Post by Snowflake on Jun 16, 2012 18:07:25 GMT -5
NATURALLY CHARISMATIC WORKS FOR OSCARIANNA STAKES
Sarah had been sure Charis could win her last start. The competition had been at the same level as she, but no - the filly came in last. Sarah was about ready to give up on her. She was turning four soon, so she could be retired and bred. She had the last few weeks of the year to show whether she was a racehorse or not, and her next race was the Oscarianna Stakes. This race was again full of horses at her level, with seven entries this time. Sarah was determined to win it - if they did, Naturally Charismatic would be grade four and eligible to run in the Breeder's Cup.
Sarah crouched low over the filly's withers, asking her for more, and more. The problem was that Charis needed someone to try to beat before she'd give it her all. Which could be one of the reasons her performance left something to be desired. As they completed the turn into the stretch, Sarah showed the filly the whip, and got minimal response. She didn't like to use the whip on horses at all, but sometimes it was needed. She tapped the three year old firmly, and finally Charis got a move on. Another tap, and Charis found more speed.
Sarah continued to urge the filly until they crossed the line, then galloped her out another two furlongs, before dropping back through the paces, lapping the track again on the outer rail to warm down. As they left the track, Sarah was hit with a new wave of determination - this was Born To Soar's half sister. She had the talent, Sarah just needed to find it and get the filly to use it, or she wouldn't be racing much longer.
