Post by Ripley on Apr 23, 2015 13:08:10 GMT -5
Front Of The Line
featuring: In Front, Divided Notion & Casualty Of War
Ripley moved down the row of horses, sitting astride the sleek Ashanti. The bay mare gleamed in good health, her body long, limber and supple. She was the picture of athleticism even though she had retired from racing duty long ago. Her broodmare career was over, her last foal a juvenile son of Popcorn Blitz. Now she would be Ripley's mount of choice at The Wire. Jabberwock was based at home, Cold Mountain at Green Horse Fields and Finale Slew at Battlestone Downs when Witch Creek visited the newest track. The lead pony list was growing, but Ripley had settled on a contingent of the best horses for the job. She patted Ashanti's neck as the lean mare approached a trio of brawny boys.
A finer trio of Intrepid blood-lined horses there never was. In Front and Casualty of War descended from the same dam, a blue hen by the name of Flight Of Fancy. In Front was a product of Witch Creek's very own foundation stallion Touch Up and would be seeking to continue the stallion's legacy. Casualty Of War possessed the rare blood of Man O'War, a sire of great importance, and he would be starting a fresh line within Witch Creek's stud ranks. His value, to Ripley at least, was sky high. Outside lines would be absolutely important, especially when Touch Up's daughters made a majority out of the broodmare ranks.
Divided Notion's mahogany hide gleamed in the early sunshine, his wide blaze snowy white. His dark eyes flickered with intelligence and pride. He had finally gotten his mojo back and was proving to be one of the most winningest horses of the racing roster. He would retire to Intrepid Racing after an ambitious goal in the Breeders' Cup Turf, but Ripley already had plans to breed the glorious son of FS Dead Letter. She could hardly wait for the resulting foal, but patience was everything and the colt had yet to cement his legacy.
Hopes for this particular trio had never been higher. In Front would be starting an unprecedented campaign over both turf and dirt races, culminating in an appearance in the Breeders' Cup Classic, a goal that Ripley had set for him a year ago at three. The brawny horse had never looked better and would be more than willing to step up in class. She'd been keeping him on the down low while Limited Edition and Anodyne battled it out and Nightshade dominated which ever race she appeared in. He was following the typical Witch Creek path. Building up his confidence so much that all he wanted to do was be in that circle with a blanket of flowers around his neck.
And he had always been a horse of the highest quality.
Ripley grinned at Justin when the young man leaped onto the back of Casualty Of War. The dark bay, almost black colt, danced beneath him, eyes darkening with his inner fire. He was already reaching for his highest goals. His true calling rested in the elusive Canadian Triple Crown, a series of races that Ripley longed to see one of her horses win. Casualty Of War had had this destiny set for him at the young age of two. He was almost ready. Just two more works separated him from the Queen's Plate in June Week Four. He truly was heading the march of Ripley's private war.
The quartet of horses moved toward the track, Ripley trailing behind now on Ashanti. The bay mare mouthed the bit eagerly, but obeyed the light command to stay back. There was no use riling the males up now. They would be ready to gun it once they hit the track. Ripley contemplated the workout. Six furlongs for sure, but dirt or turf?
Brooks glanced over his shoulder then as if reading her mind. "Instructions?"
Ripley met his jean blue gaze with steady eyes. "Six furlongs in 1:11-1:12. The dogs are out today so you'll have to run wider. Ask them to gallop out strong around the turn. Let's hit the turf today since that's where they seem to be heading in the long run. It'll be better on their legs and feet."
David Carter patted Divided Notion's neck as the horse stepped onto the dirt track. He moved swiftly into his powerful jog, all strength and muscular glory. He'd gotten his confidence back and was flying high. David was the regular mount for both In Front and Divided Notion. He looked forward to pitching the pair against one another. Add in the wild card of Casualty of War and this was going to be a very intense and interesting workout.
Justin let out a wolf whistle as Casualty Of War announced his claim to authority. He screamed a stallion whistle, punching the ground with sharp hoof steps. He was growing stronger and stronger every race it seemed. He was really coming along at a good clip. Justin knew Ripley considered him the greatest hope for notching a CTC victory. And why not? He was the most stunning, consistent three year old on the roster this year. Justin shifted in the stirrups, letting the monster pick up a mind-blowing canter stride.
In Front lumbered into his long stride, ears pricking as Divided Notion and Casualty Of War moved off at faster clip. Brooks was excited to be back aboard his former mount. He'd come so far since January. Brooks sat poised on the big animal's back, eyes forward and hands relaxed. No need to rush off when the real work wouldn't begin until they hit the green stuff.
Divided Notion slowed to an easy jog, crossed onto the grass and waited patiently for the other two. He met Casualty Of War with pinned ears. The younger horse, retaliated with a screech and striking hooves. Justin cracked the colt with the whip, sending the colt off into a bucking tantrum down the track. He hung on impressively through the fit, turned it into something productive. The colt picked up a strong gallop, ears blending into his mane. Justin eased back, slowing the horse down steadily until Divided Notion was at his barrel.
Brooks shook his head at the temper of the Man O'War colt. In Front picked up his speed gradually, settling four lengths off of his workmates. He was so easy going. He could hardly have cared if they wanted to be speed crazy fools. Brooks kept the reins loose as they clipped through the first two furlongs. Casualty Of War was bent on maintaining the lead over Divided Notion. Unlike most front runners though, Sultan wasn't cheap speed. If In Front was going to run him down, he would have to be full throttle.
David kept Demi glued to Casualty Of War's side. The blaze faced stallion was thriving off of the solid work schedule and he was hell bent on keeping Sultan company. His strides were long and he cruised, keeping the miserable horse company. David could feel the negative cloud over Sultan growing larger and larger with each passing furlong. He peeked under his shoulder, spotted In Front. The horse was three lengths off them now, steadily closing ground.
Justin let the reins fly through his gloved hands, letting Sultan gain valuable ground on the turn. For such a baroque style horse, he was light on his feet. He switched leads lightning fast, putting distance between himself and Divided Notion who was carried wide on the far turn.
David urged Demi mildly when he straightened up, his hooves carving holes into the turf as he flew after Casualty Of War. He had underestimated the quality of Sultan. Demi kicked on though, closing ground impressively. There was still no sign of In Front as the pair bowled through the early stretch.
Unbeknownst to them, In Front was surging down the middle of the stretch, his stride ultra impressive. Brooks was nearly laughing as the powerhouse suddenly caught the attention of the inside riders. In Front scorched the turf, leaving a stunned Casualty Of War and Divided Notion in his wake.
The dark horses fought gamely through the wire, galloped out strongly through the clubhouse turn. Each horse was blowing more from frustration and wanting to do more than from the effort. It was the finest dual guard threat Ripley had put together yet. It was time to start up the war drums.
