Post by Cruisey on Aug 29, 2015 19:03:12 GMT -5
BARELY SMOKIN && JOHNNY GARNER
Workout for the Gallop to the Gallows Stakes
After Harley’s thrilling win in the first leg of the Youth Challenge, the whole Firestone Racing team was exhilarated. To Carter, the hard part was far from over. They still had two more races until they could hopefully claim the title of The Youth Challenge Champion. Harley’s breath could be seen in the early morning of the first week of November. A thin layer of frost covered the rails and tracks, but would soon melt from the strong Kentucky sun. Carter was bundled up in his cozy sweater as he led Harley’s two companions to the track while Johnny took charge of the feisty bay colt.
Carter tied Rolo and Tank to the railing, allowing them to graze whatever leftover grass there was as he gave Johnny a leg up. Harley was on his toes, showing no sign of fatigue as he approached the starting gate. Giving Harley enough time to limber up his cold muscles, Johnny went past the gates a few times until he felt the colt less stiff. Instead of waiting around for the started, Johnny walked Harley forward into the first stall without the any help. He heard and felt the jolt of the back gate closing and easy settled into a crouching position over Harley’s withers. With one quick glance towards the grandstand, Johnny could make out every face in the same position, all still watching the track, waiting; waiting for the next horse to start their workout. And that horse was his. With one last look, the gates opened and the bay colt charged from the gate, pounding down the track.
Johnny leaned forward, riding Harley’s long strides with ease. He was prepared for a four furlong full out sprint to the wire. Giving the colt a notch of rein, Harley jolted forward, his legs working quickly. Johnny knew not to pay attention to the onlookers wanting to see the winner of The Wire’s most prestigious two year old race. He knew what his job was, and that job was to make sure Harley was listening and in it to win it. The weather for the race was supposed to be crappy, but that wouldn’t stop Harley from trying his best.
As they neared the middle of the far turn, Johnny gave in a little more notch of rein. In response, Harley’s stride lengthened even more, his black and brown legs a blur against the white railing. Dirt flew up into the air behind them as Harley switched leads with ease. His ears were perked forward towards the finish, his mind focused on the task ahead of him, not becoming sidetracked by the crowd on the right side. He couldn't help but glance to his right side. Johnny started to urge, moving with his strides, letting him have his head as he dug into the ground, spreading out into full stride. In only a few seconds they had crossed the wire and Johnny was now easing him up steadily. Four furlongs was easily enough for Harley to prepare, and he took it as easy as pie. Nothing could stop this colt from galloping straight past his competition, and he was out for another win.
