Post by Snowflake on Dec 27, 2012 6:25:51 GMT -5
SUNSET CRUSADE, EUPHORION AND STRICTLY ROYAL WORK FOR THE WINTER CUP
Marissa, Blaze and Olivia circled the horses at a trot to warm up while they waited for James. When he emerged out of the morning fog, he looked tired but happy. Marissa smiled brightly at him, longing to go and visit her sister in the nice warm house. But they had work to do, horses to exercise, and races to win. The horses had to stay in top fitness to have any chance of winning in the Winter Cup this weekend.
Sunset Crusade played up underneath her, sidestepping and hauling on the bit, then kicking up his heels. He was longing to just get out there and run. Marissa glanced over at Blaze and Euphorion and frowned slightly. Euphorion looked as fit and gorgeous as ever - it was hard to believe the four year old was just not performing as well as he should in races. As for Strictly Royal and Olivia, they were doing quite well, and Marissa was sure Roy would continue to improve when he embarked on his next season of racing as a five year old.
Take them for six furlongs, keep them nose to nose the whole way. James instructed, his eyes narrowing on Sunset Crusade's handsome body. Make sure they're completely warm and loose before you gallop. He shivered slightly and folded his arms as they headed off, wanting nothing more than to get out of the cold and go back to the house to spend time with his wife and baby. They had a new trainer starting, but he didn't start until Monday, after the Winter Cup.
The horses all played up as they warmed up, but none more than Cruze. The young stallion was full of himself like always, which was of course something Marissa loved about him. They moved on into canter after a long trot, and remained in silence. Each rider was obviously considering their chances in the upcoming races. Olivia stared down at Strictly Royal's handsome head, and remembered their last two races. Roy was starting to go up against stronger competition, and he needed to rise to the occasion. He could do it - she knew it. His times were just as good as many of the other good horses in the stables. They were entered in the Winter Cup G3 Dirt, against fillies Arachne and Fiery Touch, who would prove to be tough competition.
Blaze was, to be honest, disappointed with Euphorion, and he knew that James and Sarah were too. The colt had been bred to be a superstar, but he wasn't. Maybe they had him on the wrong surface. Maybe he was better on the turf, despite most of his bloodline being dirt runners. Blaze made a mental note to try him on the turf, and compare the times. They were due to race in the Winter Cup G2 Dirt, against Fire Dancer, The Underdog and Knight Rousseau.
Marissa was happy enough with Sunset Crusade. He had won hald of his races this year, against tough competition, and had beaten rival Flashy Wings recently in the Colonialle Derby. They would face each other again in the Winter Cup G1 Dirt this weekend, along with Eternal Phantom and TDI Live This Lie. Marissa wondered how the race would play out, with three SOPS horses in one race. Would they focus on each other, or would they band together to try to take Cruze down? One thing was for sure, Sunset Crusade would take the lead and keep it, no matter what.
Marissa glanced over at the other two riders and indicated to them that they would be starting their gallop soon. The six furlong pole was ahead, and the horses sensed the time was near. Cruze cantered faster, but he wasn't alone. The other two stallions were doing the same. At the same moment, they burst forward into gallop, and immediately it was a struggle to keep them in line. Euphorion had the inside rail, Strictly Royal was in the middle and Cruze was on the outside.
They headed quickly toward the turn, taking strong, even strides. The pace was medium, and the riders intended to keep it that way, even if the horses did not. As the turn straightened into the stretch, Marissa was doing all she could to hold Cruze in at a controlled speed, in line with the other colts. She knew the other riders were doing the same, that she was not alone in her struggle. Each thoroughbred desperately wanted to prove his speed and power over the others.
As they pounded past the finish point, a collective sigh of relief could be heard. They slowed gradually, then turned back to the gap in the rail. They were ready for the Winter Cup!