Post by Snowflake on Feb 18, 2012 22:00:36 GMT -5
NATURALLY CHARISMATIC, SILVERIANNA, EUPHORION, SUNSET CRUSADE AND TRUE FIRE
The Triple Tiara prep races loomed, but Sarah wasn't convinced either filly was really ready. Their training schedules had been adapted to get the pair in the best shape of their lives. Especially Naturally Charismatic's. Sarah was extremely determined to get the best out of the half sister of Born To Soar. Stella was equally determined to show that she could get the best out of Silverianna, who was the last of Bank On Silver's foals.
The pair were starting their workout from the gate today, a full mile long mock race, along with Euphorion, Sunset Crusade and True Fire. Euphorion was displeased with having a different rider, and played up a little. Blaze was a good jockey though, and managed to handle the colt quite well. Also without his usual rider, True Fire was trying to be a little naughty. Jacob wasn't a regular of Star Thoroughbreds', but he certainly knew how to handle a thoroughbred and none of Fire's little tricks was working.
Sunset Crusade drew gate one, and the handsome handful of a colt loaded with minimal fuss. Marissa ruffled his mane and scratched his neck as a reward. The colt had had a great start to the year, and was doing better than Euphorion. Silverianna had drawn gate two, and also loaded nicely. She stood with a regal air, ready to break away the instant she could. True Fire had drawn gate three, and danced into the gate, after refusing once. Euphorion had gate four, and Naturally Charismatic had the fifth gate. All loaded, the jockeys had 20 seconds to prepare for the start. Then they were off!
Sunset Crusade shot forward, taking the lead immediately. Euphorion and Silverianna got into position behind him, side by side, while Naturally Charismatic and True Fire brought up the rear, Charis a mere half length ahead of Fire. They galloped up the backstretch, positions unchanging, and moved into the turn. Halfway through, Sarah began to urge Charis on. She needed a bit of time to get really going. The filly inched out wide, and began to gain on Euphorion.
As the turn ended, True Fire also moved up the challenge. Silverianna widened the space in between herself and the rail, and found a gap just as Sunset Crusade burst forward. Two furlongs from the finish, everyone had started slightly early and now they all raced in line with one another, each gaining speed with every stride. Sarah showed her filly the whip, and Charis put on a final burst of speed. Sunset Crusade crossed the line first, Euphorion second, Silverianna third, True Fire fourth, then finally Naturally Charismatic. The filly breathed hard, she'd worked hard, but hadn't gotten ahead of her stable mates. This called for more hard work... a beach work. Good race, everyone Sarah called, as they all slowed down and then headed back for the stables. Beach, here comes Charis...
