Post by Cruisey on Jan 29, 2015 21:53:40 GMT -5
WHITE ROSE && DEVON BLACKTHORN
VETANDA && JAMES COLLURA
Once the dirt horses were done and put away, it was time for the turf runners. On the turf side of the track, James sat atop the chestnut sabino colt Vetanda. He was lightly raced in his two year old season, and Carter hoped his classic season would be much better since the colt had time to mature since December Week Four. Vet was a sweetheart off the track and a spitfire on, which made him a real threat on the track. While Carter gave instructions to James, another horse was being led to the track. A soft nicker greeted Devon as the prancing filly was lead up to him. Although Devon wasn’t Rose’s normal ride, a warming smile broke out onto his face as he patted the bay filly and was given a leg up onto her back.
Both jockeys worked out their horses on the turf and with a few encouraging words, the horses were all alert and ready to go. Roses’ hooves flitted across the turf as she began trotting toward the gate, breaking out onto a canter more than once. The gates were in sight as both male jockeys trotted their mounts over. As they entered the gate, the three year old colt began to dance a bit more. Vet did fine in the gates, but sometimes he just wasn't use to them. While Vet was a bit wary of the gate, Rose entered it like a veteran. The metal, padded boxes didn’t seem to bother her. They were ready and suddenly the horses were bolting from the gates. Vet took off and James moved him slightly to the rail, though not too far in. Rose immediately broke fast and sharp, and settled into a quiet third-position galloping pace. Vet was guided by Devon behind her, since he was most comfortable in a closing position rather than at the front.
The beautiful chestnut sabino colt had a certain look to him that no one could dismiss. He was pushing forward, head moving with each stride. Rose felt confident in her pace as Devon started to let out an inch of the reins as their marker came close. Five furlongs had passed, and as they came around the home stretch, James showed the colt the whip and suddenly Vet was sprinting forward and digging deep, hooves spitting out turf behind them. Rose already seemed to know what she was doing and began picking up speed; however Devon held her back as much as she could until she knew it was a good moment. Rose could see the colt gaining ground on her, and her ears flattened against her head. Then Devon allowed the slack to lessen and Rose took off. He only had to show her the whip once and they were picking up speed. It was a flash of white and brown as they crossed the finish line in record time. Both horses felt game ready and there was a good chance they would do well in their respective races.
