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Post by Cavallo on Jul 23, 2012 19:58:14 GMT -5
[Livin' the Jazz] with Kyle Landing - Prep for Jan. Maiden T 10F
Nick leaned against the rail. The field was huge, with six other entries, excluding Livin' the Jazz. This made the field huge...almost too big for Nick's liking, but they had to start somewhere and it was only going to get more competitive as the year progressed.
Kyle sat astride his black two year old that was making his racing debut. Livin' the Jazz snorted legs prancing. Kyle kept a firm hand on the colt to keep him from bolting across the track. Nick watched the duo, Kyle was doing an amazing job of handling the colt. Jax was pure colt and pure thoroughbred.
Jax was the first foal by Grade One stallion, Jazzman (Y9 BC Mile Winner). He'd had his first outing in the BC Yearling show and had gone against amazing competition. But this upcoming race in the January Maiden would be his first official race as a 2yo.
Kyle, take him 4 furlongs. Make sure he breaks hard and hold him. He needs to see those horses in front of him on race day...that's really going to get his goat and send him flying in the final stretch.
Kyle nodded and nudged the colt. Jax was more than willing to oblige and turned on a dime towards the gates. Jax pranced over the turf and regally entered his slot. The more experience Jax got with the gate only added to his advantage on the field.
Kyle rubbed the colt's neck as he jockeyed into position. Eyes fluttering, Jax looked ahead eager to be unleashed upon the turf. The field on race day was a bit of a toss up...Wannado Voodoo was the oldest horse on the field and the most race experience with eight starts, but no places. This horses experience though over the field of inexperienced two year olds gave this horse a big advantage.
Wind Reader was an unknown variable in this race having come from unknown lines with unknown potential...Kyle would have to keep his eye on that front runner and react accordingly...an advantage to running in the back of the field. Classic Nutcase was a blue-blooded horse with the lines to win. The bay filly liked to run mid-pack and would definitely be one that Kyle and Jax would have to be mindful of when making their final bid. Ode to Glory was another mid-packer that was mildly successful in his prospect year. This colt had an interesting mix of lines...untested and Kyle knew better than to underestimate them. Then there was Dark Flame another mid-packer unknown horse with unknown lines...This race was truly turning into the wild-card race...unpredictable...
Lastly running in the field there was Mini Monstorm. This ARS bred filly would be running in the back with himself and Jax...they'd have to be very careful to not be boxed in by the quieter horse...she could very well surprise.
Kyle and Jax waited for the gate to break...it would be very important that they broke well so they could tactfully place themselves at the back of the field.
Nodding to Nick, Kyle let him know they were ready and then...the gates flung wide and Jax broke fast and hard, pistons churning the turf below. Good Boy. They took to the middle of the track and the black colt swiftly found his stride. Kyle felt the young two year old...he felt sound and sure...each stride fluid and confident...
The wind grabbed at Jax's black mane, the speed at which they raced exhilarating. Two furlongs passed in a haze of breath taking speed...Kyle grinned, Jax's pace was beginning to increase as Kyle fed him more of the rein....much to the colt's delight...
Quicker and quicker they skimmed over the turf with now only one furlong remaining...Kyle gave Jax his full head and the black colt grabbed it up as he then began to fully extend himself sweeping past the allotted distance.
Nick clicked his stopwatch and whistled...not bad not bad at all...
Kyle slowed the colt down to a canter and began to cool him off...eager to still run, Kyle had a good workout keeping the bit from the spunky black....
Easy Jax...Easy... He rubbed the colt's neck and sung his praise. He had felt that they'd run a very competitive times...the colt felt good and he had tons of fight in him...everything that they would need to do well in their upcoming race.
Kyle and Jax soon drew near to Nick, who was smirking like a Cheshire cat. How'd we do? Kyle asked as he brought the black to a halt...Jax tossed his head and let loose a cry and side-stepped slightly as Kyle held him in place. He was still all fire.
You won't believe it Kyle...that colt right there...just matched the record holder Fine Tassles...he went 4 furlongs in :46: 3/5.
Kyle's mouth dropped. No freaking way! Are you serious Nick? Nick nodded as he grabbed the colt's bridle...he tossed his head wildy in defiance, but Nick kept him in check...
He's hot and the field is big...go cool him off and give him a rub down. He deserves it. Nick rubbed the colt's lathered neck and then smacked his rump as Kyle turned him towards the barns.
Like Nick said, the field was huge and there were so many unknown factors and wild cards...they wouldn't underestimate a single horse on the track, but they wouldn't give them the advantages either...they were finally beginning to master the steps of the dance called racing.
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