Ara and Atropa

<sub>[Arachne] & Jeff Sanders
[Nightshade] & Michael Landing

Nightshade's Prep for the Magic Millions Fillies Turf

Ara took a lunge for the younger Atropa, but Jeff was quick to break the black bay's flow of motion and whapped her firmly on the snout. She tossed her head and her right foreleg lashed forward, but Jeff was well prepared for the backlash.

Michael had his hands full keeping Atropa from returning the favor..but he simply couldn't help, but smile. Arachne was hot and fresh off a second place on The Wire and she was rearing to go and was simply not putting up with Atropa's matched intensity.

While momentarily distracted, Jeff swung up into Ara's saddle and Michael followed suit. Jeff, Ara is hot to trot! Michael chuckled as he gathered his reins and pushed his filly forward. Nightshade flew into her warmup canter and soon the thundering response was heard from Jeff and Ara. Ara and Jeff soon pulled alongside Michael and Atropa, but he left a good distance between the two. I could say the same of your filly Michael! Is there a reason? She's had two weeks of rest?

Michael smiled as Atropa threw her crown wildly and settled down to stalk and study her workout partner. Well, She just had a training session with Nick...and it just so happened to be against her biggest competition...Ventura. Jeff raised an eyebrow at the comment. Well, I bet that was a hot training session. Jeff and Michael both laughed, they were referring to more than the horses.

It was to say the least, Nick told me he actually pulled back Atropa to tie with Ven...Atropa has it out for blood now for Ven. She learned an important lesson...people won't catch Atropa running cocky. She's running smart. As if to confirm Michael's assessment, Atropa huffed and arched her boa to settle back into the rhythmic canter. Ara's eyes danced fire at Nightsahde's powerful display. Yes, this was a filly to really get Ara's competitive spirit going...and the same for Nightshade.

Michael looked over to Jeff, his smile seemed half-hearted. Something on your mind Jeff? He asked concerned for the new guy in the barns. Jeff smiled weakly in response. I think Kyle is pissed off at me...for riding his typical rides..

Michael tried to hide the smile...he'd been there and done that with his cousin. Eh, that's just Kyle. He thinks he owns the market on riding Augusto lined horses. He hated me when Nick assigned Atropa to me...HATED me. But don't worry...in time...he'll get over it. Just don't let him get to you...

Jeff felt slightly relieved...at least it wasn't just him. The two distantly related Augusto lined fillies were done with their warm-up and they quickly let their riders know as Ara veered for her younger cousin. Michael held Atropa in check and Jeff got Arachne under control.

Well, I think it's time we run them? What do you say? Michael chuckled and Jeff nodded his agreement.

Nick had set Michael up for success come race day and today it would be Michael's job to feed the fire that had been ignited in her training session.

Nick had intentionally scheduled the two rival fillies to solidify what he'd begun. He knew neither Ara or Atropa would back down and he neede Nightshade to be in top form for her race.

The field was going to be intense to say the least. Obviously, Michael had his big target zeroed in on Ventura, but there was more than one capable filly in this race. Passionate Heart was the unknown card in this race from the new Bowen Acres. She was the sole true front runner, with the potential of Spectacular Motion as well, who was versatile, but usually ran as a stalker. The rest, minus Nightshade, were stalkers/preceders. This was an advantage that they were truly going to take advantage of.

Some preceders would be forced to run mid-pack style and their game would be thrown off, where Nightshade would be cruising dangerously in her normal slot. They had a lot of room to work with.
Bella Luna was another concern. Formerly, owned by Intrepid and raced by Michael himself, he knew the filly well and knew she would be one to watch...she was doing well at Witch Creek.

Then of course, Star Thooughbreds was making their two entries with Naturally A Flyer and Spectacular Motion, both two well-bred fillies that Michael was going to be careful to watch.

Michael was definitely feeling the pressure from Nick. A lot was riding on the black bay filly and so they didn't skimp on the training or prep. The goal was to get Nightshade riled and ready to wage war, with a will and determination of iron.

So with the goal in mind, Arachne led the charge as the filly broke her canter into a fierce gallop. Michael smiled as Atropa willingly and expertly broke into her gallop and trailed the front runner. The furlongs flew and on the third Michael fed the Requiem daughter more rein and she willingly began her close, but Jeff and Ara were not to be easily overcome. The final furlong and now Ara began to really fly. Michael was shocked at the three year olds speed and knew that Atropa would really have to fly to catch her and the finish was closing..

Michael conveyed the urgency to Atropa, but she was already too aware of their predicament. She flew. Michael sucked his breath as his charge vaulted forward, the speed stunning and blinding. In a haze they challenged the older filly, but Ara was not about to be denied. In a rage, Arachne threw her head in front of Atropa.

They pulled up and Jeff was all grin. Michael was red and he was pretty sure Atropa was seeing red. Just think of us winning as fuel to her flame.... Jeff teased, but then became thoughtful. You know Michael that Ara has age and maturity on her side....and if Atropa runs the race the way she just did against Ara...well...then the competition had just better watch out.

Word Count: 1,005</sub>