Post by Snowflake on Jan 1, 2013 23:13:37 GMT -5
STREAKS OF PASSION WORKS FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP
One of the biggest races of Streak's career would be run in a matter of days. They'd been training the talented colt for months to go the longer distance, and he was ready just in time! Olivia could hardly contain her excitement. This was what she'd dreamed of her entire life - riding a spectacular racehorse to win in such a big race! But it wasn't going to be easy to win. They would be facing the best turf horses in world, and it would take no less than a perfect run to take the cup. Streak tossed his head playfully as he began his warm up underneath her. His chestnut coat gleamed in the morning sunlight, and his muscles rippled beneath it. He was a picture of health, the image of a winner. He'd won 7 of 16 starts this year, and had started facing the high end competition in his more recent races. All of those top turfers would be running in the Melbourne Cup, and he'd beaten some of them before. It would certainly be an experience even if he didn't win, but Olivia planned on the win.
On into canter, and Streak was feeling wonderful. Never better, in fact. They worked by themselves today, but there were other horses about. Olivia knew the media were watching - Streak had run third in the Caulfield Cup a few weeks ago, losing to Executioner's Apprentice and Sugar Jayde, and beating Frozen Motion. Executioner's Apprentice and Frozen Motion would also be running in the Melbourne Cup. Other entrants included Sillenia, Worldbreaker and Alluring Assault. All of them were amazing horses, all of them would be tough to beat.
Frozen Motion was a three year old colt, who had won the Rose Mile Cup after losing the Caulfield. Streak had run third in that race. Frozen Motion was also the winner of this year's Kentucky Open and Belmont Turf Classic, and had a record of 26-10-8-5. He was a stalker. Sillenia, a five year old mare, would start from gate two. She was the winner of 6 of 13 races this year, including the coveted Twilight Stakes which was run at The Wire. She was also the winner of three Breeder's Cup races and had an overall record of 69-19-18-16. She was a closer.
Worldbreaker was to start from the next gate. A five year old stallion, this year was quickly shaping up to be his best yet. He'd won 6 of 15 starts this year, including the Unicorn Horn Turf and Full Moon Derby. His overall record was 47-15-17-7 and he was a closer. Executioner's Apprentice was four years old, and was most likely to go in the favourite. He was the winner of 7 of 15 starts this year, including the Caulfield Cup last month. He had a record of 48-24-18-4 and was a preceder. The last competitor was Alluring Assault. The six year old mare was having a cracking season at The Wire track, winning 12 of 19 starts. If Executioner's Apprentice didn't go down as the favourite, she would. The mare had an overall record of 69-19-24-12 and was a closer.
Finally, Streak would start from the last gate. He was four years old, had an overall record of 27-9-9-6 and was a closer like many of the field. With no front runner, the pace would likely be slow and a few horses would likely be out of their usual positions. This would also be Streak's longest ever race, by one furlong. But he had been trained for it, and he had timed well at it. Olivia just had to ensure he had his favourite position at the back, and try not to get blocked on the way up the stretch. Their usual trick was to wait until after the final turn, then swing to the outside of the pack and fly to the front. It often worked a charm, but they were up against horses that may or may not outclass them slightly. But this was the race to prove they were worthy competition.
Streak's stride was smooth, relaxed and even. He had calmed down since beginning their workout, but Olivia knew there was boundless energy coursing through him. He would be more than ready to gallop to victory on race day, just like he was more than ready to show off to the spectators and other horses now. But they were not allowed to show off - merely gallop a mile, their last gallop before the race in two days time. And now they did gallop. Streak's stride lengthened and he accelerated, stretching his body to cover more ground.
As they crossed the finish, Olivia felt in her heart that Streak could do it. It wasn't going to be easy, but her colt would do his best and she knew his best could be good enough. They were ready for the Melbourne Cup!
