Post by S u N f r O s t ~ on Jun 28, 2012 12:03:14 GMT -5
WORLDBREAKER AND KRYSTAL YHATE
BREEDERS CUP TURF WORKOUT
Krystal Yhate never thought she would sit where she was sitting and be working for a race with a horse she wasn't supposed to be riding. Yet here she was, the winner of the rider tryouts, the one who would be riding Worldbreaker in the Breeders Cup Turf as the stallion's record demanded. He had won five of his ten quiet starts this year, earning the most recognition for winning the Dare To Dream Memorial Stakes. Worldbreaker was not a horse that raced a lot. Amber rode him and Wildly Natural, and Tura had been the candidate for all of the top turf races since she was three. So World had been overshadowed. But now, for the Turf, Krystal would ride World as Amber rode Tura, and she would prove that her bond with World was stable enough to allow for a win.
She began the prep workout by holding out a hand to the chestnut stallion, who was standing near the back of his stall thoughtfully observing the world. The stallion's eyes focused on Krystal immediately as she appeared, and he curiously walked forward to press his nose against Krystal's hand, looking for treats. Finding none, he took a single step back and then stood, as though waiting for something. He knew what was coming. Krystal smiled a small smile and grabbed his halter. She led him out of his stall and to the cross ties. World was obedient and clipped easily. As soon as he was there, Krystal grabbed the grooming stuff and meticulously groomed an already perfectly shiny chestnut coat, picking out his hooves and grooming his mane and tail until they were untangled and smooth. The even hairs lined up perfectly. World could have been a model horse if he wanted, but racing was his game. All the while, his eyes were focused on the world around him, seeing and attempting to understand, appreciating it all.
The moment he saw the saddle, World snorted in excitement and danced in place. Krystal grinned at his enthusiasm and quickly tacked him up. She didn't want to keep him waiting for something they both wanted. The moment the bridle was on she was leading him out of the barn and in the direction of the track. Of course, before entering the track she mounted atop the chestnut stallion. World no longer reacted with surprise to the fact that a different jockey was on his back than Amber Black. They had only been riding together for maybe two weeks but in that time period he had gotten used to and accepted Krystal as his rider - for now. Krystal guided him over the dirt and to the turf track. World had a certain love of the turf surface that was unmatched. He loved it. The feel of the springy green, the look of it - he loved it.
Krystal cued the stallion to trot and he obeyed. He had one of the lightest gaits Krystal had ever felt. It was floaty and seemed to me made of clouds. The first time she had felt it she had gasped in astonishment and finally understood why Amber loved the stallion so much. Who couldn't love a horse like this who loved to feel the ground and was so at peace with the world? It took the lightest of touches from Krystal to get him to canter, and then she truly wanted to stay there for a while. So light, so floaty - none of her horses were like this! This was gorgeous. This was true class. If the world knew how this felt they would understand just why he was starting to become a big competitor at the races.
Silent Fury was the pace of this race. Born To Soar was the mare just behind. World and Tura would be behind the Star Thoroughbred entries. They had twelve furlongs to run. Distance was World's friend. The longer he got to run, the happier he was, and he was a master of timing his acceleration just perfectly to stand a good chance at clinching the lead. Of course, against the competition they were facing, the race would still be tough. Krystal was really nervous of not timing World's move right. This would be the first race she was riding World in, and she didn't want to do a bad job of it. Amber was trusting her with this. Actually, Amber had been trusting her with a lot of things lately - the dinner bet, Sillenia's defending of her title, defeating that Smiles curse, this that and the other...
She shook her head to clear her thoughts and leaned forward, urging World into a gallop. He needed little encouragement. Now it was like she was floating on cloud nine. It was wonderful. Each stride was a kiss on the turf, light as air, and she felt like she wanted to continue forever. World was the type who would run forever if he could. He wasn't an energizer bunny, but he had deposits of stamina and speed that were still developing, even though he was four. He would be great next year, especially if he continued to be as he was.
Krystal grinned. This was wonderful. She just had to be this wonderful on race day.
