Princess On the Turf

It was a risky move; the competition in the Breeder’s Cup Filly & Mare Turf was fierce and there had been questions of whether Amira was really up to a race against the likes of Sillenia and Terror Smile but it was a risk that Matthias had decided to take. The bay mare had good bloodlines, and a good result here could well push her to perform better in the future. Plus, as she had the wins to be eligible now it was something he felt that she deserved a chance at. It didn’t really matter if she did not win, it didn’t even matter if she placed in the top three for that matter. A race against that calibre of competition was a good experience for any horse, and Amira was sure to try her best no matter what the outcome. Of course, it would be nice if she got a top three placing, but it was not a necessity by any means.
Jacob had definitely been unsure about the move. He liked Amira, but questioned her readiness for the contest. Matthias’s logic had no flaw, though. Amira would benefit from the experience even if she did not perform well and so they would, indeed, be headed to the intense race. In a way he was looking forward to the competition, in other ways he was sure it was a big mistake. Sillenia, Terror Smile and the others were not horses to take lightly. Sure, they had beaten Strike A Pose in the past but she had beaten them to and he was almost positive they would struggle. They were, in many ways, the underdog, and he would fight with the mare to try and come near the front.
Physically and mentally, Amira was in great shape. She was well rested and alert, her slender yet muscular body covered in a shining coat. Her dark eyes gleamed brightly, a sure sign that this mare was in prime health and Jacob had a feeling that she was a late bloomer, that perhaps next year was the year she would rise from the ashes to become a real threat. Of course, there was a possibility that next year was her last on the track. But Jacob wanted to push to let her become the best she could be.
Jacob pushed the mare into a gallop on the turf track, deciding that she would be better without the stress of the gates during the workout. She moved easily and eagerly into the pace, her head held high as the wind pulled through her mane and tail. She looked spectacular, felt spectacular. The mare was clearly enjoying the run, and Jacob was too. It was nice to gallop without restriction for once. No competition, no set distances, no time to try and beat. They were free to move, and Amira was enjoying that freedom. The four beat quickened as she warmed up, and she was pushing herself with each stride. Compared to many horses, Amira had quite a short stride. It allowed her more contact with the earth, and she pushed forwards quickly because of it. Jacob was sure that she was in fine form, and fine shape, and soon he began to pull her down through her paces. Would they win? He didn’t know, but they would give it their best shot.