Post by Cavallo on May 22, 2012 12:42:30 GMT -5
Firebird Workout for October Week 1- Over the Rainbow Stakes - G5 Dirt - 8 Furlongs
Michael Landing let a curse fly as he received a sharp nip from the towering chestnut colt. No. He gave the colt a quick slap as he mounted. Firebird's ears fell flat against his skull, but then instantly flicked forward again. He wasn't the type of horse to dwell on things.
You snot. Michael eased himself into the jockey stirrups and nudged Fire forward. The morning was bright, the dirt had that clean earthy smell and both horse and rider pleasantly took it all in. Alright boy...you got a race coming up, we got a mile to prepare you for!
With a click of his tongue, he asked the trotting colt, for a mild canter...they would ease into this workout nice and slow. Michael did a quick assessment. He felt the rhythm of his mount, felt the tension easing out of his muscles and tendons, as they warmed up. Good Boy. Fire responded with a snort, his crown dipped in regalia. He was ready to get on with it...but he knew the drill.
Feeling the readiness of his mount he had him canter towards the gates, slowing him down to a walk as they approached and loaded without a hitch. Alright...here's what we're going to do. We'll break hard and fast. This isn't a 10 furlong vacation where you can check out in the middle and just rally at the end. Michael grimaced thinking about their last race...second to last.... That just wasn't their style..and he didn't want a repeat.
They would need to secure a good position at the start with a fast break. Fire loved to run in the front, so they'd make a bid with the front runners...hopefully a little bit displaced out of the wind.. Stamina wasn't an issue, it was making sure they didn't wait too long to make their move. 6th or 7th? He knew the day of it would simply depend on the pack and the pace that the pace setters where establishing, but today they'd make their mock bid at the 7th furlong. He smiled and patted the tall chestnut, Fire gave an impatient stamp of his foreleg and stilled with eager expectation.
Alright Fire..The gates sprung open with a metal clash and instantaneously, Fire launched himself forward like a pouncing panther as his daggers sank firmly into the dirt below. Dirt clods flew, legs churned and ground was covered at a blistering pace. The first furlong passed, as Michael eased Fire back an inch on his pace, but still held him at a competitive speed...here they would maintain with the leaders. In the race, it appeared he was breaking from the outide gate which made running up with the leaders not much of an issue...there was no need to compete with the pack and spend precious energy and time.
The fifth furlong passed like a breeze and he felt, Fire chaffing at the bit, Michael gave Fire a little more of his head and bit by bit until the 6th furlong. Two more to go.. Firebird annoyed that his gradual speed increase had halted was eager again fighting for more of his head...Easy boy...almost...
The end was in sight...the 7th furlong approached.. Michael smiled as he gave Firebird his head. With all the enthusiasm of a small child, Fire plunged ahead, nares flared, dirt and dust swirled and Michael's blood pounded. It was as if he were flying.. He smiled as they swooped by the finish, like a falcon sweeping up it's expecting prey..
Michael reigned in the colt, his firey pelt glistening with the evidence of his hard work. His eyes danced like fire as he pranced, still fighting to pull the bit again and continue on his flight. Sorry, boy...no more for today. Inwardly, he too wished the moment hadn't ended, but what was... was...
Well...maybe we can do some nice cooling down? Eh? He smiled a wry grin as he leaned forward and rested on Fire's neck. Fire immediately turned his head lipping his head and started to move forward...Whoa! At least let me be ready! He gave a laugh as he clucked to his all to eager Fire..and off they went.
Silently, he said a prayer heavenward...Lord, please let this race go well, Fire deserves it. We've been low as of late, but I know we can do better..
Maybe these ashes of defeat could give rise to success on the wings of invested time and heart...
