Seeking the Stars.

[Cavallo]

Work-out/Exposure for Seeking Stardom 2yr. Filly - Ridden by Nick Landing and Prep for October Maiden Dirt - M 12F D

It always felt good to be on the back of a horse. Well into his late 30's, Nick Landing still hadn't found anything that could compare to the sensation of riding a race horse. It was addicting. The cool morning dew still clung to the dirt track, giving a soft terrain. He smiled as he felt his mount shift slightly beneath him. The tall, grey 16.3 hand filly, stood alert and still, so still that it was almost she was a living statue. Though still, Nick could feel the undercurrent of excitement that held her in it's enchantment.

He gave the filly's neck a pat. Her first maiden was swiftly approaching and they were going to do all that was within their powers to make sure she was ready. He knew the path to success...he knew it well and he also know that it looked different for each horse. Seeking Stardom was an interesting case. If one saw her in her own paddock, you would think her the most apathetic horse in the world, but as soon as she saw her racing gear, she was like a focused and seasoned race horse...eager and full of life. He knew her pedigree. It was well established, her sire being an SS Legend in an outer circuit and her dam an expert in her own right and the dam of many successful race horses. Ice, was the last. Nick felt an obligation to their long-time partner, Rockstar Racing, to ensure that this filly wouldn't meet them with disappointment. They had dedicated Ice's previous two years to training and now it was time to keep pulling in the weights as she advanced into her career.

There was much ridding on their shoulders. Alright Ice...you ready for this? He felt the quiver run through her body. He smiled. This was going to be an enjoyable ride.

Nick's blue crisp eyes scanned the track, it was early and he wasn't expecting any competition...He paused as he caught a sign of life entering the track. Ice's astute eyes immediately picked up on the form, as her nares flared trying to gather whatever hints she could of this approaching competitor.

Easy Ice...I wonder who this could be? He nudged the filly into a brisk canter as they started to make their way around the track, setting their course on a collision with the unknown riding pair...

[Kirsten Jade]

Silver Secret x
Workout for Stormy Night Maiden Dirt.

<sub>Melanie shivered in the crisp morning air. She was riding Sissy on the GHF track for the first time. The two year old filly eyed her surroundings nervously. "Take it easy Sis". This was the reason Kirsten had wanted Melanie to take Silver Secret out on the track first thing in the morning. They had to prepare the juvenile for her first race on Saturday. ARS would be running three of their four maiden two year olds that day and Melanie was hoping her mount would win the race. Then she could laugh at Kirsten and Aaron for saying that their mounts were better than her two.

It was true that Sissy was a bit of a wuss but whatever... Melanie was determined to prove to everyone that she could be strong. She has the potential to be a great racehorse, and the bloodlines, she just needed a true chance.

Melanie brought Sissy into a light canter. The filly was still tensed up. She would relax soon. There was no rush. In fact Kirsten wasn't even at the rail watching yet...

She viewed another gray horse just a couple of furlongs away. She wondered who that could be. Melanie shrugged. He was too far away at the moment. Melanie focused on her mount and put her through her warm ups.

Melanie looked up and suddenly noticed that the other horse and rider was coming up towards them. Melanie sensed Sissy tense up again. And just when she was starting to relax. Melanie lifted her crop as a greeting to the other rider. She didn't recognize him.</sub>

[Cavallo]

As they drew closer Nick sensed and saw the woman jockey's apprehension and the sudden tension in her mount. He quickly, eased up Ice's pace amd brought her alongside the other rider, but keeping a respectful distance, not knowing how horse or rider would react to their presence.

Upon drawing closer, he tried to see if he could place the jockey or the horse and sighed when he failed. It had been too long...he suddenly felt ancient. Ice easily kept pace with the other grey filly. She wasn't violent or edgy, but she did stare the filly down. Her mind quickly trying to asses what type of competition this one might be. She shook her head and released a snort, which was a mixture of indifference towards the other horse and a desire to get on with her own business at hand...out-running what she quickly perceived as a more timid race mate.

Cut it Ice. He gave Ice a quick rap on her neck and turned to face the other rider at hand. Sorry for invading. We didn't think there would be anyone out today. He have her a reassuring smile, before continuing on, still being mindful of his fixated filly.

The name's Nick Landing, pleasure to meet you...?? He lifted an eyebrow, wondering if he'd receive the customary name and move on reply. If so.. that would be ok... Ice could do her own work-out without being distracted or harassed with other horses on the track. Maybe though...just maybe they could each help each other. It was always more fun to mock run another horse than the ever elusive wind...

[Kirsten Jade]

<sub>Silver Secret

Melanie nodded and smiled. "Nice to meet you." She winked. She didn't know this man and whether he was married or not but she didn't care. She inwardly groaned. There I go again... It was just this type of thing that has gotten herself into trouble many times. Her sister was right, she needs to change. She had no idea what her problem was. She was weak. That was all.

Then, realizing that she left the poor man behind in her thoughts and the conversation in the air she offered her name. "Melanie Mackenzie... from Akita Rose Stables. You might know my sister, Kirsten Jade. She owns the place." She cleared her throat well aware that her sister probably didn't need to be introduced. Darned woman has everything perfect for her. She thought bitterly.

She glanced back at the rail to see if her sister was there yet. She smirked. A little co-gallop might not be such a bad thing would it? The rebellious side of her was getting the best of her and so soon after returning to GHF...</sub>

[Cavallo]

<sub>Nick smiled and nodded. He knew Kiersten Jade well. She had been like a vulture around IGS, in the past...hunting down a Admiral's Revenge breeding. It was comforting to know that she was still around. As they rode he sat and wondered who this filly was and how ARS was doing...

I know Kiersten well. Nice to meet you Melanie. Ice began to grow impatient with the inadequate pace and began to chomp at her bit. Nick took the hint. Well, Melanie. Seeking Stardom and I are practicing for a 12 furlong race. It'll be this gal's maiden. We were about to do a mock run, but didn't want to be rude and run you over. He smiled a dazzling grin before continuing on.

What do you say? Would you mind a quick co-operative run?
Ice, was eager to be off, her head starting to bob as she ran respectively next to the other grey filly.</sub>

[Kirsten Jade]

<sub>Silver Secret

Melanie looked down at her mount and back up at Nick. Was she up for a good little dual? Heck yes! She was curious to see what her little filly was made out of. She glanced back at the rail and saw no sign of her sister. She smirked. She wondered if she would be able to get away with it...

"I can do better than that. How about a co-operative run for four furlongs with us going all out on the final furlong?" She smirked again. Would he go for the little dual. Looking at his face now she had no doubt he wasn't the type that would back down from a challenge.</sub>

[Cavallo]

<sub>Sounds ideal. He quickly looked ahead the mile marker pole was approaching. Start point at the mile marker. Ice could feel the environment shift. They were going to race and she couldn't have been more eager. This was going to be a running start and it was just for fun.. right?
Ready? All that could be heard was the thunder of their hooves and the breathing of their mounts. The dirt track below was churning, the air felt riddle with an electricity of excitement as Nick jockeyed into position

The mile marker passed and Nick turned his full attention to the task at hand. Nick nudged Ice and she knew that the time was now. Now was the time to race. The pace began to quicken and Nick looked to see how Melanie and her mount were keeping up..

He was mindful, not to give Ice too much of her head..that would be needed for the final furlong. However, Ice was a closer and like a boulder rolling down hill she was always progressively gaining in speed...to finally in the end deliver a powerful punch. He smiled to himself and wondered how this little mock run would turn out.

Ice was all focused and intimidating as ever. She was in this to win it as she dared the other grey running with her to challenge her.</sub>

[Kirsten Jade]

<sub>Silver Secret

Melanie bit her lip and urged the young gray into a racing gallop. She frowned with concentration as the young filly followed the horse and rider into her first mock race on the GHF track. Sissy stretched her neck and leaned on the bit. She loved to run and running against another horse was just as fun.

They were almost halfway through and Nick and his mount were leading but Melanie and Silver Secret were right behind them. Melanie leaned forward and felt the juvenile's man wipe her in the face. They were halfway, only one more furlong before Melanie was going to let her go.

3...2...1... and Go! They were at the final furlong. Melanie released her hold on the reins and slide her hands along her mount's neck. She made herself as small as possible and still. She rode with the horse. They were one.</sub>

[Cavallo]

<sub>The final furlong approached and Nick ducked through his arm as he watched Melanie and her grey filly and saw her give her mount her head as they came charging after them in the final furlong.

Nick smiled as he heard their thunder approach. They were in the final furlong. Ice's, auds heard the other filly's approach and let her come. Nick had given her her head, Ice ran her pace quickening. When Ice ran, it was a constant build up of speed. The final furlong was where she shone best, kicking on her speed to clinch a strong finish, but oddly enough...she wanted to run neck and neck with her competition, her stalker style starting to shine through. Nick rode tight with his mount. The ground flew and they soared...the pace quickened the distance closing fast.

Nick gave a quick glance to his side and saw Melanie. He smiled. There was nothing like ridding a true racehorse. There wasn't much time left...the finish was near. Ice saw her competition. She shifted into another gear... Nick fairly gasped as they surged forward....the furlong passed as he looked to see if Melanie had maintained beside them, lagged behind or had bested them...

Placement here honestly was of little importance, but the experience both horses had just tasted was vastly important...that's what separated horses out on the field.

He reigned in Ice, a huge smile on his face. Ice unwilling to stop fairly danced in agitation, as Nick looped her around to face their worthy competitors. That was a good run. His eyes gleamed with the fever of racing.</sub>