no backing down

SPITTING IMAGE AND GEORGIE'S GIRL WORK FOR THE KINDERGARTEN STAKES

Both fillies were lookers, but it was Spitting Image who was the show off. GG was too much of a nice girl to brag about her amazing good looks. Image danced, her tail in the air and her neck arched proudly. Georgie's Girl also danced a little, but out of excitement rather than to show off. The riders pushed their horses on into canter, and began to discuss the race they would run in a matter of days.

So, field is shaping up to be decent. Blaze commented conversationally.
Yeah, it's going to be a tough race. We're in good shape though, Image won her last race and GG was second in hers. Stella replied, smiling a little. Georgie's Girl had started her career not so fabulously, but in recent races she had really shown what she had. Her last four starts had been two wins, a second and a third place. Blaze also grinned to himself. Image had won her last race, against nine other horses. She'd also won her race before that, and at 3 wins was now on the verge of breaking into Grade 4.

There were seven entrants in the Kindergarten Stakes, six fillies and one colt. Gate one had been drawn by Paradise Hills' filly Nochebuena. The filly was not considered an immediate threat for the win, with nine starts and no win yet. Sugar Jayde from Stride Of Perfection Stables, however, was. Although her recent starts hadn't been anything special, Sugar Jayde was at the same level as Image, having gained her third win back in April. Silver Stride Stables had sent their filly Paradise Island to the race, who had previously only raced on dirt. If she liked turf as much as she did dirt, Paradise Island would certainly run well.

Feline Frenzy of Kacey Hill was entered in gate six. The filly, like Nochebuena, was also not considered an immediate threat to the win. The only colt in the field had drawn gate seven. Strictly A Hero from Oak Hill Farm was considered a threat purely because of his good breeding and because he was the only male in the race.

As the three furlong pole arrived, both fillies burst into gallop on cue. Spitting Image jumped ahead, almost cutting Georgie's Girl off. Sorry! Blaze called back. Stella growled, and began to drive GG on aggressively. The filly dug in, and started to gain on Image. But the other filly wasn't going down without a fight, and put on another burst. Annoyed, Stella showed GG the whip. It was unneccessary - the pretty chestnut also wanted to beat Image and drove even harder, gaining quickly now.

One furlong left, and GG had come within a neck of Image. Just a bit further! Stella encouraged her. Both fillies ears were flattened against the wind, their bodies streamlined for maximum speed. They were going as fast as they could. The finish flashed by, and the pair were nose to nose. Both riders slowed their horses down, standing in the stirrups with grins on their faces. They were ready for the race.

EUPHORION WORKS FOR BLUE STAKES WITH SUNSET CRUSADE

BANK ON GREATNESS AND HERE'S THE KING WORK FOR THE NATURAL MEMORIAL STAKES