Post by Deleted on May 25, 2013 0:50:04 GMT -5
The previous year for this filly had proved insanely successful. She had stolen the Triple Tiara from under Eternal Phantom's nose and dead heated with her in the Coaching Club American Oaks. It nearly caught her out but it wasn't happening... not then. Matthias knew the filly was a champion, and nothing was going to stop her from trying to make the right impression in her next start - the Summer Cup Grade One Dirt. She had raced in minor races over the past few weeks to try and build her reputation back up and she had won both of them, so this time Matthias wanted to try her against her old rivals, which consisted of Flashy Wings, Euphoria's Warrior and Fiery Touch. The field was tough but nothing was going to stop this filly. She was looking as strong as ever.
The filly, being the Year 12 Triple Tiara champion, wasn't going to stop there. She was going to try and work her way up to the Breeders Cup Classic. Dependant on how she performed in Year 13, she would either be retiring or carrying on her racing career, which seemed the most likely option so far. She didn't want to be the next Sunset Crusade - win the Year 11 Breeders Cup Classic and go downhill from there - Sonja wasn't like that. The filly has only won one major race this year, which was the Deadly Desires Memorial Stakes, though she beat Flashy Wings in the Oscarianna Stakes. She has placed in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile, and Spring Cup Grade One Turf, before taking a shw in the Stable Face-Off Grade 3,2, and 1 Dirt.
Jacey and Matthias had planned out how she would run. It seemed the field was pretty stalker-heavy, so it would mean either Fiery Touch leads, or Sonja can run as either a front runner or preceder. She will usually take up a preceder position - leaving the task of setting the pace to other horses and allowing her to save some stamina for the home stretch. She gates well, remains calm while waiting for the gates to open, and breaks well. From here, Sonja likes to take up a position behind the front runners where she will sit until her jockey gives her a sign that it is time to make their move. Here, she will display a great deal of speed and power. Pushing hard she will move up the stretch quickly and due to a high level of spirit and heart will be able to deal with any competition.
Starting In Gate One would be Fiery Touch. The filly was having a good year after finally getting up to Grade One. She had won five races, all of which were non-major races unless you count the Jetaime Derby - and she had placed third in the Born To Soar Memorial Stakes. She was a versatile runner, so she could run anywhere in the field. It would be a bonus if she could lead, but if she couldn't it wouldn't matter anyway because Sonja could also lead. Fie was a constant contendor throughout last year - she tried her hardest to outrun Sonja, but it hasn't been possible as of yet. The filly looks stronger than ever and is really begin to pick up the ranks after finally making it to Grade One.
We would start in Gate Two. In Gate Three there was the current favourite for this race, Euphoria's Warrior. The colt was a rival throughout last year and this year in many races so far, but Sonja hasn't got up to beat him just yet - which is bugging her slightly now. He has taken four wins and three shows, all in major races. He had won exactly half of his races with 20 wins in 40 starts, whereas Sonja has 20 wins in 39 starts. Very close, and they had been at it throughout her whole career - she was hands down the best Year 11 two year old filly and she snatched it yet again from beneath Eternal Phantom's nose.
Flashy Wings would start from Gate Four. He only had one win this year, in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Classic where he outran Euphoria's Warrior to win. It would be a very close race and everyone knew it - very close and the mostly anticipated race too. Jacey and Matthias were quite nervous, but Jacey was the shaky one, considering she was the one who was going to be riding the filly. Matthias had tacked the filly up for her and she walked out of the changing room and smiled. She fastened her body protector and adjusted her hat strap before kissing Matthias as she got legged up into the saddle. She placed her feet in the irons. Sonja flickered her small dark ears.
Jacey squeezed the filly forward and she walked out onto the soft dirt. It wasn't too dusty, but it wasn't too sloppy either, it was simply pristine. It painted a perfect picture. It was the same track that Sonja had earned her pedigree, now she was getting bigger and better - though a four year old, she still had some growing to do. She looked simply amazing as she climbed into her best years. She had a long way to go, but it was yet to be decided if she was to retire this year or next year. She may well go to the Unicorn Horn Classic at the start of Year 14 before retiring and being bred, she may carry on racing. Her plans were yet to be decided.
Spinning the filly in a few large circles, she walked her round whilst talking through the workout plan with Matthias. They were going to breeze five furlongs, to keep her steady and ready for the race without wearing her out. She was raring to go. The filly pricked her ears and chomped on her hanging cheek bit. It was comfortable in her mouth, as Jacey always used happy-mouth bits rather than french links as it means there is more contact as it is a slightly stronger bit. She trotted Sonja up the dirt and along the surface gently.
The filly rocked into a canter at the seven furlong pole - her head bobbed along and she tossed her mane energetically from side to side. She continued to lope along the dirt surface at a steady pace and Jacey stood in the irons, letting her romp on. She plugged on, ears flickering back and forth, she was enjoying herself, and as they came to the five furlong pole, she let her loose and sent her on her way.
She sped up but didn't rush - Sonja cantered energetically along the surface, tossing her head again before recomposing herself and rounding the bend, changing her lead as they came into the home stretch. Jacey let the filly have some rein and sent her on her way. The mare sped up and extended her stride. She didn't push her, she just let her run. Sonja's long stride covered the dirt with ease and she came into the final furlong, her huge bounding strides carrying her easily over the wire. Jacey patted the filly's neck. She was ready for this race.
finished.