Post by alicekcrose on Jun 25, 2012 3:27:06 GMT -5
The OFFICIAL workout for the Breeders Cup Juvenile
The spring heeled colt stepped gently on to the soft dirt. The ground underfoot was soft, and just perfect for a workout that particular morning. The cold winter sun shone down on the race track, blinding my vision. I tried to ignore it as Isa walked forward. He flickered his ears from side to side. Today, we would breeze five furlongs. I'd been extremely disapointed with his bad run in the Horseshoe Futurity, but he managed to redeem himself with a win in the Pressures On Cup.. One more win, and I'd get him to Grade Three. He was in his prime, he was racing at his best right now, and would be racing even better today.
Today, we were entered in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. It was a Horse Of The Year Race. The race focused on nine furlongs over the dirt, just perfect for Instant Success. In Gate One, there was the AKS colt, Apollo Bear. He only started three times before, his only win in a maiden race. Though he was 100% consistent, I wasn’t sure that he’d win the race due to lack of experience. In Gate Two, there was us... I had a feeling we could take victory in this race, but I wasn't entirely sure. In Gate Three, there was the Gelli Aur Colt, Lucky Silver. He wasn’t one of the major runners in this race, and would most likely be tired after racing in both weeks. I wouldn’t really be looking out him in this big race. In Gate Four, there was the Stride Of Perfection Colt, Forbidden To Fly. The big grade four dapple grey colt was a real threat. No matter where anyone else placed, he would most certainly be right up there with the other runners, and be in the top three. There was no doubting it. Finally, in gate six, there was the amazing black SOPS filly, Eternal Phantom. Twin to filly, Midnight Thriller, she definitely had class. She was our main rival and I loved her to pieces. She was such a nice filly with a heart of gold.
Horses that definitely were entering were STB’S very own Euphoria’s Warrior, and Lusitania’s Soldier. In my opinion I believe it’s a stupid move entering Soldier after he’s been off with injury for so long after a sixth in the Burning Blaze Stakes, but he beat us in the January Maiden Dirt, but after impressing, he failed to impress when he placed a less than impressive fourth behind his stablemate, Warrior, who finished third. I pushed Isa forward into a rhythmic trot, rising and falling in the saddle. I felt for my goggles and checked they were still on my blue hat silk on my helmet, which had a little yellow pom pom on the top. Isa's muscles on his neck rippled under the skin, and I watched as the light reflected off his shining chocolate coloured neck. He slobbered at his mouth and I sat in my saddle and asked him for a steady canter. He broke into a canter, and I rocked with him before grabbing a small section of mane and pulling myself up. I relaxed and went with him.
His collected stride was proceeded with a little snort. He tucked his head into his chest, and arched it beautifully. We approached the large metallic grey starting gates and I slowed him back down his paces. Gating Isa was horrible. He would lash out, kick, and do anything to not actually go into the gate, like the reluctant little so and so he is. After a few minutes of trying, he walked in, pinning his ears and launching for anyone who came in his sight. Oi! I said. When we were in the gate, Isa shifted his weight. We looked ahead at the back stretch and I pulled my goggles down over my eyes. I gave the starter the thumbs up, and we were ready to roll. Isa snorted and pawed at the dirt. The bell rang and Isa leapt out the gate in slow motion, as he always does. I pulled myself up and relaxed, resting my hands near his withers. I pushed my hands up his neck slightly and urged him forward to pick up the speed. He responded well and perked his ears, his muscular legs and body working together to power him along the dirt. I kept him at the quick pace along the turf and I asked him to switch leads as we entered the turn. Isa nickered lightly and did just as I asked. I continued to niggle him forward slightly as we rounded the turn, and I kept him into the rail so he wouldn’t drift out. I showed him the whip and began to drive him as we came to the top of the lane. The colt picked up his speed considerably and changed his lead again, the lead he had used to gain momentum from the turn so he would have his final burst of speed.
I gave him a tap on his rump and he shot forward. I gripped onto the mane so I didn’t fly backwards and I made myself as small as I could. Isa stretched out as much as he could, speeding up and pinning his ears. The air flew over his ears and the lessened air resistance caused him to pick up his speed. I drove him forward, my arms stretching out as far as they’d go as I urged him, and my crop fell onto his rump. As we flew under the wire, I released all the tension and felt a breath of release throughout my body. We were ready for this race. Isa collected his stride and came back down the paces, the warm air from our breaths mixed with the cold winter air to form a fine mist. I patted him. Good boy. He was definitely ready for this. It was time to win the Breeders Cup Juvenile, and it was time to beat Eternal Phantom.