment, the moment of redemption. Michael held the reins of the keen eyed filly as they took in the familiar sight with Nick flanking his brother and mount on the other side.

"We're here again little brother, same race, but I think we have a different animal here." He slapped the filly's neck in appreciation, which she returned with a slight pinning of her ears and a mild toss of her head before returning to gazing upon the white glistening sands of the track. She was edgy and aggressive after near miss in the BC Classic, but she was better for it. This was exactly the outlet needed and they couldn't of had a better competition to truly push themselves. Nick ran his hands along the filly's frame feeling for soundness and grunted his approval as the hard muscles rippled beneath his hands. She had never been this fit or mature and Nick knew that Y15 was going to a year of solidarity for the Frontier daughter. She wasn't fading, she was gaining momentum and they were going to ride that going forward right into a powerful emergence.

There were wild cards in this race, in the form of Bella Luna and Dare to Impress, and they were not to be overlooked. Then there was also the more familiar faces in the likes of Red Herring, GS Supercharged and Eternal Phantom. No one wanted this victory more so than him and Atropa, Michael mused as he adjusted the stirrups on the saddle as Atropa chewed in defiance on the bit. "This isn't going to be a walk in the park Nick, but I think if we race this tactfully, armed with our need for redemption...we can do this." Nick stepped back to see the determined gleam in both horse and rider's eyes and he nodded. He had faith in them both. "Harness that passion, you'll both need it to have the power to steal the win..." Michael nodded and waved his brother over for the leg-up, which he accomplished with ease as he flew through the air momentarily only to land in one of his most favorite places in the world. She snorted and pawed powerfully at the ground as Nick stepped back to give further instruction, when there was snort and shuffle of shifting sand in the background. Michael looked behind him with an arched eyebrow to see a spitfire filly approaching with a grinning Angelina Voldaire sitting astride.

"You and Nightshade against Voldaire and Night Goddess. You'll gallop for four and then handily for two. Run them smart." Nick instructed with a nod as Michael met Angie's challenging gaze. How better to prep against the turf wild cards than a current and fresh turf face? He nodded and sent Atropa out over the sand with Goddess parallel to their every motion as they galloped over the sand. Michael felt the initial pulling motion of the sand on the filly's hooves, but she was quick to adjust as her hooves began to skim the surface. Night Goddess lagged slightly as her feet sank into the sand, her time on the firmer surface of turf wasn't much of a preparation for sand, but after two furlongs in she seemed to settle into the stride, her eyes gleaming in challenge to the quiet calculating Atropa.

Nick hummed in appreciation as the fillies flew over the ground, each now properly warmed and accustomed to their surroundings. It was four furlongs in and now it was time to shine as the striking blacks took to the task at hand with passion and zest. Michael felt Atropa's driving need to be unleashed, but he gradually upped their pace as the two fillies revved like rolling freight trains for home. She was power personified as she tucked in and drove one last time at Michael's bequest and hedged out their counterpart by a length and gaining.

Night Goddess snorted and fought, but the final blow had rendered her response too late. Michael gradually rated the filly back and Nick could only hope and nod in approval. There was no denying their wanting this...wanting this race that had been her only flaw last season. Wanting this race to dethrone their arch rival. And wanting this race to finally have her powerful emergence.