Key West

[Cruisey]

Key West [West Virginia Derby Prep]
Inferno & Talia Smith

Over the coming months Fern had a number of big races coming up and there was no doubt that he had the ability to win just so long as Carter and Talia kept working at the colt. The Turf Triple Crown and the Breeder's Cup were all in the near future and Carter had his eyes on them all. But first the West Virginia Derby would run and it was yet another chance for the gray colt to show off his skills.


Mounting the quiet gelding, she flashed a smile at Carter, who was holding the reins, while he pushed the colt forwards. Jessie-Lynn followed in order to help gate the colt just in case he started to show off at the gates. Fern leaped forwards, doing a little piaffe in front of his starting stall. Always after attention and showing off. Talia thought to herself. Of course she, like the rest of the staff, respected the colt but sometimes she wandered why he had to be quite so inconvenient sometimes. Sitting down next to Sammie, who was waiting for her ride with the new addition, Ghost Rider, Carter waited for the workout to start.


As always, Fern broke well when the gates opened. His head was held high, ears pressed forward showing that he was alert and keen. His sure footing caused a perfect four-beat stride, toes digging into the turf for traction. His white mane and tail streamed behind him as he galloped, the pace about medium as Talia guided him gracefully down the straight and toward the bend.


Fern changed leads well and took the corner without a flaw. As he did so his ears began to press back against her head, eyes narrowing as they neared the end of the corner. Talia knew that Fern knew what would come next; he could feel it was almost time to make his move, and even as Talia touched the crop to his shoulder he shot off. He definitely wasn’t shutting down on her today like her last workout. The gray colt was excited and ready for the Turf Triple Crown prep race. His pace increased, head lowered as Talia drove him toward home. All thought of losing disappeared in Talia’s mind as they neared that end goal. Even when they reached it, Fern stormed past, not slowing down until he was sure that the workout was over. Talia saw Carter’s face, and pure ecstasy was written all over it. She knew that Carter thought he had a good chance of placing, and she didn’t doubt it either.