Post by Snowflake on May 11, 2012 5:01:08 GMT -5
SERAPHIM WORKS FOR SHINING STAKES
WINDBREAKER WORKS FOR TURQUOISE SPRINT
INDIAN DELIGHT WORKS FOR DREAM CUP
Atop the beautiful, strong three year old filly, Stella felt on top of the world. Seraphim's neck arched and her tail flowed high in the air, her muscles rippling under her shiny grey coat as she trotted circles and figure eights. Shortly they would be joined by four year olds Windbreaker and Indian Delight, to work for the trio's upcoming races. Seraphim would be running in the Shining Stakes, Windbreaker in the Turquoise Sprint and Indian Delight in the Dream Cup.
After another five minutes or so, Windbreaker and Indian Delight appeared. The horses greeted each other with snorts and whinnies. Stella straightened Seraphim out and joined the other two horses and riders as they moved up the turf track at a brisk trot. Indian Delight just had to keep his nose in front, and Seraphim didn't like it. Dave and Windbreaker firmly stayed between the two, while their riders slowed them slightly. They were now level with each other.
With Seraphim back firmly in her control, Stella's mind turned to the race this weekend. The Shining Stakes was five furlongs on dirt, for grades five, four and three. It was a decent sized field of eight, where Beltane from Silver Stride Stables would most likely be their biggest competition. Dave wasn't too worried about the Turquoise Sprint. It was a small field of three, so they'd come in the top three. Hopefully win. The other two entrants were White Chocolate and Pegasus Wings. All three were great horses, so whoever came out on top was worthy of the win.
Sarah, on the other hand, was a little concerned about the Dream Cup. She desperately wanted Indian Delight to win. It would be his one way ticket to G1 - then he could run in the Universal Cup. It was his one and only chance, so she counted on winning this weekend or next weekend. They were up against Destined For Glory, Wildly Natural and Sillenia. All of them were good fillies.
After several more minutes, the trio moved on into canter. Sarah held Indian Delight level with the other two, he could move up when they galloped, although Seraphim would certainly give him a run for his money. As they crept up the backstretch, the riders began to prepare to send their thoroughbreds into gallop. A quick four furlong breeze would keep them satisfied now until race day, where they would be on their toes once more.
Indian Delight jumped forward first, followed closely Seraphim, who was furious at being left behind. Windbreaker followed more slowly, content without the drama. She was versatile, and could run in any position, but usually she favoured a mid pack or preceder position. They leaned into the turn, gradually increasing their speed as the corner sharpened, then leveled out into the home stretch. Windbreaker put on a burst of speed, digging deep and stretching out with long, powerful strides, quickly catching up to her stablemates, who were being rated by their riders. As Windbreaker drew level with them, they both made their moves. Seraphim got the lead, and started to pull away. Indian Delight didn't have the same speed as she did, but tried hard to keep up.
With barely half a furlong to go, Seraphim was still ahead, Windbreaker had powered into second place a half length behind her, and Indian Delight was fighting hard, a bare nose behind Windy. They flashed under the wire in basically the same order, with shorter margins. There was no doubt they were ready to take the win in each of their races.
