Firedance [Sunfrost]

DASHING IN THE FIRELIGHT AND HENNA TURATH
FEATURING SPECTATOR KRYSTAL YHATE

Henna Turath was a changed, conflicting woman.

When she had won the Preakness Stakes after placing second in the Kentucky Derby aboard Flashy Wings, she had been ecstatic. And when Fire had finally won in the Summer Cup, she had still been ecstatic. But coming in fourth in the Who's More Youthful Stakes, after they had worked so hard for it, and worked hard all year, had been tough. Fire had been a champion last year, but was like she was losing her touch or something. She was stuck in grade two, with the potential for more but with huge obstacles somehow appearing in her path. It was like she couldn't surmount them as she had last year, and Henna could not figure out why. Fire was perhaps being worked the hardest out of all the SOPS horses. She rarely had a day off, but she wasn't being overworked, either. It was just the right amount of work for the five year old. Yet something had changed, and Henna had no idea what it was.

When she had been approached by Silver Stride Stables about this pair workout with Moondance, she had been curious. True, they had maintained a business relationship with the stable, but Mona was a grade one racehorse now who was doing better than her half sister. It had been a complete reversal of fortunes, as formerly Fire was actually doing better than Mona. Yet Henna couldn't refuse the chance to work with Fire's half sister. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Perhaps this was the missing ingredient into making Fire tick again. Perhaps all she needed was a little sibling rivalry to rev her up? Fire's determination still knew no bounds; perhaps she would channel that to her running today even more so than usual and reach new heights as a result?

Krystal Yhate walked alongside Henna, eagerly looking for her former mount. Mona had been hers at SOPS, and though she had been sad to see her go she had been thrilled with how Mona had clicked with the SSS crew. She was here today to see how her former mare was doing, and she was dying for the moment. She was also here for Henna, who looked like she needed some support after finishing fourth in her latest race. So here she was! And then she saw the beautiful bay mare ahead of her, and nearly left Fire behind. With a quick glance back at Henna and Fire, Krystal walked forward quickly, a broad grin already in place on her face. Hey. You must be the crew from Silver Stride. I'm Krystal Yhate. Henna is over there with Fire. How's Mona today? Krystal was excited and bubbly. Henna hung back with Fire, not yet approaching, appearing to be preoccupied in her own thoughts as her fingers played with strands of her mare's mane.

Krystal ran her eyes over Mona's form, appraising her. Mona had left SOPS as a four year old that they hadn't had the hands to take care of. She had blossomed later on that year and even won the Breeders Cup Classic. Krystal had regretted selling the mare on but had thoroughly enjoyed watching her blossom. Now she would be a foundation mare for Silver Stride, their first champion, and Krystal was proud of this. You would think she would be upset to have lost such a horse, but Krystal was not. Though she rode only five horses for SOPS, the last of the three jockeys, her rides were amazing - Sillenia, Fire Dancer, Eternal Phantom...It was even more amazing that Krystal couldn't be upset with Henna for being upset with herself. Henna was a brilliant jockey. She rode Pegasus Wings, Flashy Wings, Sugar Jayde - and, of course, Fire. Yet she was upset. But Krystal understood why she was upset. It was performance that upset her.

Mona is doing great. She looks even better than she did last year. She's really grown into herself commented Krystal adoringly. As for Fire - well. You know just as well as I do about her lag in performance this year. I first I attributed it to the fact that Henna had so many mounts. She rides the most horses out of all of us. But there's something else missing now. Henna's a capable jockey. There's something up with the horse. Fire's worked with our best - Mystical Melody, Eternal Phantom, Fire Dancer, TDI Live This Lie - but something isn't clicking. I personally believe that if she works with her old stablemate, something will perk up in her. She grinned hopefully, but cast a concerned glance back at Henna and Fire. The pair were slowly walking over now, content to take their time.

The one I'm truly worried about is Henna. She's taking these losses to heart. It's been both a tough and rewarding year for her. I think she needs this she whispered. And here she comes...

Henna stopped Fire right in front of Mona and Alexia, to the side of Krystal. Fire was perking right up, as per usual, in the presence of competition. Her eyes stared straight at Mona unflinchingly, and a certain stillness about her betrayed great concentration. It was like every fiber of her being was currently attuned to Mona, waiting for her first move. Henna appeared to still be off in her own world. Her hand was still tangled in Fire's mane, still stroking the mare's neck. After about ten seconds of awkwardly standing there, Henna met Alexia's gaze and nodded a quiet greeting. Mona's looking good today she commented, eyes scanning her opponent's form. What kind of run were you planning to do?