Post by Cruisey on May 22, 2014 8:27:18 GMT -5
COCO CABANA && DEVON BLACKTHORN
PREAKNESS STAKES* WORKOUT
Coco Cabana was doing very well for his first season with Firestone Racing. Carter had to say he was impressed with the colt and his progress, but it was not all in the clear for the bay colt. Not by a long shot. This next race, Carter knew would be the toughest of them all. Coco would need all his talent and all his skill to possibly hope to win.
Horse, jockey and trainer had all taken to the dirt track one more, in anticipation for the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown. So far it was a four horse race, and the other three competitors were good at what they did…very good. Limited Edition was an amazing colt for sure, Anodyne was not to be underestimated by any means, and the gray Supernatural was the lone filly in the race who beat out Coco in the Bluegrass Stakes. Her mother was owned by Firestone as well.
The bay colt was in good shape, his energy more than returned to him since his last outing in the Oblivious Stakes where he had shown his talent against the other strong competition to claim a victory. Devon was ecstatic to ride the Triple Crown contender. Even though it had only been a few weeks since he arrived at Firestone, it seemed like much longer when he acted the way he did.
Given his energy level, he was walking surprisingly well beside the handler. His neck was curled in, his movement purposeful, but he did not pull against the handler. Carter was glad of the fact that he was starting to finally settle in with the farm and the quick jockey changes.
Devon was already at the track when Carter arrived with the colt. Devon took that as his cue, moving to climb into the colt's saddle. Five furlongs on the dirt with the starting gates. That was what had been planned for today's workout, and the colt was ready to go. With his jockey mounted, he became a little less calm and pulled at the bit as the handler led them toward the starting contraption. Carter pulled the bay colt back as they neared the large gates so that he did not approach too quickly and he was soon loaded ready for the workout to begin. Closing the shutters, he took a step back and let Devon take over.
Devon rose in his stirrups, preparing himself for the workout. The colt beneath him shifted slightly, but was focused on the track beyond the shutters. Attentive, the jockey lifted his head to look over the shutters and then it was a waiting game, although not for long. The buzzer announced the beginning of the run, the shutters opened and the bay colt shot from the gate.
Their pace was high from the word go. Coco was geared up and ready to take on the workout. His mind was sharp, his ears pressed against his neck and Devon focused on the dirt ahead of them. Behind them, a cloud of dust kicked up from the dry track and if conditions were maintained that would stand a chance of upsetting their opponents during the race. Of course, nothing like that was guaranteed and Devon would not be counting on it. What he was counting on was the colt's heart and talent, as well as his own.
As the first furlong closed, the colt had truly found his stride and was moving forward with confidence. Swift, powerful movements propelled him up the track at quite the speed and he looked comfortable doing it. His head had lowered, powering on down the track, breathing in and out in tune with every stride.
Furlong after furlong flew by as they entered the final one of the workout. Devon tucked himself close to the colt's neck, started to press forwards and somehow the colt found another gear. They were really kicking up the dirt now, and doing it with style. This was not the run of an amateur juvenile, but of a horse ready to take on the world and as they passed the post Devon knew Coco was really finding himself now. He was something special. Would they win the race? Who knew, it was anyone's game, but they would be trying their best.
