Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2012 13:19:58 GMT -5
Tears Of Blood & Mitch Evans
Sanguis was an interesting colt when you looked at his bloodlines. He was sired by Cryin Out Loud, a grade one sprinter, and out of an unraced mare. This year, he had several half siblings on the track - all his age - and his twin would also be racing against him in what was likely to become a fierce rivalry. A rivalry which would start with their debut race.
The Golden Start Stakes was a race for two year olds over a distance of seven furlongs on the dirt. Being in January Week 1, it was the first chance for two year olds on the track, and they were certainly going to make the most of it. If no one else entered, the race would be a head on head between the twins, and sparks were sure to fly in a big way.
Looking at the pair, you could tell they were twins. They were similar in size, with Sanguis only being .1hh taller than Lucy, and both were almost the same shade of chestnut bearing blazes. However, besides distance preferences that was where the similarities ended. He was a closer, she was a preceder. He was temperamental, where she was soft and gentle. But the staff knew of the relationship, as did the horses themselves. When they saw one another again, their foalhood rivalry was sure to re-emerge.
Mitch had been selected to ride Sanguis, and he was excited. This colt was half brother to Flyin Out Loud and Sophie's Voice. He was talented, and he was fearless, two things which would serve him well on the track.That, and the dominant nature he had shown in the yard would likely come out as competitive spirit once they hit a race, which was certain to work in their favour. Some had frowned on the decision, because Mitch was not exactly the most experienced jockey in the yard, but Matthias was confident that he was experienced enough to hold the colt back and he had that fire in his soul... The desire to win... Things which would help him when pushing the colt down the home stretch.
They would be working over a three furlong stretch on the dirt, allowing the colt to warm up and prepare for the race without tiring himself out as well as allowing Mitch to get used to riding the fearless and somewhat headstrong juvenile. Sanguis gated well and confidently and Mitch patted his muscular neck as the shutters were closed. Lucas wished the jockey luck before heading off of the track and Mitch rose in his stirrups in preparation. Beside a little fidgeting the colt was patient and Mitch looked over the gates. The game was on. He would show their sister-stable, Kacey Hill Racing, just how powerful the colt was and how competitive they were.
The gates opened, and the colt broke slowly. He was not impatient and while to start with he seemed to be surging forwards Mitch was quick to get on top of him - listening to the advice Matthias had given to him when they had originally discussed that he would be riding the colt - and pulled him back to an average pace. For a moment, the colt seemed to consider playing up but he soon settled into the pace and continued onwards.
Obstacle one had been overcome, but that did not mean much really. Just that Matthias had been right in trusting the jockeys skills. No, it was the obstacle of on-track performance that meant more and while Matthias was confident he was also aware that the colt's twin was not exactly without class herself. He was definitely interested to see the outcome.
Mitch steered the colt to the rail and pushed him a little, the colt pushing up a gear as they hit the one furlong mark. That was one third of the work gone, and so far it had been a smooth enough ride. It felt good, considering Matthias had felt the need to warn him about the colt's behaviours. Again, Mitch urged the colt forwards a little and the response was eager. Now, Mitch wanted to see the colt's closing power and he drove. They were just ahead of the two furlong post, and making good time. The colt surged forwards and at Mitch brought the crop down on the colt's rump he continued to power forwards. They covered the ground at an amazing pace, pushing forwards quickly, and as they passed the line it was with triumph. The closing speed was more than impressive, and they were ready to race.