Post by Snowflake on Nov 14, 2011 23:32:12 GMT -5
LAWLIET'S GIRL AND STUDLEY DUDLEY UNIVERSAL CUP WORKOUT
The pair disliked one another. There was an obvious desire in each horse to beat the other by miles. We were pretty sure it was a clash of the personalities - if Lolly and Studmuffin were humans, Lolly would be a lawyer and Stud would be a male model. Or stripper. Seriously. He was that into himself, and she was that intelligent.
Back when Studley Dudley had been a two year old, Star Thoroughbreds (then Green horse Stables) had owned him. Sarah had been his main rider, and had fallen from the colt and broken her wrist, causing her to be on the ground for the next six weeks. Marissa had then exercised and raced the colt, and now she was his main rider. He had been sold on later in the season due to financial difficulties, which in turn were due to Sarah being unable to ride. Now we had him back.
Sarah rode Lawliet's Girl. The five year old grey mare had her nose in the air, turned away from Studmuffin. The four year old bay stallion had his nose in his chest, with his neck arched impressively, no doubt showing off for whatever fillies also shared the track. They trotted briskly, then broke into canter after about fifteen minutes.
The canter lap gave the riders time to consider their upcoming race. Born To Soar had been originally planned to enter the race, but was switched to the Climax Cup at the last minute when Studley Dudley became eligible to run in the Universal. The pair were up against the top turf horses around, as the race was restricted to G1 horses only. Among them were Wildly Natural and Foolish Lad. Wildly Natural was out of Hall of Fame mare Wild Flower, whom STBS had once owned, back when she was two or three years old. Wildly Natural's sire was Star Thoroughbreds own Hall of Fame stallion The Natural. The four year old filly had a record of 42-21-4-9, and had won last year's Universal Cup. Foolish Lad was another entry from Stride of Perfection. The five year old stallion's lines weren't so known to them, but the horse was obviously a contender, with his record of 54-14-23-10.
Lawliet's Girl herself was by famous Hall of Fame stallion Merry Bay King, and therefore half sister to fellow Hall of Fame horses Impressario and Simply A Flyer. Lolly's record was 62-17-21-14, and the mare had six wins on her record this year, with no places out of the top three. Studley Dudley came from completely unknown bloodlines, and had a record of 35-13-9-5. he'd been off the track for most of the year, having just one start back in January before his spectacular win last week in the Autumn Cup. This was due to his previous owners going bankrupt, and not being able to afford entry fees. The colt was however, obviously a star.
With the four furlong pole ahead, both riders prepared to cue their mounts. Lolly's nose had come down a little now, but she still held onto an air of superiority, while the colt just seemed to snort at it. On cue, both thoroughbreds burst into gallop, instantly at war with one another. Both horses seemed blinded by desire for a moment, then each calmed down a little, settling into a reasonable pace, still neck and neck.
Rounding the turn, Studley Dudley hugged the rail, attempting to pull ahead slightly. Lolly didn't let him, strategically leaning into the turn as she matched the colt stride for stride. As the corner rounded off and leveled into the straight, Both horses surged ahead. With just two furlongs to go, both began to drive powerfully, with neither pulling ahead of the other. Come on Lolly, show him what girls are made of! Sarah encouraged the mare, showing her the whip. Lawliet's Girl seemed to spread invisible wings and take off then, and started to inch ahead of the bay stallion, who rallied hard. But it was Lolly's race, and the mare flashed by the finish with a head in front of Studley Dudley.
Sarah slowed Lawliet's Girl up, patting the mare's sweaty neck affectionately. You go girl! Marissa called out with a laugh, also giving her colt a good scratch. Studmuffin isn't going to lose the race though! They were ready for the Universal Cup.
