a stormy night.

[Kirsten Jade]

<sub>Silver Secret
Apollo Bear
Midnight Thriller
Workout for Stormy Night Maiden Dirt.

Kirsten pulled her feisty filly up and glanced behind her in annoyance. They were far behind and still warming up next to each other. Didn't they know how crucial this workout was? This was the final prep race before the big maiden race. It would be Midtee's second time out on the track but only the first for the other two. It was almost murder to enter three horses in the same race because there is no way you can ever guarantee landing in the top three but there was no better time to gain experience. Once everyone goes out then the first race is under the belt. It always takes a horse a couple of runs to get used to racing in a pack. This was another reason Kirsten wanted them to do their workout in a large group. It might prepare them more for the race. Midtee fidgeted beneath her saddle, ready to run. Ahhh let's go...

Melanie looked on ahead and saw her sister pull up her mount near the gates. She wasn't sure Kirsten would be wanting her to run Sissy this fast if she ever found out that Melanie had sort of umm... raced another horse a couple days ago. It might be too much for the young filly too soon. I better not have blown the poor filly's chances at winning this race... She sighed.

Aaron glanced from one sister to another from atop the big Apollo Bear. The vibes he was receiving from Melanie made him a bit uncomfortable. I wonder what she did now... He shook his head. That woman needed to get her head in the game. This race was extremely important for this batch of horses and for Akita Rose Stables. They needed to get their two year olds on the track and running their hearts out. If they had any chance in the Breeder's Cup they needed to start working hard.

He rubbed the mane of the juvenile beneath him. He was actually quite fond of his ride this year. The big black colt had some of the best bloodlines in the business. He also was one speedy racehorse. Aaron had a feeling that this horse was going to bring them far throughout the years.

He kicked Olio into a smooth gallop and made his way over to Kirsten. He had other horses to work and he wasn't going to be left in the dust today. He pulled up the big black colt next to Kirsten and Midtee. Before he could even think the young filly half reared towards him. Olio squealed and lifted his front as well. Aaron grabbed a fistful of mane and managed to keep his seat. Just barely though.

Kirsten frowned towards the young man and turned Midtee towards the number one slot. He should have known better than to get too close to Midtee. The fierce unpredictable filly was not one to diddle dawddle next to. She quickly loaded into the gate as she heard Silver Secret's hooves approaching. She was tired of waiting for those two.

Melanie rolled her eyes and quickly loaded Sissy into the second slot. The young filly tensed up and pawed at the ground. Aaron, with a pink tint on his cheeks, loaded in with Olio next to her. He cleared his throat and looked between the ears of the big colt. And they were off!...

[they run.]

It was the last turn for home. Midtee and Olio were running head to head and Sissy was a length behind. They all let in another burst of speed but it wasn't enough. Olio had led wire to wire. Aaron rubbed his hands together after the race. What a thrill. He couldn't wait to see what Olio could do in his maiden race on Saturday.</sub>

[Kirsten Jade]

<sub>Snow Storm
Workout for Stormy Night Maiden Turf.

Kirsten was all smiles after that mock race with the three juveniles. She dismounted from a unhappy black filly and gave her a good pat. She had done well. Kirsten was pleased with the results. Now she just had to wait and see what happens on Saturday. Speaking of Saturday... Kirsten looked towards the stable row looking for her next mount. She handed Midtee over to one of her grooms and leaned up against the fence. There was no time for breaks right now. Akita Rose Stables had to get up and running... or else she might have to start selling off her stock...

A bright flash of white on the turf track caught Kirsten's eye. No it couldn't be... She straightened up and ran towards the turf track. "HEY!" She waved her hands in the air. "HHHHHHEEEEEEEYYYYY" She jumped onto the track as the horse and rider came into view. The rider pulled the horse up and approached Kirsten nervously. It was one of the apprentice jockeys that she had hired. "What do you think you are doing?" She frowned at the young male. "I was just warming him up for you. What's the big deal?" Kirsten stared at the boy angerly. "What's the big deal?! Is this your horse? Did you have my permission? No. Get down. Now." The young jockey rolled his eyes and dismounted.

Kirsten grabbed the reins and pulled the horse towards the rail. She climbed up and mounted him in one quick motion. The young male was already walking away shaking his head. Kirsten looked after him and shouted loud enough for him to hear. "Oh by the way. YOU'RE FIRED. And don't even think of putting Akita Rose Stables on your resume." Kirsten grinned as the so-called jockey kicked over a water bucket. And with that she turned her mount towards the inside rail. It was time to get to work.

They were going to need a lot of work... and luck to be able to pull off a win with Snowy. The poor white son of Blanchette and Sand Storm was too calm to push his way to the front of the pack and win a race and Kirsten was too much of a wimp to try and change his personality. She didn't want to break the colt after all. He just needed a lot of encouragement. She was going to do whatever it took to get her little baby to the front of the races. He had the potential she knew, he just needed a little bit of competition inside him. It would come... it would... it had to...</sub>