Post by Dante on Apr 24, 2012 22:55:58 GMT -5
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EXECUTIONER'S APPRENTICE
workout with
TOBIAS LANCASTER
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The competition was tough, and the track unforgiving. The lower grades seemed like the kiddie pool now, but Tobias knew it was cutthroat down there from volume. It never was easy, no matter where in the world where you were. And that, simply put, was why they were out on the track again. Because one mistake now could kick them in the butt much, much later. It was time to fight.
The next race App was slated to be in was the July Turf Stakes. Normally, Tobias wouldn't be in jitters about it, but he was determined. They had won their last race by a nose. Just a nose. And second place, White Chocolate, was in this race. The mare wasn't to be messed with without practice. That was why they were out in the sun, ready to go.
"Leg up, shortstuff?" It was Erin with Tobias this time. Skylark was at some family greeting, and Connor was hungover, so it was a jockey-jockey go of things. Tobias sighed.
"Well, clearly." He said, looking up at the dapple grey colt. App's ears were pricked forwards, dark eyes staring out over the track, ready to go, but serene for now. "On the count of whaaaaa-" Tobias promptly found himself lifted and placed soundly on the back of Executioner's Apprentice.
"Changed my mind." Erin said with a laugh. She barely had to look up to speak with him, even mounted. "That was easier."
"Demeaning." Tobias said with a laugh, as he collected his stirrups and took up the slack in the reign.
"Just get out there and run. We're counting on you." Erin reminded him, as she picked up the stopwatch and clipboard from where it was balanced on the rail.
Tobias nodded and headed for the gate. It was time to snap into action. He could feel Executioner's Apprentice tugging a little bit on the reigns out of eagerness. Eight furlongs along the turf. This was a distance he knew very well. Eight and ten; seemed like most of his major races were one of the two. This time, it was eight. They were loaded into the gate with little difficulty, and the jockey pulled down his goggles. App waited patiently, but Tobias could feel the anticipation in the horse under him. He was ready to go, he was ready to win this thing.
One deep breath. That was all Tobias had time for. One deep breath, and then the gates went open. App broke fast, a place that would put him with the frontrunners. He'd settle at second or third, and he'd never let up. He wouldn't pass, but he'd never let up. In a way, it was akin to strangulation. Slower, but persistent. Or stalking - which was what the subtype of running that App did was commonly called. Strangulation was a little morbid, but not when you took it into context with App's show name, and the rosette of 'blood' on his shoulder. Then, well, it almost made more sense than stalking.
Tobias felt the wind whipping his jockey silks everywhere, as he kept App off the rail but not quite in the middle of things. The race was slightly smaller, they didn't have to go too wide to keep from getting boxed up this time, which added seconds to their time. He kept App going steady, but the colt already knew. This was what he lived for, this was the mind of a champion. His nostrils flared and his hooves were steady and sure as they galloped down the track, a ghost field surrounding them. This was their life. This was what horse and rider alike craved. Running, running, competing, doing all they could do. It was like flying, flying free. For a stable named "Prison Hill", it was rather funny.
They rounded the corner, and then made their move at six furlongs. They let go and ran for their lives, faster and faster. Tobias gave the stick, and also the reins, and App gave it his all. He ran over the turf like no one's business, only it very much was every one's business. Eyes were on them, and it was time to shine! They surpassed the invisible field and crossed beyond the eight furlong marker, where they then slowed down and looped back to Erin.
"How'd we do?" Tobias asked, while App watched another horse getting ready to go on the track.
"Good." Erin said with a grin. Tobias couldn't help but note it was weird to see her without red lipstick. "You did perfect, here's to high hopes!"-----------------------
WORKOUT STATS
words| 674
workout surface| Turf
distance| 8 furlongs
horse| Executioner's Apprentice
jockey| Tobias Lancaster
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