Post by Cruisey on Sept 16, 2015 20:26:37 GMT -5
BARELY SMOKIN && TALIA SMITH
The Youth Challenge Workout
The last leg of the Youth Challenge was finally upon them, and Firestone Racing couldn't be happier about Barely Smokin’s results thus far. A first in the Just A Trot Futurity, a well-respected third in the Gallows race over a sloppy track that he hadn’t encountered before, and now Carter was guaranteed a top three finish after several horses dropped out of the last race. Witch Creek’s Uno Momento and Stride Of Perfection’s Incognito were the bay colt’s competition; both horses that Harley had beaten in the past.
Talia smiled and adjusted the girth before Carter gave her a leg up into the saddle. The colt snorted and walked forward even before Talia had fully landed on his back, ears pricked and ready to rumble. He was anything but calm as usual, Rolo and Tank walking calmly behind him led by one of the grooms. In order to keep the horse in tip-top condition for the race - and he clearly was looking at him - it was important not to let his energy levels rise too high, though that was not in Harley’s vocabulary. This workout, only two furlongs, would do just that while making sure he was not too tired.
They stepped out onto the dirt track, the footing soft underneath Harley’s hooves. Talia stroked his neck, which was starting to fill out as he grew older. As they warmed up, Talia had a great feeling in her gut. Normally, asking a two year old of such things took a toll on them, but Harley was feeling fresh and was showing no signs of fatigue after the gruelling series. The colt glided gently over the dirt surface and around the bend before Carter took a seat in the stands, gazing at the next pole in which the colt would start his workout. They bounced into a lovely canter along the backstretch and as they approached the seven furlong pole, his jockey let him go.
It only took a little urging to get Harley pressing forwards with his powerful ground-eating strides, and soon his pace was at a nice good, strong one as he levelled off. Talia leaned closer to the horse's neck, driving for several strides before really letting him run, cracking the crop across his rump. Just like that, Harley was off. His strides lengthened as his speed surged, determination clear in every move as they moved up the short dirt stretch. His movement powerful as they sped onwards and that building speed was a fearful thing to see as they moved toward the post.
It had barely begun when it was over. The post flew past and Talia felt a rush of mixed feelings. Thrill, for there was nothing like that run, but also disappointment that it had ended so soon. She started to pull the horse back, sure now that if they were not ready for the race before, they would be now.
