Post by Cavallo on May 25, 2012 11:33:21 GMT -5
Adele Rodgers on Predator
Michael Landing on Firebird
Practice for Stormy Night Maiden Dirt - M 9F D
ADELE COME GET YOUR POSSESSED HORSE! Nick was handling a rearing bay. Fire flashed in the colt's eyes, as he eyed Nick, fore legs lashing out into the air. Nick grimaced, this colt reminded him so much of Augusto, always out for blood. He wondered what this horse possibly had to be so upset about.
Predator was a wild card. He was purchased at a two year old auction, he had no papers...no history, but as soon as Nick saw him, he saw the potential oozing out of him. He just needed the proper hand.
Adele came running around the trailer and Nick gratefully relinquished the reins to her. Easy, Pred...easy... Adele cooed and the huge bay landed with grace. His eyes still flashed, but a flicker of fondness rushed through his perceptive eyes, as he gazed back at his new handler. It was an understatement to say that he had a "soft spot" for Adele and that was a good thing, for all parties involved...
Nick looked the colt over, head shaking and face smiling. It was amazing what a connection could do and he marveled at the special jockey/horse relationship. Alright Adele, the Stormy Night Maiden is swiftly approaching.
Adele nodded as she stroked Pred's strong muscled neck, his ears turned sideways, listening intently for Adele's voice. I'll take him out, warm-him up and take him on a nine furlong test.
Nick nodded and leaned his back against the trailer. By the time you get done warming him up, Michael will be here with Firebird. I wan the two of you to run against each other. Predator needs to run with another horse...that's what will drive him in the races...the competition.
Adele swallowed hard. They had to do what they had to do, whatever it took to make her boy successful.
You got it boss.
She quickly mounted and threw her light frame up into the saddle. Predator tossed his head, but remained still enough for Adele to catch her seat. Thank you.. She said in wry humor.
Alright..lets go loosen you up...The duo took off at a brisk canter around the track. Nick watched the duo warm-up, Predator was a handful, but he responded immediately to Adele's commands. That would be essential on the track. He heard the crunch of gravel as another trailer approached from behind. Michael hopped out and went to the back unloading Firebird. They needed the work-out too.
The three year old backed out and stood attentively as Kyle quickly swung up into the saddle. Nick nodded, They just started their warm-up. If you hurry up, you can warm Firebird up and be ready to run against Predator.
Michael nodded and clucked to Fire, who eagerly took off towards the track.
Predator and Adele returned to their starting point and saw Firebird and Michael swiftly finishing their warm-up behind them. Fire flashed in the two year old colt's eyes and he immediately let loose a bugling call. Adele kept a form hand on the colt as she looped him about in a circle, as the stunning chestnut and Michale drew along side them. Shall we? Michael grinned as they approached the starting gate. Predator eyed the chestnut, sending a death glare, his demeanor challenging. Firebird raised his head and snorted, but continued moving forward into his slot in the gates. Predator not one to be outdone, swiftly trotted forward into his gate.
Nick approached the rail and leaned, stop watch in hand. The gates broke open and Nick clicked his stop watch. Both horses broke hard, neither willing to let either horse gain any ground. Slow the pace down.. Nick muttered and as if on cue, he watched as Firebird pulled back the blistering pace, Predator and Adele following suite. Nick could tell even from here, the fire flashing in Predator's eyes, but Firebird was running undaunted by his competition. The first 5 furlongs flew by each horses alternating who possessed the lead, but neither really expending tremendous amounts of energy.
Suddenly at the 7th furlong, Firebird broke his moderated speed and surged forward...the gap widening between him and the younger horse. Predator began to chaff. Firebird was an older more developed horse, but maybe that wasn't going to be an issue. Predator increased his pace, the gap now never increasing, but didn't make his bid. Suddenly, Predator surged forward at the 8th furlong...then gap closing.. His head came to Firebird's rump and then his middle..then neck.. Michael asked again from Firebird and he responded swooping to steal the finish by a neck from the younger now irate horse. Nick clicked his stop watch smiling at the time. 1:50:04. That was a very competitive time.
Adele swiftly reined in her mount as she let Firbird move ahead...there didn't need to be a fight. She had him canter the opposite direction to cool him off. He looked like a volcano about to erupt, but Adele's steady hand kept him in check.
Having looped back they met back up at the trailers each horse sweating with their run. Adele tied Pred to the side of the trailer where Firebird was out of site and both Michael and she set about to unpacking the horses, preparing for the ride home.
Chin up Adele. Pred may not have won, but Firebird here is a more experienced and older race horse, You should be very proud of his time. Nick showed her the time and she gasped! A smile forming. That alone was encouragement enough. Whatever came their way on Predator's maiden, she was sure her colt would rise to the challenge and run like the wind.
