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Post by Cavallo on Jul 23, 2012 20:19:23 GMT -5
Adele Rodgers and Predator Prepping for Nov. Week 2 Dirt Maiden - 9F
Predator stood still like a statue. His eyes never leaving Michael's. They were in a full-blown stare-down face-off. Michael shifted his weight slightly to his left foot and Predator's ears went flat against his skull. Easy... He held the two year old's reins, but made no move to lead the colt. he really didn't dare to move...
Adele... Michael said through gritted teeth, his eyes never leaving the colt, lest he needed to dodge an attack. You said you would be only a second...we're onto a minute now and Predator is giving me the eye...
Adele finished dressing and grabbed her helmet as she emerged from the trailer. The sight she saw was almost comical, but she knew better than to laugh. Just because Predator was a doll with her didn't mean everyone else got the same royal treatment. Thanks Michael she said as she approached and grabbed the reins from Michael.
As soon as Predator heard her voice, his right ear flicked in her direction, but his left stayed pinned as he kept a keen eye on Michael. Michael was all too eager to step back and hand control over to Adele. Predator lowered his head to the five foot nothing girl and bumped her - his polite way of saying hello. She grunted under the thrust, but knew he meant no harm. It wasn't his fault that he was strong and quadruple her size and strength. She smiled. If you thought about it...it really was ridiculous that of all people he responded to her. Maybe it was because he didn't see her as a threat...she had no clue, but he respected her and most importantly responded to her on the track.
Their second race was on the horizon.
In Predator's 1st outing he'd taken second and they were praying against all odds that he'd finally break his maiden...there was nothing worse than being stuck in limbo! Adele knew they were ready to run G5, but it's hard to enter those races when he's yet to claim a win.
Adele rubbed the bay's head and Michael warily stepped close to give Adele a leg-up. She slid comfortably into her seat, Predator clacked his teeth until Michael stepped back. Be polite Pred,
She eyed the track there were a few other horses on the track breezing and prepping. Predator eyed the field and had a strong urge to chase down every horse, but he thought better of it with Adele on his back. He respected her. She saw him, when everyone else had just seen and angry and hopeless case...she brought out the best in him.
That didn't make him a doll though. He stood alert waiting for his instruction from Adele. Whatcha think Mike? Warm him up and run him for four?
Michael nodded his agreement. Sounds fair, but don't push him to hard today. The race is soon and you'll want him fresh as he can be. It had been almost a month since his last running, so "fresh" was an understatement of the condition Predator was in. He was full of energy and ready to go. The past few weeks had been full of behavior training and conditioning and boy was he a sight to behold.
Alright boy...take us out. She asked the colt for a trot and off they went about the track. As they warmed up, Predator eyed the horses he passed, but Adele kept him in check. She felt the tension in his muscles ease and then asked for a light canter. They took it for a furlong and then looped back towards the gates.
Alright boy...we're gonna break and run for four...don't fight me on this! She said with a teasing tone, but knew that when Predator got going he was a force to reckon with.
As they approached the gates, Predator moved forward with a confident and determined air. Adele smiled to herself, That's my boy. They entered the slot and were locked in. Predator's eyes were fixated ahead...he knew what was about to asked of him and he was more than willing to perform.
The gates flung open and they flew. Predator leaped like a leopard, his movements silky and smooth, as his legs churned the dirt below. It was one of his cleanest breaks yet! Adele smiled as she rode the bay. Every time they ran it was like a dream...the surreality of flying around the bend, wind in your hair...there was nothing that could compare to an amazing ride on an amazing horse.
The furlongs flew and Adele felt her mount. He was fresh and eager to go, she began to rein in the colt. She didn't want him overexerted come race day. Predator fought for his head, he wasn't done. but Adele continued to apply the pressure and he slowed down.
Good boy. She slapped his neck and he tossed his head sending out a frustrated cry. He was more than ready to have kept going. She smiled once again at the amazing drive this colt had and the stamina...come race day that would be essential.
She directed the colt back towards Mike and the trailer. As she rode she thought silently. Intrepid needed a win, desperately. She knew Nick would never mention it, but they were hurting for a win. It was never easy to re-establish on a track that had forgotten who you were...because as much as people would deny it...reputation and bloodlines played a part on the track. Adele pinched her lips together in firm determination. Predator might not have bloodlines or acclaim, but he had fierce drive and acclaim could be worked for.
Come race day...they would race towards that. Their reputation was staked upon it.
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