Post by Cavallo on Jul 15, 2012 9:06:17 GMT -5
Executioner's Apprentice literally could not win every race he was entered in. Fire had raced lightly so far since the new year, pulling off a win on The Wire and a walkover. But here it finally was, Fire's first big race of the year and Michael was really looking forward to it.
The now four year old stud colt was currently entered in the Unicorn Horn Turf Mile. Nick had had reservations about going again against Executioner's Apprentice so soon, but Michael and Fire had both seemed adamant about taking on the big grey again. They were out for blood it seemed and had been prepping since the BC for this very race. There was one other horse entered in the Turf Mile and that was their Warlock's daughter, Axis Mundane out of Little Miss Innocent. She'd placed 2nd last year and Michael and Nick were sure that SOPS was looking to take the win this go-around.
Fire had the fewest starts, but that only made him the freshest horse that would be running come race day. Fire was a slow developer and finally Nick had acknowledged that Fire had come to grow into himself. This would be the year for the flame-licked colt to really hit the tracks and they had every intention of doing so. Starting with this week's quickly approaching race.
They had run from behind on the BC mile and had come in a disappointing third, but now they knew who they were running against and they wouldn't be outdone or pushed around. There were some things that a jockey got to see that no one else can when you ride in the back. They knew App's racing style now, Michael couldn't forget the pushiness of the grey and knew that this time around, he wouldn't just push his way into the winner's circle.
Nick breathed in deeply, taking in the morning air, while he watched Michael mount up on the eager Fire. Come race day. I want you to run right alongside App. Fire is versatile and we'll still be up in the front. Don't let App swing behind you and watch it when he swings around the turns. Let him run on the inside and keep him against that rail. If he tried to swing out and hit you two, hold your ground. Let the jockey club foul him and DQ him. We both know Fire is not a horse to be pushed around so he should be able to hold his own against the grey. Now...Axia.
Nick took a breath while Michael tried to keep the flame colored colt from bolting out onto the track. He nodded for Nick to continue.
She's versatile like Fire, she usually runs from behind, but the major thing is...be watching! Be watching App and Axia. There aren't a lot of horses in the field and there really is no risk of getting boxed in unless you're on the rail, which is where we want to keep App. You're on the outside gate so you'll be able to run on App's right the whole race. Come the final three furlongs is when your senses need to be at their highest. That's when everyone is going to start making their moves. If Axia is coming from behind, you'll want to start accelerating Fire a little bit after the final third furlong and start to inch towards the inside pulling up in front of App. Axia will most likely gravitate to the spot you're pulling out of to save distance and make a more direct charge and ....we'll have blocked App in. Nick nodded, This is the best scenario...but you and I both know how races go. Just be ready for whatever these two horses throw your way and keep Fire cool. You and I both know he had what it takes to pull off the upset.
Michael nodded as a bead of sweat trickled down his back...it was already starting to get hot...and he was definitely beginning to feel the heat, but Fire always seemed to deliver the heat....
Nick nodded and slapped the stud colt's rump as the duo bolted forward onto the track turf. Michael took the colt four furlongs at a high canter...Fire chewed at the bit, his expectation and eagerness only heating up as they progressed around the turn of the track. Michael posed in the irons and leaned in close then to the colt. Okay Fire...we have the strategy and you have the fire....we go down fighting or down in flames as the victor. Do what you do best.
He crouched close to the colt's form and the two became one as Michael and Fire then began to truly fly along the backstretch...a steady competitive pace, they would not be coming in two lengths behind this go around.... They made the final turn and Michael shrunk even smaller as they made their way into the final stretch. with now only a few furlongs left, Michael began to feed more of the rein to the colt and he eagerly accepted the gift, his eagerness and life only building...with the end near and in sight....there was more to be had in the colt's powerful haunches and Michael fed him even more...
You see that was the thing about fire...the more you fed it the more powerful it became....
