Post by Snowflake on Feb 27, 2012 2:47:14 GMT -5
SILVERIANNA, SUNSET CRUSADE AND EUPHORION WORK FOR BLUE GRASS STAKES*
The Triple Crown and Triple Tiara prep races were well underway. The Blue Grass Stakes ran this weekend, and Silverianna, Sunset Crusade and Euphorion were due to run in it. They were putting in their final gallop for it this morning, in a competitive workout for all three. They rode side by side at a trot. Stella aboard Silverianna, Marissa on Sunset Crusade and Sarah riding Euphorion. The colts acted up, while Silverianna coolly ignored them. Regarding herself somewhat as a princess, she was above that sort of behaviour, at least today.
The Blue Grass Stakes currently consisted of just two other horses besides their own, both from Stride of Perfection Stables. Flashy Wings was already grade two, and was a serious contender for the Crown. However, Euphorion and Sunset Crusade had beaten him their last time out, in the Wood Memorial. Fire Dancer was grade five, and we guessed she would most probably head for the Tiara. Silverianna had beaten the filly last time out as well, in the Alabama Stakes.
Silverianna was grade four, with a record of 15-4-5-4 to her name. She'd won twice this year, most recently in the Tiara prep race the Alabama Stakes. Stella proudly rode the filly at a canter; she kept up easily with the boys. And little wonder - Ianna was out of Bank On Silver, and by Night Stalker. Her breeding was impeccable.
Sunset Crusade was on the verge of grade three, with his record of 18-6-7-4. He'd run 6 times this year, come second in three races and won the other three, the most recent being the Wood Memorial Stakes. His sire had also won the race, and his grand sire was a Triple Crown Champion. The colt definitely had it in him to win it.
Euphorion was also grade four, with a record of 18-5-4-4. He'd most recently come second in the Wood Memorial Stakes, and was considered a top contender for the Crown, due to his talent and his breeding. The colt was out of Hall Of Fame mare Euphoria, who was in turn out of Bank On Silver and by True Enough, both Hall of Fame inductees. Ryan was also sired by the highly desirable Hall of Fame stallion Merry Bay King. He was practically a 3/4 brother to a Triple Crown Champion.
As previously agreed, each of the horses broke into gallop at the six furlong marker. They were just going to gallop four furlongs easily, then a quick blow out on the final two. The huffing sounds of the horses breathing quickened, and their ears turned back from the rushing wind. As they rounded the turn and the straight stretched out before them, each horse naturally began to quicken their pace. Two furlongs to go! Stella glanced over at the colts. Cruze was aggressively gaining speed, pulling ahead rapidly. She cued Silverianna as Euphorion made a break for it.
It wasn't a race, but the horses sure were treating it that way. Each one of them fought hard for first place, but there wasn't enough time. They passed by the finish line with Sunset Crusade ahead by a half length, and the other two roughly equal. They were ready for the roses.
