Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2012 3:41:11 GMT -5
Instant Success & Jacob Donovan
[/center]They had to step up their game if they wanted to stand a chance at claiming a leg of the Triple Crown, had to really fight if they wanted their names to be remembered. Instant Success was a strong enough colt, he had beaten a large range of horses, but his last two results had been disappointing as he finished third in both races against rivals Eternal Phantom and Euphoria's Warrior. But Jacob had not given up, and with every loss the colt became more and more determined to claim victory. In fact, Isa's mood had been positively volatile since the Kentucky Derby and the handlers had been quite wary of him because of this.
Matthias knew how much Jacob longed to claim even one leg of the series, had seen him in discussions with Tanya who had been able to claim the Acorn Stakes on Paradise Island and knew that the man was asking for tips. Just how did you bring your horse out on the track at such a level that they could defeat the best in their age group? Tanya had told him to just treat the series as he would any other race - to try, but not to stress over claiming victory. She said that stressing would only wind Isa up and lower their own chances.
The workout that they had planned was going to ensure the colt was at his very best come race day, and would hopefully release some of the frustration which had clearly built in the colt. It was not going to be an easy race, it was going to be one of the most challenging races that he had ever ran, but all in all it would be worth it. Especially if things went to plan and the colt pulled into the top two, beating out at least one of the other competitors.
Eternal Phantom and Euphoria's Warrior had gone against each other time and time again this season, with varying outcomes. All of their starts had been major, and some said that gave them an advantage. But Isa had gone against a variety of horses, often older and more experienced, in smaller races. The differences in the competitors were clear, but Jacob was sure that if he handled it right the colt would soon start to shine because of it. After all, there was only so much you could learn from going against the same competition before you hit a peak. After that, you didn't really benefit that much from it anymore.
The field, with the three horses, consisted of a front runner (Eternal Phantom) and two closers (Euphoria's Warrior and Instant Success) which gave Phantie a clear advantage. However, the colts were not about to lie down and let the filly beat them without a fight. They would give her a challenge, especially after she had claimed the first leg of the crown. Certainly, they would give their very best in the race.
Today, Jacob would be running three furlongs on the chestnut colt at full speed, spurring the colt's desire to run while ensuring he would not be so frustrated and difficult come race day. If the workout had the desired effect, Isa would be entering the race with a calm mind and more willing to listen to his jockey. With any luck, Isa would pull off an upset and manage to claim a victory. Such an outcome, according to the press, was unlikely but Jacob knew Isa and knew they would give their all.
Lucas and Mia were having great fun getting the colt down to the track. He had kicked one of the grooms already and they were lucky that the man in question didn't have to go to hospital. Now, he seemed determined to injure the handlers as well. Even with two handlers with a tight grip on his rein Isa was fighting and making a real show of himself. As they finally reached the track, the jockey's eyes went wide - he had never seen Isa so wound up and determined to break free. He walked over, mounted quickly and found his stirrups, testing his balance before setting himself in the saddle.
It was a good job he'd done that really, for the colt chose several seconds later to buck, trying to throw his rider from the saddle. Jacob set his jaw, wrapped his hand into the colt's mane and sighed. It really was a good job that they were letting the colt loose today, otherwise Jacob doubted he would be staying saddled until the end of the three furlongs. The handlers pulled the colt to a halt at the three furlong mark, watched as the jockey rose in his stirrups in preparation and waited for a nod. Then, after a silent signal, they released their grip and Isa broke free.
Usually slow to break, the colt was quick off of the mark and bolted forwards as soon as the restraint was removed. His limbs were quick beneath him, unfolding without any real problems due to his small size and propelling him forwards. Jacob felt adrenaline starting to pump through him even as they moved from the start and urged the colt forwards only a little to ensure he knew that his jockey was with him evry stride of the way. Despite his speed, Isa seemed much more relaxed now that they were actually moving. His audits pressed forwards, showing focus, but he was held in a way which spoke of a horse who had really started to come into his own, his form natural rather than resembling a giraffe as he moved down the stretch.
The first furlong seemed to close in no time at all, and Jacob knew the colt was reaching strong form once more as they started on the second. Stride after stride, the colt continued to press forwards with a firm determination and Jacob matched the rhythm as they did so. The four-beat and the wind was all he could hear, the dirt track ahead of him all that really mattered in his mind's eye. He felt at one with the colt, their goals the same and their determination peaking as they moved toward the post. The second furlong was soon also a thing of the past, and now their was only one furlong between them and their goal.
Jacob tucked himself to the colt's neck, cracked the crop against Isa's rump and began to drive. Isa responded eagerly, his speed increasing as they surged forwards. Stride after stride they fought - horse and jockey working as one to claim their goal - and they were making good time. Crashing forwards like a battle charge they were ready to give war for victory. They would not be going down easily this time, they would be fighting to claim the title for themselves. They flew past the post and Jacob felt, inside, that they were ready.