Post by Snowflake on May 18, 2013 21:05:12 GMT -5
WAR CRY WORKS FOR THE MOTHER GOOSE STAKES
Her loss in the Kentucky Derby had been disappointing, less because of the loss and more because it had destroyed the filly's perfect 1-2 record. She had now placed out of the top two, and had tied with Red Herring for third. Nightshade had beaten them, and Born To Impress had lived up to his name and won the prestigious race. War Cry was now being aimed at the Mother Goose Stakes - Ventura may be out of Rising Fury and Impressario, but they would not just let her take the Triple Tiara uncontested. War Cry now needed to reassert herself as one of the top dirt three year olds, and she would do that by taking out the second leg of the Tiara.
Marissa vaulted into the saddle and set the filly off at a trot. She glowed vibrantly in the morning sunlight as she moved with powerful strides. She'd had time to rest after the Derby as battling Red Herring had taken alot out of her. Born To Impress had also come out of the race tired, so they didn't know whether to try for the Preakness Stakes with him or wait until the Belmont Stakes. It would all depend on how the horses performed in their workouts today. So far, it looked as though War Cry was feeling great.
Besides Ventura in the Mother Goose Stakes, there was also Witch Creek Stables filly Indian Darling. She was grade four and had not raced on GHF tracks in over a year. Most of her races leading up to this were undercard, but Marissa knew better than to discount a horse for that. Indian Darling was a mid packer, so hopefully War Cry would only see her before the race began. Ventura, as they already knew, was a preceder. She would be right with War Cry for much of the way.
War Cry was cantering now, pulling on the bit, raring to go. She had been resting since the Kentucky Derby, with only slow work and trail rides. This was her first track gallop in nearly two weeks, and Marissa had to be careful not to let the filly go to hard or too long. She had to have the energy to go and go and go in the Mother Goose Stakes. The four furlong pole was looming. Marissa was to gallop the filly slowly for two and then sprint for two, and then allow a two furlong slow gallop out.
War Cry launched herself forward powerfully, and Marissa instantly rated her speed. The filly disagreed and tossed her head, fighting for it. Teeth gritted slightly, Marissa held her ground. War Cry was very strong willed, but so was her rider. Marissa wasn't about the let the filly self destruct her chances in the Mother Goose Stakes. They rounded the turn and Marissa released the filly into the straight. Immediately War Cry began to charge, ferociously increasing her speed until she was running flat out. Each stride was full of will and power. She ignored her surroundings as she pounded down to the wire. As they passed it by, Marissa stood and leaned back slightly, slowing the fiery chestnut back to a less fiery pace. She had no doubt that War Cry would run her best in the Mother Goose Stakes. The filly was ready for it.
