Flippin' Out

[Cavallo]

[Nightshade] & Michael Landing - Prep for Flipping Frog Stakes

There were currently three other horses in Atropa's maiden debut. They had pulled the number one gate. Michael smiled at this strategical position before skimming over the current race standings.

Atropa shifted her weight and rested her head on top of Michael's as though sun bathing...simply awaiting for Michael to return his full attention to her. Michael ignored the filly as he kept reading.

In Gate two there would be Spectacular Motion. Michael looked over the filly's stats...he smiled when he saw that she was actually an IGS blood influenced filly...She was a variable runner, either stalking or taking the lead. In gate three there was Innocent Passion. This stalker filly was sporting some nice bloodlines. She was out of the HOF mare Little Miss Innocent and sired by Passionate Class. Michael drew a circle around her name as he continued reading.

In gate four there was, Beautiful Liar. She too was a stalker and a well lined filly. Then finally in gate five there was Night Goddess...this little gal had originally belonged to Intrepid Racing, but had been re-homed to Silver Stride Stables when they had taken a hiatus. Michael knew that this filly would be one to watch, especially as the only other closer on the field.

Michael folded his paper and placed it in his pocket upsetting, Atropa's sun bathing. She tossed her head as though inconvenienced. Alright silly gal, it's time to work! Michael swung himself up into the saddle and Atropa stood still like granite, eager to have Michael up on her back.

Michael led her out onto the track where he preceded to then enter their warm-up. Atropa moved with a fluid grace...a confidence. Michael smiled she was one of the best 2yo rides he'd ever had. She was shaking her head and playing with her bit, Michael could tell that this light canter simply wasn't enough for her...but he wasn't about to risk injuring this 2yo prized filly before her first race....Always warm-up.

Michael held her in check and she begrudgingly conceded to Mike's wishes. Good girl. Nightshade was a dominant filly...she didn't just respond to anyone...that took trust and Michael and Atropa shared that sacred bond...between jockey and horse.

They began to wrap up their warm-up after Michael had cantered her a good 4 furlongs....she was warm and ready. Practically chaffing at the bit, Michael rode the filly up to the starting gate. Not one to be intimidated she boldly knew where her slot was and loaded with a regal air. Michael rolled his eyes, but readied himself.

This race of currently four would surely test the skills of every horse and Michael was going to be sure that Atropa had every shot at success and that meant thinking tactfully.

Michael prepped himself for the release as he went through the racing strategy in his head. Nightshade stood still, muscles tense...anticipating her release.

Spectacular Motion would most likely be the leader of this race followed closely by Innocent Passion and Beautiful Liar...looks like the stalkers would be forced to run in a more of a mid-pack style due to the amount of stalkers and the limited field and front runners. This would possibly throw those fillies off slightly...then in the back there would be Night Goddess and Nightshade.

The battle of the night. The idea made Michael smile. Nightshade had a fast break and Mike would guide the filly to run behind the other three fillies...but what couldn't happen was getting blocked in by Night Goddess. She had a farther out gate and could possibly block and trap them in... Nightshade he knew would not put up with that. She was not the filly to be pushed around and if it came down to it he knew she would swing wide enough on the turn to give herself a hole to charge down the stretch and block-out the other filly.

Michael would have to ride this race tastefully and carefully being aware of everything....because honestly in racing anything could happen...

The gates flung open and Atropa broke quickly and deadly. This was a serious filly and she would race with an edge. Michael guided the filly as she began to find her stride, quickly and confidently. The first furlong flew by in a haze...Michael kept Atropa in check...it would be key to save her stamina in this race in case they had to swing wide on the final turn. Nightshade was more than capable of pulling off the upset here.

The second furlong approached and passed as they entered their last practice furlong...Michael felt his mount,...she was fresh, strong and eager. He smiled as he gave her her head and off she shot.

Michael had to catch his breath at the sudden acceleration of this filly. Closers, usually raced gradually increasing their speed, which Atropa did, but she had an extra flair. When it came to the final stretch it's like she simply shifts into another gear and she's off like a cannon.

Michael closed his eyes as he felt the wind rushing by in a thunder, Atropa's pistions churning up the turf below like green sea spray.

They entered the fourth furlong and then Nightshade began to fully extend, Michael moved with her rocking motion and then began to gradually pull the filly back. The black bay filly was all fire and tried to take the run further, but Michael was persistent with his pressure and she unwillingly submitted....only for Michael...

Michael brought he hot filly to a halt. Her eyes were a flame as she side-stepped on the turf track, hungry for more.. Michael slapped her neck and shouted his praise, but kept a firm hand on her lest she think about taking off. This race wasn't going to be a walk in the park, but they were prepared and he knew Nightshade wouldn't go down without a fierce fight....and he would hate to see her first flip out of defeat.

They had put the effort in and done their part...now they would just have to wait and see if fate would be on their side come race day.

Let's cool you off Atropa. She tossed her head defiantly as Michael pointed her back towards the barns, but moved with an imperious air, obedient to Michael's wishes. She moved forward towards the barns, but still kept an eye on the track...the place where she knew she belonged.