Winsome Wantings

[Cavallo]

Winsome Wantings
Featuring: Lissome & Abastor
Bid for the Debutant Stakes*

Nick Landing sauntered down the backstretch of the barns as he nodded and smiled at his co-workers and rival barn workers. Life was simple in the barns, it wasn't all about competition 24/7, no in the end everyone was just simply people who loved thoroughbreds and loved racing. The tracks today carried an extra hum of excitement as all the barns readied themselves to take on the first legs of the Turf Triple Crown and the Turf Triple Tiara.

All common enthusiasm aside though, there was stiff competition for the crowns this year. Rumor had it that there would be no true coronation in the classic series, but that didn't mean the competition wasn't going to try and Intrepid was just one of many that was willing to throw their best against the best. His eyes locked onto his hopeful contender and she was a sight to behold.

Lissome was in top condition, her muscles dancing and rippling as she moved with supple and lithe motion as Brody handled her expertly from the ground. Lissome eyed Nick with a look of familiarity and he smiled stepping up to greet the filly. Rubbing her nose, she snorted in response, prancing slightly in place in her general eagerness. He had fond attachments to this chestnut wonder. He had painstakingly bred this filly. Her sire Comeuppance and her dam Little Miss Innocent had been fierce rivals, rivals that had made their mark in legends and since then he'd been determined to pair the rivals and that had resulted in the passionate eyed filly before him. He ran his hands over her body, down her legs. Her body was cool to the touch, her form sound and her passion stirred. He stepped back and fixed a smile on the jockey holding her reins. "She looks good Brody. How are you feeling?" Brody snort and smirked, but it was easy to see the touch of nerves behind his gaze. It was his first year riding as an official jockey, but he was already setting precedents with his mounts and Lissome had instantly taken to him. Nick had been planning the switch for some time having Brody as her exercise rider while Lissome had still been his mount...when he had still ridden. He felt a small twinge. Sometimes he missed riding, but then looking at the things his barn was accomplishing with him solely focused as a trainer...he couldn't complain.

"Not gonna lie. I'm feeling the pressure, but I think today's prep will be just the outlet we need. He patted Lissome's neck and the filly leaned into his touch before letting out a piercing squeal as her eyes locked onto a formidable passerby. Jeff Saunders waved as he led Abastor down the shedrow. Brody took in the competition for their Debutante workout. Abastor was without a doubt IRS' top male turfer and he'd earned this right over time with the retirement of the prior generation. Abastor had a stunning performance rate, was a fierce competitor and the firstborn for Bucephalus, the twin to BHOF Requiem. He was the forerunner for the new line of Augusto runners. Jeff slapped the dancing colt as he stopped them in front of the other pair. It would be a tall order to take on this behemoth, but this was just the kind of challenge they needed to ready for their Debutant bid.

Nick took in both horses and noticed passersbys take notice of his horses with a look of appreciation in their eyes. He took pride in the picture the two striking contrasting picture they made, Lissome and Abastor. "You both look great. Let's get them on the track. We're gonna gallop them handily for four furlongs and breeze them home in another four. Jeff you and Abastor are gonna take point here. Brody let Lissome engage Aba here, but don't let her waste to much energy. We want her fresh come race day." Both men smiled and nodded as they led their mounts through the barns and over to the track path. Reaching the gap Nick gave each man a leg up and waved them on as they waited for a break in the flow of traffic on the track. Nick sauntered over to the rail and people obliged him by moving out of the way.

Abastor was hardened experience and Lissome was blossoming talent. It was breath taking to watch them doing what they did best. Jeff kept his touch light on the reins as the five year old cruised easily. Brody felt Lissome galloping easily beneath him glued to Aba's side as they galloped. Nick's eyes were trained as the duo readied themselves for the bid to come home. He watched Jeff give Aba his head as the seasoned turfer tapped into some of his power. Lissome and Brody stalled for one moment at the impressive display of speed, but Brody and Lissome were both neither to be denied as they closed the gap and stalked. Nick nodded in approval as Abastor pulled ahead, the need to compete pulling Lissome along for home and in that stretching her, toning her and readying her for the bid for a crown. He clapped his hands as the pair drove home in expedient fractions and the clockers around him murmured their approval. He didn't need to know the official time, he knew in his head Lissome had cranked competitive marks and it was apparent she was free, fresh and ready for more. It was a competitive field, but Nick knew without a doubt that Lissome and Brody were going to be more than ready to bring their A-game. They wanted this. They would fight for this.