Post by Snowflake on May 9, 2012 6:02:03 GMT -5
STRIKE A POSE AND IGNACIA WORK FOR AUGUST TURF STAKES
Recently, Strike A Pose had struck gold. She'd taken forever to win a race this season, and now she'd won her last three starts. Ignacia was struggling a little to keep up with the horses in her grade and higher. She'd won the the Summer Cup G3 Turf, and since she had placed out of the top three twice. Stella hoped this race would help the young mare, because she really was talented. But she worried that perhaps she'd already reached her peak as a three year old. Blaze, on the other hand, was over the moon. He'd finally formed a great bond with the filly, and it was becoming stronger with each victory.
They began warming up on the turf at a trot, then canter, for a lap. As the thoroughbreds loosened and warmed up their muscles, their riders had time to consider the race. It was a competitive field, and they were up against five other horses. In gate one was Winged Romeo, whom Star Thoroughbreds had sold to Kacey Hill a few weeks ago. Since coming into their ownership, he'd raced once for a good third place in last months turf stakes race. Gate two had been drawn by Stride Of Perfection Stables' Axis Mundae. She was quite a formidable filly, and with six wins in 24 starts she was on the verge of breaking into grade three.
Silver Birch of Gelli Aur Stables would start from gate three. He was doing really well this season and was probably the favourite of the race. Calle Ocho of Close Racing would be breaking from gate four. he was also having a good season, winning three of his four wins this year. Finally it was Flawed Princess in gate seven. She was another horse Star Thorougbreds had formerly owned, and was doing well with Silver Stride Stables.
Overall, a decent field. They'd certainly have to work hard to do well in it. The four furlong pole loomed, and the horses sensed the anticipation of their riders and began to canter faster, pulling in excitement. Both fillies burst into gallop immediately on cue, with Strike A Pose pulling ahead slightly as the entered the turn. Leaning in strategically, they did not slow down. As the turn ended, both fillies accelerated.
Blaze began to drive Poser on, and beside him Stella did the same with Ida. They began to seriously speed duel, and Ignacia quickly made up the lost ground and started to inch ahead of Strike A Pose. One last burst put them even again, just as they passed the finish. They were ready for the August Turf Stakes.
