Shining Stars

[Deleted]

Aztareal & Alexia Harshing
Afterglow & Alana Stratt

In the next few weeks there were two horses who would be running in sprint style races on the dirt. Two year olds Aztec and Stormi would be working together in order to prepare for their races in the hope that they could push each other a step closer to victory. Wins in any race were really important for the two year olds, the best of which would compete in the triple crown, tiara or turf the year after. The ultimate goal for any three year old was to come away with the triple but it was a difficult feat, involving winning all three races. But in order to get there the horses needed to first prove themselves on the track in other races.

Aztec had yet to break his maiden but had been performing well, placing or showing in three of his four races so far. Even when he had not shown he had only just been out, taking fourth in a large field. He was certainly an impressive colt who would only get better with experience. All he needed was a lucky break and, in a sprint type race, it was hoped that there would be a smaller field and therefore more chance for him to show what he was made of and come away with the long-awaited win. But even if he did not, his experience would help him the following year.

Stormi had already broke her maiden and won one other race having run in a number of others. She would provide healthy competition for the colt, as well as him for her. After all, every chance to compete fired up the spirits of such horses and if they were already fired up for competition it was a lot easier for them to compete. It was a lot easier for them to come out on top, or to at least run to the best of their ability. That was all they needed to do - if they tried their best the stable would be happy with them.

The chestnut colt boxed well, walking calmly into the gate and standing as the shutters closed behind him. He waited for Stormi to be gated and, once she was, he knew the game was on. He pawed at the ground while the filly waited patiently and when the gate finally opened, which seemed to take forever. In the next stall, Stormi was feeling impatient and throwing her head in agitation. But when the gate opened she dashed out and Aztareal took a position behind her.

It was obvious from the start that Stormi knew this was a short race. In a longer race she would hang back but instead she threw herself into it, taking a front position while Aztec hung out a few paced behind. She kept her speed up, pressing hard down the whole six furlong stretch. Aztec remained behind her for the first two furlongs and started to press on when their was four furlongs left. He started to catch up inch by inch and when he made his true move with two furlongs to go he found himself gaining quickly. Stormi, seeing her rival and feeling the crop on her rump, began to push harder and battled with the chestnut. Able to use her greater experience she won the race by a head.