Post by S u N f r O s t ~ on Jun 8, 2014 20:41:52 GMT -5
IN THE SPOTLIGHT AND VALENCIA ANDREWS
ODE TO GLORY AND KRYSTAL YHATE
INNIE'S WORKOUT FOR THE DUCHESS STAKES
Sometimes, certain horses just didn't click with the track. Sometimes it was because of the rider or management; oftentimes, it was just the horse. Krystal Yhate looked down at the horse she was riding and wondered what of case he was. Ode To Glory could hardly be called an underachiever. As a juvenile, he had won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf against Blue Me Away, who these days was hailed as an undisputed turf champion. But Ode had been questioned. A Breeders Cup champion, from out of the clouds and now seeking the Turf Triple Crown? And then Ode had stepped it up in his classic season...and he had honestly not performed. Then an injury had knocked him out of everything Krystal had been dreaming about. But now, at four, Ode was back. And even now he was struggling. He had taken the Sheema Classic, then faded out of the top three in his next two starts. Since then, he had won the Anathema Stakes Race Two, but Krystal was unsure of just what performance she was getting out of him next time out.
She sighed, but refocused on the workout at hand. Ode was well behaved as usual as they warmed up and prepared for the track. They were facing In The Spotlight next. The chestnut filly showed up then, slim and gorgeous, coat gleaming like the sun in the light. Valencia looked calm and happy as Innie went on her way, kicking up some dirt before settling over the turf track. Strides smooth as glass, Innie warmed up with the comfort of having eyes on her. Valencia smiled as she considered the Turf Triple Tiara - in the Duchess Stakes, it was just her versus Paranormal Hunter last time she checked. Innie craved the attention of the gathering crowd, head tilting to the side to exploit the sun and make her coat glow even more. Valencia laughed, gave the filly a light slap and sent her towards where four year old Ode awaited them.
Innie was sitting on a win. It had been nearly three months of near misses. So far, Innie had placed second in both the Debutante and the Cotillion, the first two legs of the series. The Duchess Stakes was a win that they deserved for their hard work and dedication. Innie had been slaving her entire career versus the best - only three races in her career hadn't been against the best in her division. And she had done fantastically to come as far as she had. They had always worked to win here, on the big stage. Thus far, Innie had the best overall performance in the series. Add to that the Duchess's distance of ten furlongs. At ten furlongs, Innie absolutely excelled. It was the classic distances that she loved, ten furlongs perhaps the most out of all of them. So overall, the race conditions were setting up for them...and Valencia was hungry for the win that would break them into grade two.
Krystal looked over Innie and nodded her approval. She looks ready Valencia...I really hope you guys pull off the win. Valencia nodded, smirking, then noticed Krystal's expression. And Valencia was no idiot; she knew it had to do with Ode To Glory. Valencia sighed, her eyes softening ever so slightly from their usual fire. Hang tight, Krystal. They're not going to know what hit them at the end of this season. You and Ode are tougher and better than they think. Krystal, still frowning slightly, nodded, but gratitude was apparent in the small smile she sent Valencia's way. I hope so. He's just very inconsistent. Clearly talented, but not consistent in the big leagues. Dropping him down helps him slightly...but what I really want is to beat Blue Me Away. Kind of like how you want to beat Mastermind with Theo. Our circumstances are pretty similar. Valencia laughed. They kind of are! Krystal grinned. Amber wanted a classic. Let's get to it.
Innie took the lead as she was wont to do as they continued down the stretch and around the turn. They were cantering, then galloping. Ode settled comfortably to her outside, muscles flexing as he effortlessly kept up with the chestnut filly. Effortless was not a word typically associated with Ode...but there was a fire in his eyes and a new spring to his step. Ode was coming back to glory. Krystal felt the burning within her stallion, his hungry desire...and felt it reflected right back at them by Innie. In The Spotlight wanted to be back in the spotlight. She hungered just as badly. Perhaps both would get their wish if they hung tough, played it smart and ended up getting the best ride on race day. Determination etched into the faces of their riders as they swept through the mile and through the wire. When they hit the stretch, it would be time to sprint.
It took no time at all. They hit the stretch, and it was like the race had finally started. Ode took off, victory calling his name as he became serious. Legs blurring, he went right on by Innie, but not before the chestnut hooked up and came with it. She was not giving in. The fires of determination were exchanged between them as they sought the wire and the salvation of a win. By a head bob, Innie stole the lead and made to go away, but then Ode got it back. The four year old had become stubborn, and he wasn't giving in. He made back up the head bob, increased the gap as a new reserve made itself known. Krystal gasped as the gray stallion exploded, muscles heaving as he scorched the track and flew just as the end of the two furlong sprint hit them.
Panting hard, Krystal felt pure and utter shock resonate through her. When had Ode developed such a kick, such deep reserves, such utter power? She glanced over her shoulder, noted that Innie was not far behind. The chestnut was sharp now, and coming along well. Valencia was grinning at Krystal. Told you so. Hang tough, and maybe we'll both get out wishes, hmm? Krystal nodded, shock melting away to exultation. Championships were on the horizon if this continued!
