Post by Cavallo on Sept 3, 2012 12:56:46 GMT -5
There was the flash of glinting metal, as shod hooves flew with deadly accuracy through the air. Predator was in a fowl mood to say the least. His placings had fallen to a degrading 6th in last weeks race and he was tempered about it to say the least. Michael dodged the attack and held on firmly to the bay colt, but he was clearly not enjoying this. Why do I ALWAYS get stuck tacking you up?! When CLEARLY you don't care for anyone but ADELE?
As if on cue, Adele rode up on the towering Ian, having just finished his prep work for the upcoming race. She heard Michael yell her name and she tried to mask a mocking smile. In reality, she really did appreciate his handling Pred....there were few brave enough to do it. She made a mental note to do something special for her fellow stable mate.
Pred NO! She released the firm command and his auds swivled to her and then flattened against his skull when he saw The Innocent Skier....Adele was his human...not this older brute's... He backed a bit, but Michael kept his hand firmly upon him. He gave Adele the look to hurry up. She rolled her eyes and dismounted, handing the reins of the lathered Ian off to Michael.
Michael relinquished control of the demon horse to the small girl. It baffled him how a strong and powerful horse like Pred responded to the smallest girl in the barn. He shook his head and began to lead the compliant Ian away to rub him down and then he remembered...
Oh yeah...Adele Nick is already on the track working Stardom...he says for you and Pred to work with them..since you'll both be in the same race. He finished yelling over his shoulder and turned walking off to groom and clean the well worked Ian.
Adele had listened and nodded. She swallowed a small gulp. Even though she'd been here for a good while now...the thought of working with her boss, set a rock of nerves in the middle of her gut....Predator hadn't been doing well...was he going to reprimand her? She sighed and shook the thoughts from her head...those were dangerous feelings to have around a horse like Predator.
Predator turned his large head and looked at her with his cold brown eyes...she thought for a brief moment she'd seen them soften...I am going crazy Pred. She rubbed his toned neck and he'd tossed his crown in response. Yup...same ol' Pred. She chuckled and pulled herself into the saddle. She clucked to the bay and they were off down the horse trail that led to the dirt track.
As they made their way she could feel the tension within the bay...he'd been in a foul mood after loosing...but maybe it was the loss they needed to kick this guys butt into gear. The track soon appeared and the bay let loose a shrill challenging bugle. A shrill feminine cry responded as both pairs of eyes locked onto the grey three year old filly. Adele admired the sleek and powerful form of Nick's charge. She was fit and more than ready for this race...Nick had been working very hard with the Spotted By a Star daughter and so far she'd finished only in the money this year and she was lightly raced at that. She truly was the unknown threat. Adele waved to Nick and he lifted a hand in gesture, slowing the grey down from her work.
Adele urged her charge forward and they met the warmed duo. Ice glared at the colt, but Nick kept an expert hand on the filly. It was funny. Nick had surrendered a lot of his rides to become solely trainer, but Ice...he was simply unwilling to let her go...there had to be something special about this filly...Adele observed the thought casually before speaking. You two look great Boss... Nick smiled and graciously recieved the compliment.
Thanks Adele, I expect nothing less from you and Pred...Why don't you two warm up and Ice and I will meet you at the gates? He gestured to the track as he spoke, but was mindful to keep Ice in check. Predator clacked his teeth defiantly at the filly, but made no lunge moves. Keeping her edgy mount under control she nodded and smiled and clucked to the bay to do her Boss' wishes.
The warmup was swift and efficient and Predator really had begun to settle into his racing mindset, but he was always aware of where the grey filly was at all times...
Nick and Ice continued to trot and then waited by the gates for a brief two minutes, when Adele and Predator came cantering up. The bay slid to a halt and sent a challenge through the air...Ice simply glared and kept her composure...it seemed it would take a direct assault in order to stir this filly's nerves of steel. Nick smiled at the bay's spirit. Some might call the horse just outright mean...but he couldn't help but think that there was greatness just lurking beneath the surface. You guys looked great warming up...hopefully his past loss has him on edge come race day. The field is huge and he'll need every ounce of energy and spirit...it's what will really separate him from the pack. He rubbed Ice's neck as he spoke...saying a silent prayer for both Pred and Ice. They were both extremely talented horses, but so was the field and today they would need to sharpen their instincts to give them the pizazz they would need to finish in the money come race day.
Let's take them four furlongs and let them fully extend in the last one...we need them begging for more and willing to fight...the field is enormous and they will need the added edge... Adele nodded quiet and respective...trying to solely focus on Pred and not the fact that her boss may very well be judging her....
She pointed Pred to the gate and he walked with the regal air of a king and sent a defiant flick of his tail in Ice's direction...the filly seemed to almost roll her eyes at the colt and waited for Nick's cues... He nudged her forward, her clear eyes burned bright and hungry as she loaded like a gentle breeze into her slot.
Nick and Adele made eye contact and each smiled as they jockeyed into position...and then the gates flew and so did the mounts. Predator was immediately to the front and Ice was right on the bay's heels, but Nick pulled the grey back slightly as Pred continued his tirade, Ice began to stalk from behind...
In Ice's mindset, Predator had now become the prey and she refused to let the colt gain an inch...she waited and bided her time...waiting for Nick to simply give her the green light...
Predator ran swift and sure, but knew the grey was close and waiting...Adele peeked a look to see her boss riding the grey like they were simply on cruise control..The ball of nerves threatened to choke her and Predator began to fight for the lead. Her mind immediately snapped back to the breeze at hand and reined the colt in...Not yet...
The three furlongs flew with no changes, but the simple tension and anticipation grew until now...the boiling point. The final furlong at hand, Adele released the burning Predator and he began to fully extend, but then Ice had begun her move on the back end of the third was already creeping up on the bay and now they were battling neck and neck!!!
Ice locked eyes with the colt, her gaze cold and defiant as she began to edge in front of the colt and then...it was done.
Nick reined in the grey as she turned about to face the bay. Predator was in a rage. All he saw was red as he lunged for the filly ivories bared..it was all Adele could do to turn the colt in a tight circle distracting the colt from unleashing his fury on Ice. Nick simply smiled astride the grey...
Adele...that was perfect. Now let's see the competition try to pass our guy here without a fight...You both did great. Take him off the track and cool him out...we need this edge for race day and the confidence for Ice...
Adele felt bad for what had just happened to her poor colt. He just wanted to win...She nodded to Nick and quickly pointed the colt off the track, tears forming in her eyes...She knew that this would help them, but after stalking glory for so long...it always seemed a step ahead... She composed herself and felt the deadly simmer of her mount...maybe Nick was really right...this was what they had all needed to launch themselves into the realm of glory.
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