Golden Shower [open]

SERAPHIM AND STELLA MACKENZIE

Argh! Stella thought, remembering last weekend's race. Seraphim kept coming in third. Stella really hoped that was the last 3rd place she'd get for a while, because first and second looked so much better on the filly's record. Seraphim usually lead the race, so Stella guessed that she probably didn't quite have the stamina yet to keep the closers at bay.

They started their warm up with a trotting lap on the dirt. Sera was playing up a bit today, tossing her head and generally being a pain in the butt. After a lap of trotting (with the occasional short burst of cantering) Stella nudged the filly with her heels while simultaneously giving her room with the reins to move into canter. The grey thoroughbred broke into canter instantly, and it was fast and choppy at first. Then she settled slightly and her stride became smooth and even, but still fast.

Up ahead, Stella spotted a palomino and rider working by themselves. Sera's fast pace got them there quickly. Sera needed a win to boost her confidence; a little workout race was exactly what she wanted. Steering Sera to the outside of the palomino filly, and slowing her to match the other's thoroughbred's pace, she greeted the other rider. Hi, would you be up for a little race this morning? she asked, smiling in a friendly way.

Hmm. Okay, nine furlongs it is. Stella replied, preparing to cue her thoroughbred to gallop. Nine furlongs was Sera's absolute limit. She was best at 5-7 furlongs, so 8 and 9 furlong races were pushing it. The other filly gave a friendly nicker, which Sera returned with a little squeal. As both thoroughbreds moved into gallop at the turn, Stella decided to keep Sera's pace slow, to conserve the filly's energy. They had the whole backstretch, turn, and homestretch to go. The filly moved ahead of her companion slightly, asserting herself as the front runner, like always.

Seven furlongs passed, uneventfully. Seraphim conserved her energy well, but was obviously beginning to tire. Still, when the other filly appeared to be making her move, Seraphim dug in and held her off, finishing ahead by a mere head. Stella slowed her thoroughbred down, eventually dropping back to trot, and then walk when the rejoined the palomino and her rider. Thanks! She really is. She's a sprinter, she usually races 5-7 furlongs. Stella replied proudly. Your filly is obviously a good sprinter too. Stella commented. If she hadn't been a sprinter, she probably would have been ahead of Seraphim in the end. Well Hi Golden Grove! she said, reaching out to give the palomino thoroughbred a quick scratch on the neck. What's your name? I'm Stella, and this is Seraphim, from Star Thoroughbreds. Stella introduced herself and horse, as the walked towards the gap.