Disputed Turf.

[Cavallo]

Disputed Turf.
Featuring: Samhain & Acantha & World Dominion

Michael buried his head into the black mane in relief. Samahain made Night Visions look like an angel and quite frankly he was eager to continue on with the Warlock son's training. His classic season had been stunted by Intrepid's absence in the beginning of the year, but he'd remained consistent throughout and now it was time to really push on the gas for his career. Sammy was more than ready. He snorted almost disdainfully at Michael's show of affection, but made no other dramatic moves as his eyes zeroed in on the familiar form of Acantha. The Grade Two daughter of Like A Cheetah and Rosalind was her usual prickly self as she took to the turf with a cool command. Kyle felt like it was Christmas Day as he led the bay filly over the grounds to the track. People would watch and stare at them as they passed, notating the prideful gaze of Prick and his beaming smile. Prick was back in the Intrepid colors, her brief training at Valkyrie having worked wonders with the bay. She moved with fluid and easy grace and barely deigned to recognize the cold glare of Samhain as they stood calmly before them waiting on Nick as he sauntered over with Angelina Voldaire and a bounding chestnut juvenile.

Samhain and Acantha simultaneously pinned their ears at the juvenile's approach, sensing the over-energetic and cocky vibes rolling off the flashing looking World Dominion. Angie had been floored initially when she'd seen that Ethan Marino had assigned her as Duke's rider and since then she'd been a shadow in the colt's daily routines. It was apparent that Duke was not a horse that ever usually got insecure of anxious, but he did have an over-abundance of energy. His strides were jaunty and bouncy with the growing excitement reflected in his eyes. Michael slapped Samhain's neck affectionately and Kyle did the same as they watched the firstborn of Champion Hall of Famer Alluring Assault approach. Nick watched the colt's movement and had to fight the smile from full-out errupting. To say that he was excited for Duke's debut was an understatement and right from the get-go he would be training with the best and that is exactly what Samhain and Acantha were, the best. He waved Angie forward as she smiled at the two guys shyly. They winked at her, but then looked to Nick for instructions before mounting up.

Nick's eyes roamed first over Samhain and then Acantha and finally World Dominion and found nothing in their appearances to be lacking. The three looked at Nick expectantly and then he addressed them as cool and calmly collected as ever. He was proud of these trio, and was more than excited to see what Y15 held for them all, but it all began here...on the tracks working. "They all look great guys. Better than ever and hopefully they will run even better than last year too. Today we're stretching their legs for the two older ones and testing the limits here for Duke. Angie I don't want you pushing him. I want to see how far he'll go on his own." Angie nodded as Duke continued to prance in place alongside her. Nick smiled and couldn't help but be reminded of the last chestnut who'd raced for Intrepid who'd had that much energy...Firebird had turned out well...He had similar hopes for Duke. "Gallop them a mile and take them home in three."

Michael grinned glad to be back in full action once again with Sammy as he got a boost up onto his back and settled in before sending the black flying out over the turf. Kyle muttered at the flying Sammy, but once he was settled him and Prick were hot on the colt's heels, Acantha running cool, calm and collected with a steely glare. She meant business. Angie was hard put to restrain Duke as the others launched into action, but Angie smiled down in thanks to his groom as he held Duke as she gathered herself in the saddle. She didn't even have to ask Duke to move before he was tearing into motion, his eyes locked onto the leading Samhain and Acantha. Angie sat and allowed Duke to stretch minutely, closing the gap in seconds to settle sharply onto Prick's flank. It appeared Duke wasn't the type to make the obvious choice for the lead, but rather stalking was his game. Nick watched the cunning of the juvenile already at work as he watched and observed.

Sammy was lethal on the rail as he galloped with the measured quality of one who's more than experienced as Prick galloped alongside him. Michael and Sammy knew better than to waste time trying to intimidate the bay filly, they would have to play a smarter game to get the best of this cunning minx. Kyle and Prick were galloping with a cat-like fluidity and it was clear that of the three, she was the most fluid mover. It was easy to watch her as she galloped with finesse and confidence over the turf. Duke was her shadow. She felt the juvenile's presence sharply, but knew better than to react. There were two fronts to fight this battle on and both her and Kyle wanted to have more than enough in the tank.

Samhain and Michael upped the pace gradually as they rolled through the eighth furlong and Acantha followed right along. Angie and Duke were trailing as all hell then broke loose. It was like an explosion as Samhain and Acantha collided like the Titans of old. They pulled up and away fast, that had left Duke momentarily stunted, but Angie did no prodding. Now was time to see what kind of horse the son of Alluring Assault was. She sat poised and light in the saddle as Duke realized what had happened and his response was thunderous. Nick whistled as the chestnut threw himself forward with revenge in his eyes as he closed the gap, reaching Prick's flank, ears pinned in determination. Acantha sensed the gathering colt and launched into her final assault on the boys. Kyle smiled, he didn't need to prod as Acantha put on the speed and ran away with a turn of foot that bespoke of brilliance. Samhain had been expecting and as Acantha exploded once more he moved to snake in on the inside, but the move came milliseconds too late to rip away a clear lead. Duke refused to cower and in the face of the adversity before him he didn't crack...he fought and dug deep again gaining speed to catch the leaders a few strides after the finish. Angie let the colt gallop out as she slapped the colt's neck in praise. To hold his own like that against proven turf veterans...she couldn't have asked for more. Acantha was pleased with herself, a mock race well-played in her mind and Kyle was swift with his praise. Samhain hadn't been completely shown up, but he could read the filly's confident air and knew she'd gotten the advantage this round. Michael didn't attempt to show affection to the colt, it wouldn't have been well received, but Michael wasn't concerned. Samhain had shown that he was more than resilient and able to make the moments count when necessary. Nick nodded, pleased with the workout. Samhain and Acantha had shown their growing prowress and World Dominion had been amazing and all without guidance. The colt willingness to run and raw natural talent was more than apparent and now it was time to start shaping it.