Post by Snowflake on Apr 30, 2012 4:26:19 GMT -5
WINDBREAKER AND HERE'S THE KING WORK FOR BUTTER CUP SPRINT
It would be the biggest field either horse had faced in a while. Not that it would faze them at all. The thing was that the field was talented, not big. It was the first race of the sprinter series, and it was a field of nine. Three of the nine weren't expected to do much, but that left six great sprinters going head to head. Seattle Sun and Beltane, from Silver Stride Stables. Silver Birch from Gelli Aur Stables. And Pegasus Wings from Stride Of Perfection Stables, who was half brother of Here's The King.
Windbreaker was coming off an unfortunate fourth. The filly had won four of her seven starts this year, placed second and third in the others. Here's The King was coming off a third. the Breeder's Cup Sprint winner had won two, placed second in three, third in one and fourth in one this year. He was the oldest horse in the field, but it wouldn't stop him winning the race.
They were sprinting from the three furlong pole today, and after warming up, they were cantering the final few metres toward it, crossing the track as they did. Here's The King pulled like a train, nearly unbalancing Stella. She gritted her teeth, counting down the last few seconds, then letting him go. The stallion shot forward, but Windbreaker kept up. The filly was two years younger than him, six inches shorter than him, but equally as competitive.
She hugged the rail as they rounded the turn, gaining half a length, but as the turn leveled into the stretch, Here's The King quickly gained back the ground and started to inch ahead. The filly had barely begun her run though, and after a second or two, she was keeping up with him. The final furlong was upon them. Both riders urged their horses on, and the short brave filly pushed her nose forward at the right moment, beating the stallion by just that. King realised he'd lost, and challenged her to another race. She snorted back, whinnying a little at the end. It was a yes. They were ready for the Butter Cup Sprint
