Fly With Me

[Deleted]

Flyin Out Loud and Tanya Stratt
Preparation for the Magic Millions Fillies Turf Sprint

April Week One only meant one thing for most of the staff at Silver Stride Stables - the Magic Millions had finally arrived. A prestigious two year old series which tested the horses against their peers. It was one of those series where the best of the best were tested and several of the two year olds from Silver Stride Stables had been entered in various races. Among those entered was the Cryin' Out Loud filly Flyin Out Loud, who had broken her maiden in her last outing over a month before. But, since then, the filly had been in training and was definitely ready to race.

The Magic Millions Fillies Turf Sprint was the perfect race for the filly, taking place over a distance of six furlongs on her preferred surface. It would be her second major race, having placed third in the Unicorn Horn, and it was hoped that she could improve her performance in the coming outing. Especially because the field only consisted of three horses including Lynn who would be starting the race in gate one.

Gate two was set to hold the Stride Of Perfection Stables filly, Innocent Passion, and that was a scary concept. The filly had been on fire, had claimed three wins in six starts and was on the verge of breaking into grade four. The race was at the lower end of her distance preferences, but there was no doubt that she could handle it and she was a clear favourite in the race. Her last race, in March Week 2, had seen her place second to Tears Of An Angel, Lynn's half sister in The Wire Finish Cup - another major race series. The preceder had a brutal reputation and there was no doubt that she had earned it.

The other entrant, from Star Thoroughbreds was Blazing Kiss - another powerful opponent who had raced four times for two wins. The filly was the only one of the three to have placed outside of the top three, but had nosed out Lynn in the All Things Gorgeous Cup earlier in the year. Blazing Kiss was the most recently raced of the three, but as that had been several weeks before it would probably not affect the race.

It was down to skill. Lyn definitely had skill, but then so did the other entrants. She perhaps had the edge with confidence, coming off of a win but she had also lost to both fillies in the past. All in all, it would be tight and Jacob would be giving all his effort to help the filly push through to a good results. Certainly, he felt that he could do something with her even if they did not claim the win.

Jacob was already mounted and ready to go when Matthias arrived, walking into the stands and calling over. The three furlong workout would, for Lynn, include gating and Jacob hoped that they could impress the trainer. After all, if they did not impress him then he could still scratch the pair and Jacob really did not want that. He knew Lynn had the talent, even if she had not achieved to the same level that Italian Ice or Blue Me Away had. The filly was definitely getting their, she had found her hooves on the track and he was sure that they would never look back.

Gating was quick enough, for Lynn was always a lot easier to handle away from other horses, and soon enough the shutters were closed behind them. It was a waiting game, and Lynn seemed to lack patience. She was practically dancing in the box and when the gates opened she flew out of them. It was the start of a true front runner; quick and precise. Her legs unfurled beneath her quickly and she moved forwards with confidence, setting a high pace.

Jacob did not push her, but he did not hold her back. Today he wanted to set a new best time for them and if she was going to run quickly he was not going to complain. He focussed on the workout. He could feel the horse's movements beneath him, he could feel her powerful muscles working to help her maintain the high speed. The post was closing quickly, and soon enough the first furlong had passed.

Now Jacob started to urge her on a little and the filly's pace picked up a fraction. It was not hugely noticeable, but every little bit would improve their time. He wasn't full driving her, just urging her every few strides or so in order to prepare her for the fast-approaching final furlong where he really would start pushing her. He bit his lip, prepared himself, and as they moved passed the post marking that only one furlong remained he started to drive.

It was hard work, but it was exhilarating, and he could feel the filly really pushing to give her all. Their speed once again increased a little, although not by much, and Jacob had to suppress his smile as they passed the post. It had been a good work and, looking at Matthias, their time had been good. Now he just had to hope it would be enough for race day.