Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2013 4:51:22 GMT -5
Icee and Blue were both headed toward the turf triple crown, although Blue could only handle two of the three legs, and would battle for dominance with entrants from other stables across the series. They had been in preparation all season, but that did not mean that they were ready. You never knew when something would crawl out of the woodwork to throw a spanner in the works. But this week, the pair would go head on head.
The field for the Derby Stakes was looking interesting, with four entrants declared in all and there was no doubt that the race would be fierce. Icee had taken one of each top three spot in her three starts this season and was looking strong while Blue had raced four times for a first and three places. All in all, they were looking good but there was no guessing in these big races and no risk taking. You threw yourself into it, you gave your all and hoped for the best.
Alexia was looking forwards to her first time running one of the prestigious three-year-old series while Jacob was going for his third this season. The pair had been talking and training together a lot and together they were hoping to impress. But the ony way to impress in this game was to pull the near impossible. For Alexia, it wasn't only her first try however - it was her chance to put her name down in history. To claim the Turf Triple Crown, something which had never happened before, on the back of the first Triple Crown winner's daughter.
Both of the horses were energetic and ready for the race, although Icee was all seriousness as she was led out onto the track by Jack who had just returned following his accident with the yearling, Mage. He didn't seem shaken by what had happened though, and instead led the filly with all the confidence he had held before. There was no doubt, however, that he would be more careful when it came to Mage in the future. Alexia moved over swiftly and climbed into the saddle, running her hand down the silky black neck. "Let's show him." she told the horse, who's right audit flicked back at her voice. Blue, on the other hand, was fidgetting as ever. He threw his head and moved with impressive, powerful strides beside Lucas and when Jacob pulled himself into the saddle he seemed to raise his head just a little. Gating was quick, and then the game was on.
With the current entrants, it was easy to predict how the field would play out. Alexia and Icee would be out front in the lead with Blue behind them - something which they had agreed previously while Livin' The Jazz of Oak Hill Farm and GS Supercharged of Bowen Acres battled for the back spot. All in all, however, it was going to be an interesting race and one to watch.
The buzzer sounded and the gates crashed open, the black horses both shooting out at a good speed. Blue was confident, although not overly so, after getting his first win this season in his last race whereas Icee, who had been beaten last time out, was full of determination. Soon, they were settled by the rail with Icee about a length and a half ahead of Blue and the pace quick. As the first of four furlongs closed, things remained as such although Blue was starting to pick his pace up a little, trying to pressure the leader who did not react.
Moving into the third furlong, the horses were side by side and moving well. Alexia urged Icee on and the black filly started to press forwards although Blue was quick to mimic her, matching her pace for pace. Alexia glanced at Jacob who just grinned and shook her head. "That's it, you're going to eat dust!" she shouted a promise as she tucked into the filly's neck, cracking the crop. Icee was off at an outstanding speed and Jacob laughed, urging Blue on also.
The battle down the final stretch was impressive, the horses neck and neck for most of it as they fought for domination over the other. They weren't holding back and the distance seemed to fly by for the jockeys. At one point it would seem Icee was leading, then Blue but as they passed the post they seemed to be neck and neck. It had been a good workout, but only the race would show if it was good enough.
The field for the Derby Stakes was looking interesting, with four entrants declared in all and there was no doubt that the race would be fierce. Icee had taken one of each top three spot in her three starts this season and was looking strong while Blue had raced four times for a first and three places. All in all, they were looking good but there was no guessing in these big races and no risk taking. You threw yourself into it, you gave your all and hoped for the best.
Alexia was looking forwards to her first time running one of the prestigious three-year-old series while Jacob was going for his third this season. The pair had been talking and training together a lot and together they were hoping to impress. But the ony way to impress in this game was to pull the near impossible. For Alexia, it wasn't only her first try however - it was her chance to put her name down in history. To claim the Turf Triple Crown, something which had never happened before, on the back of the first Triple Crown winner's daughter.
Both of the horses were energetic and ready for the race, although Icee was all seriousness as she was led out onto the track by Jack who had just returned following his accident with the yearling, Mage. He didn't seem shaken by what had happened though, and instead led the filly with all the confidence he had held before. There was no doubt, however, that he would be more careful when it came to Mage in the future. Alexia moved over swiftly and climbed into the saddle, running her hand down the silky black neck. "Let's show him." she told the horse, who's right audit flicked back at her voice. Blue, on the other hand, was fidgetting as ever. He threw his head and moved with impressive, powerful strides beside Lucas and when Jacob pulled himself into the saddle he seemed to raise his head just a little. Gating was quick, and then the game was on.
With the current entrants, it was easy to predict how the field would play out. Alexia and Icee would be out front in the lead with Blue behind them - something which they had agreed previously while Livin' The Jazz of Oak Hill Farm and GS Supercharged of Bowen Acres battled for the back spot. All in all, however, it was going to be an interesting race and one to watch.
The buzzer sounded and the gates crashed open, the black horses both shooting out at a good speed. Blue was confident, although not overly so, after getting his first win this season in his last race whereas Icee, who had been beaten last time out, was full of determination. Soon, they were settled by the rail with Icee about a length and a half ahead of Blue and the pace quick. As the first of four furlongs closed, things remained as such although Blue was starting to pick his pace up a little, trying to pressure the leader who did not react.
Moving into the third furlong, the horses were side by side and moving well. Alexia urged Icee on and the black filly started to press forwards although Blue was quick to mimic her, matching her pace for pace. Alexia glanced at Jacob who just grinned and shook her head. "That's it, you're going to eat dust!" she shouted a promise as she tucked into the filly's neck, cracking the crop. Icee was off at an outstanding speed and Jacob laughed, urging Blue on also.
The battle down the final stretch was impressive, the horses neck and neck for most of it as they fought for domination over the other. They weren't holding back and the distance seemed to fly by for the jockeys. At one point it would seem Icee was leading, then Blue but as they passed the post they seemed to be neck and neck. It had been a good workout, but only the race would show if it was good enough.