Post by Snowflake on May 7, 2012 1:32:07 GMT -5
WINDBREAKER AND INDIAN DELIGHT WORK FOR ROYAL RED RICHARD MEMORIAL STAKES*
Both horses had met him, now that he was a Star Thoroughbreds owned horse, and this weekend they would race in Royal Red Richard's honour. The turf was firm underfoot, and wet with the previous night's melted frost. Winter was well on its way, and last night had been a cold one. Soon, they would have to cope with the bitter cold of snow. The four year old chestnut filly and bay colt warmed up at a trot, turning through a few figure eights and circles when they had the space. The turf track was busy at this time, and every 30 seconds or so a horse or two would pound past them at a gallop.
Windbreaker was in fairly good form. She'd lost her last few races by a nose, and was really keen on the win. Dave hoped she get it this time around, as too many losses in a row sometimes made the filly a little depressed. Indian Delight was also in good form, though he also hadn't won since May and all his starts since had resulted in third place. Sarah hoped the colt could push on for the win in the next race, and would only be happy with second if it was Windbreaker in front.
Pressing her colt into canter, and watching Dave and Windbreaker do the same, Sarah started to consider the race and the contenders. The race was seven furlongs on turf, and for grades three and above. At this time, there were only four entrants, including themselves. Pegasus Wings was in gate one. The G1 stallion had last won in June Wk3, in a race where he was far superior. Since, he'd been up against competition at his own level and had placed second and third. White Chocolate, the superstar maximum sabino mare, had recently hit G2 and was in excellent form after winning the Superstar Sprint last weekend. She was in gate two, with Indian Delight in gate three and Windbreaker in gate four.
In her mind, Sarah imagined how the race would play out. She and Indie would break fast, and take the lead by a length or two. Pegasus Wings was also a front runner, and would probably challenge them. She'd have to make a judgement call then - if Pegasus Wings pushed them too fast, she'd have to hold Indie back to let the other stallion lead. If he didn't push them too fast, well, Indy could hold a fast pace for ten furlongs, no trouble. Seven furlongs would be nothing. Windbreaker was versatile, and would probably take either mid pack with White Chocolate, or bring up the rear in closer position.
The four furlong pole loomed, and the riders prepared to send their thoroughbreds into gallop. Indian Delight burst forward first, true to his racing style, while Windbreaker contentedly followed, keeping up with ease. She'd break out her real speed when the track straightened out. They continued around the turn, not at all slowing. Windbreaker moved wider around Indian Delight, and began to accelerate rapidly. The colt saw her coming though, and also poured on the speed.
They sprinted, setting quick fractions, down the straight, legs blurring and hooves pounding with each stride. Their breathing came out in quick huffs. They were neck and neck, head and head, nose to nose. No one was gaining or losing ground, and it stayed that way till the end. The riders slapped high fives, and gradually slowed their thoroughbreds through their paces, then turned and trotted back to the gap in the rail. They were ready to take the Royal Red Richard Memorial Stakes.
