Post by Snowflake on May 20, 2012 6:07:43 GMT -5
AFTER DUSK WORKS FOR EAGLE CUP
The Eagle Cup was going to be a tough race. Stella knew it. It was a huge race, and the best dirt sprinting two year olds from the country were going to be there. Dusty had beaten many of them before, if not all. But to win in this field would take a heck of a lot of effort and careful consideration. And a bit of spontaneity. The filly moved proudly, her tail in the air and her neck arched, with her knees practically reaching chest height as she trotted.
The six strong field was half fillies, half colts. There was Wannabe Hero, from Silver Stride Stables, in gate one. He currently had a record of 10-2-3-2, and was a front runner who liked to expand distance between himself and the rest of the field. Royal Assassin was from Prison Hill Stables. His record was currently 15-4-3-5, and he too was a front runner. Next was Lynara's Kingdom from Stride of Perfection Stables. She had a record of 7-2-1-0, and was known to run in just about any position. Forbidden To Fly, also from SOPS, had a record of 9-3-2-2 and liked mid pack. Daydream from Oak Hill Farm had a record of 6-1-1-3 and was also a front runner.
After Dusk herself had drawn gate six, and was a preceder. Stella expected that the front runners would set quite a pace, since there was three of them, then it would be herself and Dusty following a short distance behind, possibly with Lynara's Kingdom and then Forbidden To Fly. Of course, if the other jockeys had done their research like she had, maybe they would change their usual strategies.
As the three furlong pole loomed, Stella prepared to send her thoroughbred into gallop. On cue, Dusty burst forward and accelerated rapidly. As she pounded around the turn, she gained speed rapidly. As the turn leveled out, she raced down the stretch. Stella continued to urge her on, until they flashed by the finish. They were ready to take on the Eagle Cup.