diamond

[Snowflake]

WAR CRY WORKS FOR THE COACHING CLUB AMERICAN OAKS

Xena was on her toes. It was no surprise. Her last race, the Mother Goose Stakes, had been three weeks ago now and the filly had had plenty of rest. She'd been Impress' trail ride and swimming buddy and this was going to be her first track gallop since the big race. It was Thursday, and the Coaching Club American Oaks was on Saturday. They would only go for a very short sprint up the stretch to whet Xena's appetite. The filly was already raring to go as they trotted to warm up. Her step had a certain spring to it that told Marissa it was going to be very hard to gallop only a couple hundred metres. Xena was hard to stop once she got going, and even more so when she was faced with competition. She hated to lose, and her record showed it.

The Coaching Club American Oaks was the last diamond she could win in the Triple Tiara. The field was the same as the Mother Goose Stakes, so the race could play out the same again. Ventura would definitely be out for blood, so they would keep and extra special eye on her. Indian Darling would not be forgotten, though. Xena's trot was brisk and strong, and given her way she would gallop right now. Marissa ignored the questions shouted at her. They could see for themselves on race day. And any other questions could maybe be answered in the winner's circle.

Marissa allowed an inch of rein to slip as they finished the turn into the back stretch. War Cry was cantering now, tugging on the bit eagerly. The track was quiet now, and Marissa could feel the eyes on them. She wondered just how many people would be cheering them on to win the Coaching Club American Oaks. Xena's stride was strong, and Marissa could feel the untapped energy coursing through her. They entered the turn, and Marissa looked ahead to the two furlong pole, where she would unleash the filly for several seconds.

Marissa released the filly at the exact moment they were level with the two furlong marker. War Cry launched herself forward powerfully, immediately charging with ferocity. Her ears were pinned against the rushing wind as she accelerated rapidly. Her body stretched and her legs straightened out with each step. Her hooves pounded the dirt like a drum, flicking dirt up behind her as she dug into it for better traction. Within moments she was running flat out, with each stride full of power. Her mane whipped at Marissa's face each time the filly brought her legs back under her to take another powerful, reaching stride.

All too soon Marissa was forced to slow the thoroughbred down. Xena tossed her head, fighting to continue, but Marissa was experienced in this and quickly was able to slow the horse back to a more energy saving pace. The filly had had her fun and worked off the excess energy. She was as ready as it was possible to be to take on the Coaching Club American Oaks. As Marissa exited the track, her fingers were crossed. Hopefully, next time the pair did this they'd be going to the winner's circle instead of straight to the barn.. And if they did, it would be War Cry's grade one win.