Silver Blessings

[Cruisey]

DEVIL'S BLESSING && TALIA SMITH

SILVER SERENDIPITY && DEVON BLACKTHORN

It was time for the two turf runners to start their work out on the frosty October day. Devil’s Blessing, or Cian known around the barn, was up against the little silver mare, Silver Serendipity. Cian was one powerful horse for being only two years old. The bay was great on the track, but in hand he was a nightmare. He knew his strength and he used it to his advantage without fail. He was a show off, that was for sure. Whether it was biting, kicking or strutting his stuff, every human he marked as an enemy. 

Demi in comparison was very easy to handle but she did not shut up. She loved human contact and being spoiled, and would often whicker in pleasure. She was a very versatile filly, which made her a fun horse to be around. There was one thing that both horses had in common, though, and that was their running styles
.

Both horses gated easily when led to the starting gates. They walked in calmly and stood in the box without appearing stressed. That’s what Carter loved about having access to gates at home. He could practice gating with every horse until he knew they felt comfortable in the enclosed space. Once boxed, Cian pawed at the ground and tossed his head, ready to take charge of the tough filly. 

As the gates opened, Demi got a better start and shot forwards, exactly like she would in a race. Cian was not having any of what Demi was doing and pushed forwards at a relatively high pace. Cian hated to be behind someone, and he was determined not to lose to a girl. Talia guided him towards the silver horse and was soon matching her stride for stride. Devon saw Cian out of the corner of his eye, and so did his mount. Demi allowed herself to slow down so the big bay horse could take over her lead. Devon knew what the filly was thinking and allowed her to do whatever she wanted. Seeing this, Cian took the lead while Talia hung on. As they rounded the corner, Demi began to speed up once more, gaining on the flighty colt and once again was head to head with him in the straight. 

The post was in sight and both horses pushed hard. Both jockeys had stayed in a battle for first place for a while before the bay colt took the win by a nose. He may have been a grade below the filly, but he was determined to push himself higher in the rankings.