Blue Skies

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Blue Me Away and Jacob Donovan
Preparation for the Magic Millions Colts Turf

Blue Me Away certainly had the bloodlines to be great – his sire had been a Grade One racehorse in his time, and his dam had proven herself to be a good broodmare in the past when she had produced the now retired Grade One Lawliet’s Girl. There had been a little hype about his debut, but he had been mainly ignored due to the presence of older, more famous bloodlines that were also coming on to the track. In many ways, he had been underestimated, but Silver Stride Stables had seen something in the colt. When they had purchased him as a yearling they had known he had what it took to become something great and he had already smashed through their expectations with relative ease. Winning his debut had been impressive, to go on to win the Unicorn Horn Juvenile had added to his reputation and then his next two races – including The Wire Finish Cup Juvenile Turf - had also been successful. He had not lost one race yet in four starts, and he had been the first two year old to reach Grade Four this season. But his move into the higher grade had not been widely publicised. Silver Stride Stables had felt no need to boast about the colt because most of the stables had already seen him on the track.

He had been resting since March Week Two in preparation for his next race; the Magic Millions – another major series, and one the stable had set as a high priority. The series was specific to two year olds, and was amongst the first tests of the juvenile talent. The field for the Colts Turf was large, and the competition was not looking easy. Six horses had been entered so far, including Blue Me Away and his rival Abastor who was owned by Intrepid Racing. So far, they had only faced each other on the track once - where Abastor had placed third - but the stables had negotiated, seeking more challenge and drive with their up and coming stars.

Jacob walked into Matthias's office at the time he had been asked to, and immediately told to take a seat. Where as many of the jockeys were less formal, Jake had a way of doing things and felt that discussion of rivals and tactics was best done in an office away from any potential reporters. He had become even more concious of it after several instances of reporters from The Gallop getting information they should not have had knowledge of. Matthias, of course, understood. Jacob was very serious about his job, he didn't take anything lightly.

"The Magic Millions, Jake, and Blue is looking good. Feeling confident?" the jockey and trainer had known each other for a long time, they didn't spend time over niceties. They would have this discussion, then head to the track to do the workout and that would be that. "I don't really think confident is the word for what I'm feeling... More, hopeful. Can we just look over the field?" Matthias laughed slightly at the jockey's response... Typical of Jake, really. He knew the track, he knew nothing was certain...

"Well, as you know there are six entrants with you and Blue set to start in gate five. As for the rest of the competition, it's a bit of a mixed bag really. Gate one will be where Abastor is starting, you'll want to watch him as with this new rivalry and the fact you won last time... Well, we can almost guarantee that they'll have you marked as a target. He's a preceder, like you, too so it could be interesting..." Jacob nodded, casting his mind back to the Palfrey Stakes. It had been a good race and a surprise result - he had been expecting second and had taken several moments to realise what had happened when they crossed the line. Abastor had been a strong competitor throughout, and would likely be once more in the upcoming race. "When did he last race?" Matthias looked down at his sheet, looked up. "Last race was the Palfrey Stakes, so he's well rested and probably rearing to go." The jockey bit his lip and nodded, indicating to move on.

"Gate two is another Intrepid Racing entry, Livin' The Jazz. He's a closer, has raced five times and only placed outside the top three once. His last race was February Week Four, when he broke his maiden over at The Wire track. Don't forget about him in the race, they'll be counting on that." Jacob nodded, remained silent. So far, that was two very strong competitors on the track, other than Blue himself.

"Gate Three holds an entry from a new stable. Sea Siren is a colt owned by Bowen Acres, registry information shows he was sourced from outside lines. Other than that, there isn't much I can say - he hasn't raced yet, so he's probably at a disadvantage against horses like Blue, Abastor and Livin' The Jazz." Matthias didn't even pause before moving on, there was not much else to be said about a horse no one knew anything about. "Gate Four holds another entry from the same stable, Spirit Of Joy. But he'll be disqualified, being a three year old so no need to talk about him.

Finally, Gate Six will hold an entry from Stride Of Perfection Stables - Ode To Glory. I've seen him on the track a few times, and I think he's going to be a real hit once he finds his hooves on the track. He runs in the pack, seems happiest when surrounded by other horses. Looking at his record, he's raced five times, has won once and placed outside of the top three twice. He's probably tired, though, having raced last week but don't count on that giving you a boost. Some two year olds can handle it." he stopped, taking a breath for a moment.

"It looks like there won't be a front runner, so I want you to take the lead. It worked for us last time, so why not try it again. Maybe if he continues to run well as a front it can officially become an option in most races. However, if Abastor starts trying to pressure you like he would a front runner either just hold your pace or drop back. Blue isn't a front runner, and he won't react like one anyway." Jacob nodded, looked into Matthias's eyes. "I'll see you at the track in ten minutes, okay? I want to work him lightly, only three furlongs and I won't be pushing him." Matthias nodded, agreeing to the jockey's plan, before Jacob left the office.

Matthias walked out of the office only a few moments later, and called his brother Lucas over. "Blue is tacked up and ready to go, right? the handler nodded and Matthias smiled. "Great, we're getting ready to head down their now, so why don't you grab Blue and we'll meet you there?" Lucas grinned. "Sure thing, bro. You know that colt's just anxious to get started. Mind if Alexia comes to watch?" Matthias shook his head. "Course not, just no getting distracted and loosing the colt, okay?" Lucas nodded and moved off quickly, finding Alexia and asking her to come down with him before heading to the colt's stall.

Blue was, as Lucas had told his brother, as energetic as ever. Having been rested since March Week Two it had been almost a month since he had last raced and it showed. The colt had been like a dynamo for the last few weeks, every time he had been in the pasture he had been seen galloping around and generally shooting off energy. But the trick was not getting him to start moving, it was making him stop, and Blue's stall certainly showed signs of housing a restless horse. Lucas took hold of the colt's bridle, untied the rein, which had been secured where he would not be able to get it tangled, and led him out of the stall.

Blue pranced beside the handler, pulling to move faster. His head was held high, his eyes flashing brightly, and everything about him screamed of health. There was no question that the colt was in good form, and his energy level was just a sign of what was to come on the track come race day when the colt would be fuelled by the competitive atmosphere and the roar of the crowd. Certainly, he would be more than ready to show off just how great he was in the parade ring and when he made it to the track... Well, who knew what would happen then? The track was unpredictable, and this field was nothing to joke about.

They moved toward the track, and Matthias and Jacob soon caught up with them. Matthias walked at his brother's shoulder, but Jacob hung back to walk with Alexia. "He's looking good, Jake. I'm not surprised he was the first two year old to make it to Grade Four this year. Of course, you need to keep it up now -Nightshade caught up as you will recall." Jacob nodded. "He's certainly something, and don't worry - we are ready to get out there and do some more racing. Matthias and me just decided we would rather he be well rested for this race, you know how much it means." Alexia smiled, perfectly understanding. "I do, and I cannot wait to see him make it to Grade Three. He's already ahead of where Sonja was last year, so god knows what you can do with him!"

The conversation lasted just long enough for them to arrive at the track, where Jacob grabbed Matthias's shoulder. "I changed my mind, with this much energy he is going to need some pushing in the workout or he'll be hot come race day." Matthias nodded knowingly and walked into the stands with Alexia while Jacob walked out onto the turf track. It was a sunny day, but the track was a little on the soft side following rain the night before. Of course, conditions today did not reflect what they would be for the race as only the weather could decide that. He looked over to Lucas who was struggling with the black colt and out his helmet on, fastening it. He had not brought his crop, but with Blue this energetic he was sure one would not be needed.

Prepared, he walked over to Lucas and Blue and attempted to mount. The first attempt was a failure, however, because the colt moved away just as Jacob swung his weight to get onto the colt. He fell onto the turf, covering his exercise silks in dirt. Rising to his feet he looked into the stands to see Alexia laughing. Well, at least someone found it funny! He moved to the colt's side again, and this time pulled himself into the saddle without an issue. Lucas looked up at Jake, obviously trying to conceal a smirk. "You okay?" Jacob just nodded, there was no point in getting annoyed over these things.

They were not gating today, just galloping, and that made things quicker. While Blue had no issues with gating, it always added time to a workout and Jacob just wanted to get going. Lucas led them to the three furlong point and released his grip on the colt's rein. A moment later, following a signal from the jockey, the colt was off down the turf at a good pace. If they were to be front runners in this race, Jacob would get to dictate the pace of the race and he was already planning on making it around the average pace as he did not want Blue to tire during the race. After all, it was his energy reserves and increased speed in the home stretch which set the colt apart from most preceders. He may keep pace with the front runners throughout, but he always held enough back to be able to put up a fight against the pack and closing horses. But this... This was not a race, this as a workout, and a good pace was always a bonus as it gave them a chance to see just what the colt was made of.

Blue did not seem phased by the soft ground as he powered onwards, his strong limbs moving in a short stride. Jacob remained tucked close to the colt's neck, but did not yet push. He was allowing the colt to stretch his legs, to start burning off some of the excess energy which would count against them in a race. To him, the world was very small at that moment. At that moment, his world consisted of only himself, the horse and the track. The only sounds he could hear were the wind in his ears and, of course, the pounding of the colt's hooves against the ground.

Two furlongs passed quickly, it took no time at all really for the distance to close, and Jacob knew now was the time to chip in. He drove the colt hard as he bit into his lip, fighting for the last furlong. The colt reacted, speeding up and lengthening his stride. They fought together, seconds seeming like minutes as they continued on their way to the post and moved past it. The workout was over, Jake started to slow the colt and was left wandering just how they would perform come race day.