Post by Cavallo on Aug 12, 2012 14:24:28 GMT -5
The next few weeks would be very critical for the Frontier x Requiem daughter. Michael sat astride the fiery black bay filly as they finished their three furlong warmup about the track. The muscles in Michael's arms flexed as he tried to contain the zealous filly.
This week there was the Princess Cup and then finally the big show down with SOPS Ventura in The Wire Finish Cuo Juvenile Mile. Needless to say every workout counted.
Nick had ordered that Atropa take a rest after coming off a solid second place against older more experienced horses on the Tulip Cup. She'd been edgy after the loss, but one thing for sure, was that she had learned from the older more experienced horses...she was only getting sharper as the season progressed and they weren't about to just let Atropa glide by on raw talent...training was now only going to challenge the intelligent filly even more...it was important to keeo her sharp.
It was going to be tough once again going up against older horses, but it seemed that Atropa wasn't alone in taking on the bigger dogs. Michael had looked at the entry list and done his research...Innocent Passion. The older horse to beat was without a doubt Spitting Image...with great consistency and years...this grade four filly would be the strong favorite.
The field setup however was very much in their favor..they had the entire back of the field to move and manipulate and most importantly to keep an eye on the leaders.
In racing no horse could ever be truly written out and Michael kept that in mind as he broke the black bay's canter into their gallop. Atropa threw herself fully into the run, but surrendered to Michael'd gentle touch...obedienace and team work is what would really give them an additional advantage come race day and they would be more than ready to answer the final challenge down the homestretch.
They flew with an air of grace and fluidity, each stride the juvenile filly took with an unspoken confidence. Michael smiled....he dreamed of swweping by the finish and claiming their third win...one more win to grade four... He could taste it and the hunger grew...deep within both horse and man....
There was a journey ahead and both were more than ready to give the adventure the best run for it's money. Eye on the prize and alert keeness, horse and man flew threw their fourth furlong...her acceleration on point and leathal...yes...the journey ahead may not be an easy one...but it was certaintly enjoyable and one worth fighting.
Maybe this race would bring an end to their second place curse...
