Post by S u N f r O s t ~ on Sept 3, 2012 17:38:13 GMT -5
WILD KISS AND AMBER BLACK
ODE TO GLORY AND KRYSTAL YHATE
STABLE FACE OFF WORKOUTS
It had been a gloriously silly plan. Krystal was still grinning at the thought of it as she tacked up the easy going gray who was to be her mount for the day. Ode To Glory had finally tasted glory last time out in the Balzarine Maiden at The Wire. But that had been three or four weeks ago and now he was back at the Green Horse Fields track gunning for the Grade Five Turf at the Face Off meet. There was a freaking nine horse field for the race and Ode was no shining star in record. Yet Amber had deemed the race necessary for maturation and Krystal had been silly enough to agree. In truth, the colt was the type that got better with time. He wasn't precocious but improved every time he started. Perhaps he would show something even more special than usual in his next race.
Krystal had eyed the field and concluded that a win wasn't impossible, provided that they played their cards right. Big fields were a good thing for Ode. Despite being two years old, where big crowds should be intimidating, Ode lived for a bigger field. He was a mid packer, and the bigger the pack the happier the gray colt ran. Not that he wasn't happy anyway when he was out there gunning for glory. The field consisted of nearly no speed in the front and lots of horses just drifting around in the middle of the pack. Apollo Bear and two year old Himeros would be up front and battling each other for it, with Loud and Clear just pressuring them right behind. The pack would be made up of Naturally Charismatic, Wannado Voodoo, Prince Arthur and them. Then the tactical closing speed would come from Streaks Of Passion and Snow Storm. Overall, the field was a lot more mature, but they still stood a chance. They were coming in very well rested and ready to go. Krystal and Ode both had calm heads and intelligent minds. They could do this if they rode right.
Amber thoughtfully chewed her pencil's eraser as she eyed the field for the Grade Four Turf. The field was a solid group of good grade fours, some having amazing seasons. Akita Rose's Thunderstrike, an epitome of consistency, would have the lead to himself. Georgie's Girl, who had perked up ever since her Breeders Cup win, and Frozen Motion, who was tasting the Green Horse Fields track for the second time this year, would be pressing him from behind. Then they would have Devil's Crusade enjoying the pack, with The Innocent Skier and her own mount Wild Kiss closing from behind. The field was entirely consistent and full of talent, and Amber knew they were in for a tough race.
She stood up, snapping the form book closed, and strode off to the SOPS barn that they had actually bought at the GHF track. She walked in and grinned at Krystal, who already looked ready. Tacking up Kiss was an easy affair. She walked in, grabbed the bay, led her out, ran a brush over her already immaculate coat - perhaps Valencia had been in to give the filly a good rub down? - and then had the saddle and bridle on her in about five minutes. She grinned across at Krystal, who looked a little nervous. You've got quite the competition in your race Krystal, but Ode has the calmest head in the field and he'll surprise them all with his worth. He's got the best jockey on board and the most rest. You'll cream them. Krystal smiled uncertainly at Amber's encouraging words and turned to check Ode's girth one last time.
The women led their horses out and were quickly mounted up and off trotting on the turf track. Horses breathed out and in the cold morning air. It was refreshing outside, and the two horses were feeling the air and wanting to run. Both of them were coming off of wins and were feeling hot today. They had weeks of rest in them, and even though their last races had been at The Wire they were well acclimated to the turf here. Kiss raced across it especially well. She had won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf here. Ode was cantering easily, too easy going to be bothered by unfamiliar places. The plan was to canter for five furlongs and then breeze the remaining three. It would be a pick up style workout and the horses were expected to benefit enormously from having a bit less to run today. They had had their conditioning and were just taking it easy to maintain form now.
Kiss slyly tested her rider's hold as they cantered. Ode just listened. Occasionally Krystal wished that Ode showed a bit more attitude. It was both a blessing and a curse to have an easy going obedient thoroughbred to ride. Then again, Foolish Lad had been easy going and he had still been a success, so there was definitely hope. Krystal thought his calm canter was the definition of his personality. As for Kiss, she moved with quick, liquid strides, fast as ever on her feet, cunning as a fox, sly and sweet. The five furlongs did not take long and then the horses were eased out into their gallops. Smooth and cool, Ode showed some spirit and tugged his way slightly ahead of Kiss.
They were just breezing easily today. Their gallops smooth, no sprinting required. Easily as they started they ended, easing down after their three furlongs, sweating just a bit and ready for more.
