Post by Snowflake on Apr 6, 2012 8:06:05 GMT -5
EUPHORION WORKS FOR PREAKNESS STAKES*
As the son of HOF Merry Bay King, and the daughter HOF Euphoria, Euphorion's bloodlines said it all. Anyone who knows anything about them knows that. The young colt was talented, and a little arrogant. He had looks and charm, and he had speed and stamina. What didn't he have? We had yet to answer that question. He'd won his last two races, and had hit grade three. He'd given the Kentucky Derby a miss because Sunset Crusade was almost a sure thing (and he'd sure won it!) but was now ready to fight for the remaining two jewels of the Crown.
Sarah set him off at a trot, lost in her thoughts about the competition. The field was full of decent colts, although it was small, and it could be anyone's race. Euphorion had raced last on the same day that the other colts had, so he had no advantage there. As they finished a trot lap, Sarah asked her thoroughbred for a canter. A little kick up of the heels, and he burst into the faster, more comfortable pace. They remained on the outside of the track, as other horses raced past on the inside.
Like with the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, a filly had entered the Preakness Stakes. Although she was a daughter of HOF Inductee and sire of many great racers, True Enough, Sarah didn't think Lumiera would be able to do much in this race. She'd be more suited to the Tiara. With colts like Euphorion, Flashy Wings and Dark Charmer, only a very accomplished filly would stand a chance. Lumiera had only one win in nine starts.
Dark Charmer was in gate one. After losing to both Flashy Wings and Sunset Crusade in the Derby, the G4 colt would no doubt be out for blood. Flashy Wings had been second in the Derby, and with the impressive record he had, he would certainly be right on the board again. But with only two wins to his name this year, Sarah wondered if the G2 colt was any better than anyone else or if he'd just been the quickest to mature. Then again, he had beaten older horses, so it was anyone's guess.
Finally, they moved into gallop. Sarah crouched closer to her colt, and was delighted to feel the sheer power in each of his strides. To feel and hear the wind rushing past was awesome. It was even better when galloping ahead of several other horses, about to win a race. Sarah and Euphorion had won their two most recent races, and they were well ready to win a third. Bring on the Preakness!
