Post by Cruisey on Nov 1, 2014 22:11:18 GMT -5
COCO CABANA && DEVON BLACKTHORN
Workout for the Dubai Colt Cup*
Coco Cabana was one of Firestone’s horses on the down low, and a not-so recent purchase from Akita Rose Stables. His most recent race, a HOTY one at that, made him fall short to Nature Blue’s GS Super Charged but had him beat out Grade One winners Bellefire and Lustiana’s Soldier, both of which were older and more experienced. Carter was aiming him for the BC Marathon, and his classic debut would be in his four year old season, but for now the focus was getting to the Dubai World Cup.
First step, qualify by placing in the top three in the Dubai Colt Cup during November Week Three. After a not-so-successful chance at the Triple Crown, Carter had sent him down to the undercard races to get his confidence back up and slowly up his grading. This method worked wonders, having won the Novizio Derby, A LOT TO LIVE UP TO STAKES G5+G4 Dirt and placing second in the True Enough Memorial Stakes against a tough field of grade one horses (this being said he was a grade three at the time). It was time to show the racing scene that the son of Seattle Song and HoF Fleet Goddess was not going to give up, but instead become stronger and more seasoned.
The bay stallion moved with poise beside his handler, his stride strong but well placed. He didn't bounce, like a younger horse would, but instead moved calmly and with dignity. Coco had a level head, and was more likely to show self-restraint on the track because of it.
Although he had been somewhat heavily raced, the colt had been consistent. Sadly, this consistency comprised of placing’s all over the board, including 7 firsts and 4 fourths, with one second and one third in between, not the result Carter was looking for in consistency. They were about to change that though, as jockey Devon moved over to the bay horse and mounted in silence with the help of Carter.
They had already discussed today’s workout when walking to the track. A breeze over 9 furlongs; Coco’s minimum distance range. Loading was quick, simple, and the quiet welcome as they waited for the gates to open. The pair was calm and prepared and when the gates finally did open, they moved swiftly out of the gates. Coco broke well, perhaps not as quickly as a front runner, but quicker than an average horse.
Their pace was quick and the dirt shifted under the colt’s hooves as they thundered around the track. His ears pressed forwards and his head was down low as he drove his feet into the ground. He looked confident, relaxed out on the track and how fresh he was clear. This was not a horse who was tired; this was a horse with all the energy he could need available to throw into his race efforts.
The short, six furlong distance reduced quickly and every stride carried them closer to the end of the workout. Coco showed no signs of stopping and Devon was shocked at how good the colt felt underneath him. It was like a switch had turned on inside of him as he realized what his real job was, winning the Dubai qualifier. One furlong down and Devon started warning the colt of what was to come. Their already fast pace increased by a smidge and it became clear that they were on track to clock a good time.
One furlong remained as the whip cracked against Coco’s flank, and Devon started to throw his effort into driving the colt forwards. They powered on together in their goal to pass the post, and to pass every single onlooker to prove them wrong. The bay was moving incredibly, his long legs moving quickly in long, powerful strides. He was giving them all he could and soon they passed the post. This horse would not give up, he would prove them wrong and he would continue to do this until he had nothing left, and that wouldn’t be for a long while.
