Post by S u N f r O s t ~ on Nov 21, 2011 17:16:15 GMT -5
STRICTLY ROYAL AND KRYSTAL YHATE
FLASHY WINGS AND HENNA TURATH
Quietly full of pride, Henna trotted the beautiful dark bay colt out onto the dirt track. He was full of spirit today - bouncing on his hooves, ready to run. He had had a bit of time devoted to maturing and getting better. After the great talent he had shown in being nearly undefeated in ten starts, and being the only grade three two year old even at this advanced stage of the year, Henna had elected to making sure she didn't push him. She knew it was too soon to be thinking about the Triple Crown, but she felt that she had a real contender on her hands. She was obviously very excited about Flash's chances. Today, they would be working against Strictly Royal as a sort of brush-up for that headstrong colt's next start.
Krystal held Roy tightly in hand as they exited the barn. Mounting up, she took hold of the reins as soon as she could and stabilized her position in the saddle before trotting the tall two year old to the dirt track. Roy moved against her at first, roughly trying to break free and show off for any watching ladies. He wanted some running to be done, and was dying to feel the wind whistling through his mane. He was definitely hard to handle, which was why he often didn't place as well as he could in races. If he would only listen to Krystal more, perhaps they would thoroughly own the competition as they should. Hopefully as he gained experience, they would start to outclass their competitors and shine as Krystal knew they could. As the son of Royal Red Richard and Strictly Speaking, two well respected racehorses, he definitely had it in him to make it big and keep it huge.
Upon seeing Flash, Roy rose his head ridiculously high and attempted to assert his dominance by emphasizing his ridiculous height. Rather than resort to the loud, vocal method he could of, Flash quietly looked at Roy as though he wasn't worth his attention. Roy took it as a sign of subservience and acted like a king as he came up and trotted alongside Flash. Flash, however, maintained his quiet, prideful composure. Nothing Roy could do would upset Flash today. He was too set on his own, quiet pride to care much of what the other colt thought. His height and his bearing did not impress Flash. All the lion-like colt was interested in was a good race from a potential rival. And that he would have, as today was a hard effort, race pace, over a distance of one mile.
Still up for facing us, I see noted Henna with a sly smirk aboard Flash. What's there to fear? retorted Krystal hotly, but even she was smirking. The two women worked together so often that banter like this had become a common thing between them. You sure he can take the mile as fast as Flash can? came Henna's next question. He'll leave him in the dust responded Krystal confidently, eyes twinkling. We'll see about that Henna responded. Now let's canter. Before the words were out of her mouth, Henna was out and moving Flash at a beautifully flowing canter. Krystal bit back a sharp exclamation at the sudden increase in speed and quickly followed. Roy quickly caught up, and together the two women cantered their horses for one mile.
Finally, when both horses were sufficiently warmed up, the women slowed them back down to a trot. With a nod at each other, they trotted to the gates, which had been specially set up for this workout. Horses could never get enough gate practice, especially two year olds. The two colts both whuffed nervously as they approached the gate. But, at seeing the other colt's discomfort, both quieted down and attempted to be more professional than the other. Krystal smirked, while Henna remained impassive and unsurprised. In her opinion, her colt was already a professional. Why should she be surprised with him? All she felt was pleasure at his more mature mindset. Smoothly, each trying to best the other, the two colts loaded into the gates. Both riders took up the reins and a fistful of mane and awaited the opening of the gates.
With a clanging of the bells, the gates opened. Roy instantly leaped forward, charging away with the lead. Comfortable with this, Flash followed in a mid pack position. He was fine with letting Roy have the lead, as he knew that he could easily close the gap in a matter of seconds. As though picking up on this confidence, Krystal shook the reins at Roy. Slightly uncomfortable with the change in pace, he did lengthen his stride and put another two lengths between him and Flash before checking himself. No matter what Krystal said, he would not run out of his comfort zone in the beginning stages of the race. Even at two, he was definitely smart enough not to do stupid things. Krystal felt a sudden thrill of pride but kept it down.
The race was shortlived. The horses maintained their positions until the final furlongs, when Flash came charging up and forced Roy to work for his lead. However, Roy gave in, and Flash took the win. He was good at that. Roy, though, he was going to get better, especially after this.
