Breeder's Cup Magic

It had been an interesting year for the stables and the three year old Bella had been one of the horses which had made it so interesting. Since arriving with them, after her own stable had left the racing scene, Bella had some amazing achievements - things which only the best could brag about. Some things very few horses would ever be able to say. She had beaten White Chocolate, she had tasted victory in a race against the mighty Pegasus Wings and she had shown exactly what she was made of - something she would continue to build on the following year, with a track cleared of many of the big names.

It was only natural, following such a year, that the three year old be entered into the Breeder's Cup and it was no lie to state that the field was built of class. The field consisted of four very strong runners, and Bella would be the youngest to run in the class - something which made her perhaps more vulnerable than he rest, but at the same time she had the talent to pull through and the team had faith in her doing well.

Bella had drawn gate one for the race, which put her in a position that she might not be completely happy with - trapping her between other horses and the rail. It was always important to remember the filly's hatred for other horses, and her starting position definitely had the potential to affect her race. However, as a front runner she probably would not need to deal with them for too long. The main threat in the race was definitely Pegasus Wings, and while Bella had beat him before the Stride of Perfection Stables were sure to have put a lot of work into him and so he would be on amazing form. Personally, Tanya was excited to see him retire so that the track would be open for Bella to become the best sprinter around.

The black filly was in great shape. Matthias had been working with her and Tanya a lot, and he was convinced that she was ready to do something great. Physically, she was nearing her prime - her muscles had developed well and she was showing the power she possessed. Each movement she made was sure, her dark eyes gleamed brightly and her auds pressed forwards. Atop the filly, Tanya was smiling slightly - they were ready to pull off the upset of the year.

Gating, with no other horses around, was an easy process - something which would not go as smoothly come race day as she fought the proximity to the other horses entered into the contest. However, once she was in the gates she would calm again, just as she was now. Her mind quiet, the mare was still in the gates and her jockey rose in her stirrups. The five furlong work would be a pleasure, there was no doubt, and as the gates opened they broke quickly.

With a firm stride and an air of confidence, the filly moved out onto the dirt track. Her jockey, as focussed as she, was already planning out how the rest of the work would go and was considering the variables which could come into play during the race. The dirt was soft, perhaps a little too soft, but it was nothing major and the filly was definitely in shape and rested as she powered forwards, one stride at a time. The cold air stung the jockey's eyes, and she found herself wishing that she had worn eye protection for the work, but she bit her lip and continued.

The furlongs moved past quickly, and as the muscles pumped the filly continued to move at a relatively high pace down the track. It was not, perhaps, the usual charge of a sprint front runner. She was more reserved, almost thoughtful. She reserved her stamina, and even in a race she would not allow herself to be pushed too quickly at this stage of the race. Instead, she would remain ahead of most of the group, but allow other horses to pull ahead if they were travelling too quickly.

Three furlongs had passed already, and it was hard to believe the work was almost over. Tanya cracked the crop against the filly's flank, drove her forwards quickly. They were fighting for the post as they sped up, the stamina which had been reserved by not charging off coming in to play as they were able to push forwards, unflinching, past the post. In her mind's eye, Tanya could imagine them stealing the win from Pegasus Wings by a nose as they had in the past and she could not help but hope. This year, after all, had been the begining of the rest of Bella's career.