the face off

BEAUTIFUL LIAR AND CALAMITY QUEEN

First up was Olivia and Stella on Beautiful Liar and Calamity Queen. They were both entered in maiden races on the turf - Beautiful Liar in the Maiden Turf Sprint, and Calamity Queen in the Maiden Turf alongside Whipped Cream and Stalker's Fury. By all indications, the Maiden Turf Sprint would probably be a bit short for Beautiful Liar to pose a real challenge to the other entrants, Cross My Heart and Arelquinn. She had performed better in longer workouts so far, showing that she had more stamina than speed.

Calamity Queen had a large field to face, but the filly was undoubtedly ready for it. She'd started five times, and had missed the board only once. Three races had resulted in third place, and one in second place. She was coming hot off the second place, into the nine strong field which consisted of six fillies and three colts.

They began their warm up on the turf with a trot, and began to discuss their chances of winning. Knowing Beautiful Liar, or Leah's, capabilities, Olivia didn't think they'd take the win. Leah's got talent, but it's really for the mile or longer. She said, shrugging, in response to Stella's question. The other two fillies entered are sprinters. I think if the pace is slow, we might be able to do it. And since it's a small field with only one pace setter, that's entirely possible. What do you think of Queenie's chances?

Stella nodded in agreement, then smiled as Olivia returned her question. I think we have a really good chance. Queenie put in her fastest four furlong time ever before our last race, and most of the competition is the same age and have the same level of experience.. I gotta say, though, I really think Stalker's Fury might finally pull a win. Stella replied, musing. She's got more experience than any other horse in the field, and she's more mature. Physically, at least. Stella added, grinning slightly. Olivia giggled in agreement. Poor Marissa..

On into canter, they fell silent. Stella began to really analyse the competition, going over their experience levels, performances thus far, and race positions. In gate one, would be Mini Monstorm of Akita Rose Stables. The two year old filly was by Sand Storm and out of Secret Miracle, and liked to run in the closer position. So far she'd done nicely, placing second three times, third twice and fourth once in six starts. Next, in gate two, was also an Akita Rose horse. He was two year old colt Jazzaway, by Jazzman out of Point Away. He liked to lead the race, and in six starts had placed second twice, third twice and fourth twice.

Gate Three would hold Dreamvalley Stables two year old filly Wind Reader. So far she'd started four times, for one third, two fourths and an eighth place. She had shown a preference for front running, but hadn't raced since the second week of February. Spirit Of Joy, from new stable Bowen Acres, was a three year old colt with one race experience behind him. The race had resulted in fourth, and the colt had shown a likeness for leading the pack. Katerina's Love, a three year old filly also from Bowen Acres, was unraced and therefore Stella didn't know much about her. She'd break from gate five.

Kings Ransom was a third entry from Bowen Acres. Like his stablemate Katerina's Love, the three year old colt was unraced and not much was known about him yet. Then there was Whipped Cream, who Olivia would be riding in the race. Recently bought from Triple Krown Racing, the three year old filly had five races experience, with only one result in the top three. She liked a position in the middle of the pack. Finally, there was Stalker's Fury. Three years old and all mare, she liked to run in front and only in front. This year, three of four starts had resulted in second place and the filly stood a real chance at finally getting that elusive first win.

They finally arrived at the three furlong pole and the two fillies sprang into gallop, right on cue. They had to be held in quite firmly to keep them at the reasonable gallop James had instructed, which caused some drama with Calamity Queen. She hauled on the reins, but Stella didn't budge. They quickly rounded the turn, and moved into the straight. Both horses were heavily anticipating the release, which usually would have happened by now. So when it did, they were flying within moments.

Strides lengthened, strides became more powerful and hooves struck the turf forcefully, sending clumps of it flying in some places. All too soon, the two hundred metre gallop was over and it was time to drop back through the paces. Stella had to really tighten the reins and turn Queenie sharply to force her to slow up, where Beautiful Liar did so grudgingly but without a big fuss. They were absolutely ready for their next races.

WHIPPED CREAM AND STALKER'S FURY

Next up was Olivia on Whipped Cream and Marissa on Stalker's Fury. A few days earlier Triple Krown Racing had returned to retrieve the horses they'd leased to STBS, and asked if Star Thoroughbreds wanted to keep Whipped Cream. Since Olivia had fallen in love with the filly and seemed to be making progress with her, the answer had been yes. Now they were due to run in the Maiden Turf alongside Calamity Queen in a field of ten.

They began their warm up at a trot on the turf. As they completed a few exercises (figure eights and circles, etc) they had a little discussion about their chances of winning the race. Stella said that you and Stalker's Fury have a really good chance of winning this time. Olivia said with a smile, giving Whipped Cream's neck a rub. Did she? Marissa asked, slightly surprised. She thought for a few moments, and realised it was probably true. The other entrants all had a lot less experience, and less maturity. Well, physical maturity, anyway. Marissa admitted that Stalker probably had the maturity of a yearling or two year old colt, at times.

On into canter. The race was nine furlongs long on the turf. In gate one, would be Mini Monstorm of Akita Rose Stables. The two year old filly was by Sand Storm and out of Secret Miracle, and liked to run in the closer position. So far she'd done nicely, placing second three times, third twice and fourth once in six starts. Next, in gate two, was also an Akita Rose horse. He was two year old colt Jazzaway, by Jazzman out of Point Away. He liked to lead the race, and in six starts had placed second twice, third twice and fourth twice.

Gate Three would hold Dreamvalley Stables two year old filly Wind Reader. So far she'd started four times, for one third, two fourths and an eighth place. She had shown a preference for front running, but hadn't raced since the second week of February. Spirit Of Joy, from new stable Bowen Acres, was a three year old colt with one race experience behind him. The race had resulted in fourth, and the colt had shown a likeness for leading the pack. Katerina's Love, a three year old filly also from Bowen Acres, was unraced and therefore Stella didn't know much about her. She'd break from gate five.

Kings Ransom was a third entry from Bowen Acres. Like his stablemate Katerina's Love, the three year old colt was unraced and not much was known about him yet. Calamity Queen was next, in gate seven. She was probably one of the favourites to win, coming off a second place with a record of 5-0-1-3. Stella would be riding her. Then there was Whipped Cream. The three year old filly had five races experience, with only one result in the top three. She liked a position in the middle of the pack. Finally there was Stalker's Fury. Three years old and all mare, she liked to run in front and only in front. This year, three of four starts had resulted in second place and the filly stood a real chance at finally getting that elusive first win.

Finally, the gallop! The two horses took off almost before they were asked as the three furlong pole passed, and immediately Stalker's Fury took the lead. She fought Marissa aggressively for more speed, determined to run to her heart's content. Whipped Cream was slightly surprised by the other filly's dominance and hung back slightly. Olivia had to urge her on to get her to keep up.

They ended the turn and the homestretch straightened out before them. Stalker didn't wait for a cue and her speed was already at it's top when they flashed by the one furlong marker. In a matter of seconds, they were over the line and Whipped Cream followed a few seconds later, having been left in the dust. Sorry! She really doesn't like short gallops. Marissa called back apologectically. Olivia was pink with embarassment, blaming her riding for the obvious loss. She allowed Cream to catch up to Stalker as the other filly was forced to slow up, to help her confidence.

Marissa hid a smile. They were ready to win.

SPEED RUSH, ATTRACTIVE FLIGHT AND SWEETNESS UNLIMITED

The three sprinters pranced onto the track, the two colts showing off for the filly. Speed Rush, ridden by Marissa, was due to run in the Grade Five Turf Sprint, which was five furlongs on turf, while Attractive Flight and Sweetness Unlimited were entered to run together in the Grade Five Dirt Sprint. Blaze rode Attractive Flight and Olivia rode Sweetness Unlimited. At three years old, Ness was no more experienced than her two workout partners, due to a long period of absence from the track before she was bought by Star Thoroughbreds.

The workout was on dirt, due to the fact that Speedy ran equally well on either surface and Matty and Ness liked only the dirt. They began their warm up with a trot, as usual, and started to discuss their upcoming races and their chances of winning. What do you think about Speedy's chances of winning, Marissa? Blaze asked, rising in time with Matty's trot. Hmm... Marissa considered for a minute. It was a four horse field, and Speedy was the youngest - half the age of the others. Honestly, it's going to be tough. He's a talented colt, but the other entrants are twice his age. I'll be happy just to place in the top three. Marissa responded, frowning slightly. But then again, his dad Speed Demon did race and win against Flying Colours when he was just two, and Fly was four. She added with a slight smile.

True. And Speedy's alot like his Dad. Blaze replied, grinning. Marissa nodded, giving Speedy's neck a good, affectionate rub. What do you think of your chances with Ness, Olivia? She asked the newer rider to include her in the conversation. Olivia smiled at her, and shrugged slightly. I think we've got a chance. Sweetness is ready for it, I think. She replied after a few moments. Blaze nodded in agreement, and put in his own two cents. I'm thinking the same with Matty. He's a good colt, and now that he's got a win behind him and the experience before that he's going to put up a real fight. He paused, and then continued Besides, Strictly A Hero and Gamble At Peace are at the same level. They haven't done anything special yet, and they've had plenty more chances than these two.

On into canter, and race strategies were considered, silently. Marissa knew that Popcorn Blitz and Prideful Limits were also front runners, so she'd have to either let Speedy do his own thing or do her best to hold him in about third place. Either way could spell disaster, so she'd have to play it by ear on race day. Olivia was aware that there was no front runner in their race, so she and Sweetness would have to step up. The filly was perfectly capable of pace setting, so it worked out just fine. Strictly A Hero would probably follow in preceder position, followed by Gamble On Peace and Attractive Flight. Since Matty often started slowly, Blaze thought he'd definitely be bringing up the rear.

The three furlong pole was ahead, and the horses were growing more and more restless with anticipation to gallop. They passed the pole by in a flurry of hooves as each launched into gallop. Speedy of course took the lead, by just a head. Sweetness was hot on the pace, and Matty was on her flank, having been slower to get up the speed. They completed the turn quickly and entered the homestretch, riders keeping an eye on the one furlong marker where they could let their horses go. It was passed in a matter of seconds, and each horse put on a burst of speed. All too soon, it was time to slow down. Speed Rush had taken it by a neck to Attractive Flight, who had closed strongly and beaten Sweetness Unlimited by a nose. They were ready to take the win.

STREAKS OF PASSION AND NATURALLY CHARISMATIC

Olivia mounted up on Streak, feeling relaxed after her morning tea break. Stella was already on Naturally Charismatic, having just finished a workout on Georgie's Girl. The pair moved out onto the turf at a trot and started to warm their horses up. They were both entered in the Grade Five Turf along with Loud And Clear, who had just completed her workout with GG and Image.

The race was nine furlongs long, with a field of nine horses. Six of them were colts. Snow Storm of Akita Rose Stables would break from gate one. He was an attractive four year old grey colt with a record of 12-1-2-3. This year he had placed second twice, third once and fourth twice. He liked the closer position. Next was Dreamvalley Stables four year old colt Prince Arthur, who had a record of 18-1-2-5 and liked the closer position. This year he'd race just once for fifth place.

Gate three was another Dreamvalley Stables horse, a filly by the name of Wannado Voodoo. She had a record of 10-1-1-0 and liked midpack. This year she had placed first once and second once. Next was Loud And Clear, who was owned by Dreamvalley Stables but currently on lease to Star Thoroughbreds. Marissa would be riding the talented two year old filly, who had a record of 7-2-3-1. She liked the preceder position. Gate five would hold Himeros, who was the second of only three two year olds in the field. He was a Prison Hill horse, who had a record of 5-2-2-0 and liked to set the pace.

On into canter. In gate six would be Stride Of Perfection Stables' only entrant, the third and final two year old of the field, Ode To Glory. The colt had a record of 4-1-0-2 and liked to run midpack. Then there was Streaks Of Passion, who Olivia was riding and would ride in the race. The four year old colt had a record of 15-2-6-4 and this year had placed second twice and third twice. He liked to run in the closer position. Gate eight would hold Naturally Charismatic, who Stella was riding and would ride in the race. The four year old filly had a record of 25-3-4-7 and would be gunning for a win here, running in midpack position.

Finally there was Apollo Bear from Intrepid Racing Inc. The three year old colt had a record of 8-2-2-2 and liked the front runner or preceder position. This year he had run four times for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The three furlong pole was ahead and the horses were anticipating the gallop. Naturally Charismatic was hauling on the reins in a bid to get her head, but Stella wouldn't allow it. The time to gallop came and the horses simultaneosly switched to the faster pace, strides lengthening with each one.

They raced around the corner, building up speed still although they were only supposed to be slow galloping. The one furlong pole flashed by them and they were released. Their legs became a blur as they accelerated to full speed, and it was over within seconds. Stella had pushed Naturally Charismatic over the line first by a nose, and looked immensely pleased with the filly. They were ready to take on the Stable Face Off.

SPECIAL EDITION, AFTER DUSK AND NATIVE GOLD

Stella took one last swig of her coffee, then headed over to After Dusk and mounted up. Blaze was already aboard Native Gold. Olivia smiled at them from Special Edition's back and the three turned and trotted out onto the dirt, beginning their warm up. Special Edition was due to run in the Grade Five Dirt alongside Lusitania's Soldier and Lucky Silver, whereas After Dusk and Native Gold would be running in the Grade Four Dirt Sprint in a field of four.

What do you think of Special Edition's chances of winning, Olivia? Blaze asked his girlfriend, straight faced. Stella hid a smile. They were so cute together. They'd been dating since The Wire Social before the Breeder's Cup last year. Olivia glanced at him, smiling. I think he's a good colt, but there are a few good colts in that field. A win would be nice, though. She replied. Blaze was smirking. Good luck, but I wouldn't get my hopes up if i were you.. Marissa has her heart set on winning that one, I think. He replied. Olivia poked her tongue out at him, but didn't reply.

What do you think of Native Gold's chances of beating Dusty and I, Blaze? Stella asked, grinning. Blaze turned to grin back at her. I think it's a small field and anything could happen he replied cheekily. After Dusk and Native Gold both snorted, as if they understood the conversation. Seriously though, Royal Assassin and Wannabe Hero are good colts. Wannabe Hero hasn't lost since before the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Sprint. Blaze added. It was true, Wannabe Hero was definitely the one to watch in this field.

On into canter, the three fell silent as the contemplated the races ahead. Olivia had done her research on the field and knew that it was a risk sending the colt in to it. But it was Dreamvalley's wishes, not theirs. Stella considered the preferred race positions of the other entrants. Native Gold liked the closer position. Royal Assassin liked to set the pace, as did Wannabe Hero. After Dusk was a preceder. Hopefully the two colts would fight for the lead the whole way and run out of steam for the final furlongs.

The time to gallop arrived and the three horses sprang into action right on cue. Special Edition fought Olivia for more speed and nearly got his way, but she was learning quickly and just managed to keep him in check. They raced around the turn and into the homestretch, and then they were really released. Faster, and stronger with each stride, the three thoroughbreds powered through the final furlong. It was After Dusk by a nose to Special Edition, who beat Native Gold by a neck.

Stella and Olivia slapped high fives, grinning widely. Beating Blaze was always fun. I want a rematch! Blaze called out, half joking. He'd be getting his rematch in the Stable Face Off, and then Native Gold would be ready. All three of them were ready to Face Off for Star Thoroughbreds.