They Will Roar

[Kenren]

NATIONAL TREASURE & TIGRIS GREENFIRE
DARE TO IMPRESS & MINSKE MAVECCI

Tigris couldn't lie - the fact that National Treasure had come in third in the Debutante had left a bitter taste in his mouth. He didn't need to be told how hard the competition was, he was well aware. He'd lived it. But that didn't make the defeat feel any better, nor had the hand that had clasped his so tightly after the race. He wasn't the type to take defeat well, and he'd been a little, well, sulky, for about a week after. Not that he'd ever admit, but he'd been disheartened. He felt like he's let the filly down, let Cole down. But Valkyrie was a hard farm to stay upset at, and in the raucous celebration over the Kentucky Derby win, he'd found it hard to stay sorry for himself. Treasure had another race coming, likely a harder race, and he was determined to help her shine like he knew she was able.

For his credit, he'd been happy for Minske and his win on Dare to Impress, not bitter at him. It helped, of course, that Minske was about as humble as a person could be, focusing on the task at hand rather than gloating. The white-blonde boy was quiet and contemplative, and about as good a friend as someone could ask for. Just his presence, and carefully chosen words, were enough to eventually bring Tigris around. Despite his outward appearance, Minske really was elated. Imp had deserved the win, and she was now officially the winner of the first leg of the Turf Triple Crown - however, the Preakness Champion Stakes was shaping up in a way that might have made the Kentucky Open a simple warm-up. Seven horses were in the field, and while Imp was a fighter, the race would be much more difficult all-around than the previous. Minske didn't doubt her talent, though, and he was excited at the prospect of taking yet another leg.

The two black fillies were led out side-by-side, Treasure a little taller and more strongly built than the lean Imp. Treasure was calm but alert as they were led toward their riders, Imp practically the opposite with quickly moving feet and a bowed neck, a sparkle in her expressive, pretty brown eyes. The riders went to meet the horses, getting legs up from the grooms. Imp turned her head to look at Minske, tossing her head playfully. He scratched her neck affectionately, then reined her out onto the track. Tigris followed with Treasure, who went along like a horse much older than her three years. The filly rarely spooked, and had a very steep learning curve. She was so willing to please, and Tigris knew she'd give everything she had to if he asked for her best. She was going to be facing a tougher field as well, so he hoped that she was ready to bring her best this time around.

The fillies were warmed up over the GHF track in the muggy morning air, though neither filly seemed bothered by it. They were a pair of glossy black mounts, powerful as if from a legend of old. Every stride brought them closer, and Minske was alight with excitement. "This is the kind of morning that makes you think magic can happen," he said just before they opened up to a canter. Tigris just shrugged, but he rather agreed - there was excitement like electricity practically palpable in the air. So much to do, and they were right on the brink. He asked Treasure for a gallop and she gave it, practically meandering until her frequent work partner picked up the gait as well. Treasure liked to have someone to chase, but Imp was more comfortable in company - with Imp's temperament versus Treasure's, they'd found it more helpful to run them together than make Imp anxious taking an open lead. Treasure didn't really need to run her best in a work, after all. That was to be saved for the big day.

And so, when they were asked for real speed at the start of the five-furlong work, the fillies were side-by-side once more. Though Treasure was taller, Imp's strides were longer and more ground-saving, evidence of her router tendencies. Treasure was muscle and sinew and power, as unstoppable as a freight train once she got going. She wasn't in a hurry now, though, nd allowed Imp to stick a nose in front as they went quickly but easily around the turn. Minske and Tigris shared a look, glancing from atop their mounts, and at two furlongs both were pushed for greater speed. Both fillies, as receptive as they were, dug in immediately and eagerly. Both were the type to come from off the pace, and therefore they exhibited pretty strong turn of foot, accelerating as they were bred to do. They charged on, taking the breath from their riders in the best of ways. Cole was on the sidelines with a stopwatch, but neither Tigris nor Minske saw him - they were too engrossed in this moment. As they neared the wire Treasure started pulling away, her inclination toward shorter distances that Imp making itself known. Imp rallied, but she simply wasn't as fast as the miler at this short distance that required more raw speed, and thus passed under the wire a length behind her stablemate. Imp's determination, and Treasure's as well, for that matter, was underlined by a strong gallop out, during which both horses almost childishly strained to get a nose in front of the other. The riders kept them in hand, not allowing them to truly duel, but it was comical nonetheless.

When they finally pulled up, the riders dismounted at the gap. The fillies were blowing lightly, but both looked almost ready to continue, a rivarly obvious in their dark eyes. Sort of like the friendly rivalry between their riders.

"Good as they're going to be, I think. They've got as good a chance as any." Which, in Cole terms, meant they'd been fast enough to impress him, and he had hope that they'd do well in the weekend's races.

National Treasure working for the Cotillion Stakes
Dare to Impress working for the Preakness Champion Stakes