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Post by Cavallo on Jul 23, 2012 20:12:42 GMT -5
[November Week 4 - Preface]
Michael's hands shook as he brought the lathered three year old in. His body was lathered covered in sweat, and his eyes rolled in the heat of the moment...the moment of victory. I can't believe we just did it. WE DID IT!! The thoughts finally found a voice as Michael let loose a holler of victory! Firebird saw fit to join in and gave the audience a show, half-rearing as he let a shrill bugal come forth out of his maw. He was so happy...he didn't know whether to laugh or cry!
They had done it. This wasn't their first trip to the winner's circle, but this wasn't going to be a race that Michael forgot or blended into the background. Nope. With this win Firebird had climbed a whole racing grade in three months. Three Months! And it was this win that had elevated Firebird to G4 and qualified him for a running in the Breeder's Cup Mile with three weeks of rest!
It was the perfect set-up. Firebird and Michael made their way to the winner's circle where Nick came to greet them, his face aglow with pride for his younger brother and the flame-licked stud-colt.
Nick!!! We did it!!! He hugged his brother's neck as he sat astride. Nick gave his brother a pat and they posed to take a picture for The Gallop. Smiling, Nick muttered through his teeth....You realize that now the work has just begun...
Michael gulped. His mind turned towards the Breeder's Cup and thought about the possible field....yes their work had just begun.
[Present Day - December Week Two]
The Week of mild conditioning and rest had settled well with the admirable Oddside Son. Eagerly he searched the bottom of his stall for any dropped feed or treats. The barn door opened and immediately his head shot up as he eagerly and curiously hung his head over his stall door...wondering who was here.
Nick and Michael both walked in and saw Firebird there, head reaching over his stall door. As soon as he spotted and recognized Michael he let loose a welcoming cry. Well, someone is glad to see you Michael....Go ahead and clean him up and tack him. I'm going to look at some BC paper work. I'll meet you on the track.
You got it. Michael turned from his brother, and gave Fire a winning smile. And how is my boy this morning?? Fire sniffed at his pockets as Michael entered the stall hoping silently for a treat...
Hungry as usual... Michael chuckled as he pushed Firebird's head away from his pocket. It is way too early for treats! Come on Fire let's get you ready. He clicked his lead line on and led him out to the cross-ties. Firebird nickered his interest. He knew usually when a good grooming was coming and he always liked the feel of the curry comb sweeping over his body.
Alright, here comes your favorite part! Michael chuckled and moved quickly grooming the colt, slowing down a little bit when it came to currying. He knew Fire loved it. Hooves picked, coat shining and tail and mane combed, he looked like a shinny new penny.
Michael stepped back a bit and admired his handy work and the general beauty of the colt. Fire tried to turn his head as if to ask, "What are you gawking at?!" Shaking his head at Fire's attitude, he grabbed the gear off the hay bales on the stable walk-way and tacked him up in his training gear lickety-split.
Grabbing the reins he unhooked Fire from the cross-ties and led him down the barn aisle into the morning light. Michael rested a hand on his neck while he led him and in a comfortable silence they walked towards the track, where they could both see Nick waited for them.
Did you give him a bath? Nick asked sarcastically, as he opened the gate for them. Hooves and feet sank into the carpet of turf. Firebird knew immediately where he was and was quickly getting excited. Nick held Fire's bridle, while Michael boosted himself up into his seat.
Warm-up and then we'll talk.
Michael nodded and he and The Bird were off. They breezed at a moderate pace, going for about 3 furlongs. Firebird threw his head into the wind...the more they warmed up the more alert and enthusiastic he became. Michael began to feel the burn in his arms from keeping the colt from bolting. Easy boy...easy.
They finished their breeze and ran back around to where Nick now stood on the rail, his face looking grim.
Ummm..I don't like the look on your face. Firebird danced slightly in place eyes roaming the track as if waiting for an unknown opponent to appear.
Mike...you're not going to like this.. Nick looked from Michael's distraught face back to his paper.
Prize Me proud - G2 - and Winged Romeo - G3 - just entered in the Mile Turf. Michael listened and kept his face expressionless.
He knew that when they signed up for the BC that it was going to be tough, but he knew that on top of these two horses there was also going to most likely be G1 racer Executioner's Apprentice and G3 Axis Mundane (a Warlock and Missy foal). He exhaled a little more sharply than normal and Firebird felt Michael tense, he swung his head to Nick and gave him a warning look, to not upset his human.
So..what are we going to do. Nick knew that Michael didn't want to hear what he had to say. Michael, I think we should scratch Firebird.
The words hit Mike like a ton of bricks. After all the work that they had put in, the dream of running in the Breeder's Cup so close at hand and now it seemed as if it was slipping away again from him. He knew Firebird could do this. Fire wasn't a novice when it came to running against higher grade horses. In fact, he often schooled with Nick's Comeuppance, his precious G1 dual surfaced front runner stallion. Big competition wasn't foreign to them. Firebird was a three year old colt with versatility and energy and experience. Michael knew they could give this field of horses a run for their money.
Ever since they started racing here this season on GHF, everything had been an uphill battle, but had they given up? NO. And it would simply kill Mike to quit now.
Nick...I just don't agree! He ran a hand through his wind disheveled hair as Firebird shifted his weight. I know the field is going to be "technically outclassing" us....but that's been the whole past three months here.... he took a ragged breath his emotions now starting to get the better of him.
We've worked so hard for this chance Nick...please...I promise Firebird and I won't disappoint... They had come too far to fall too short of their goal.
You do realize that if you guys flop you're going to hurt Firebird's consistency? Nick raised an eyebrow at his brother.
Nick. Consistency isn't everything. We've worked so hard for this chance...please! If anything....regardless of his placement this field can only help to sharpen Fire's skills..please... His voice caught as he lowered his head, looking at Fire's mane, his hands toying with the reins in his hands....this wasn't a selfish plea. This wasn't just being able to say that he had ridden in the BC cup...Mike knew his horse and knew that he was more than ready for this.
Nick looked up at his brother's downcast face and rubbed Fire's neck. He looked back to the colt then Michael.
Firebird is your charge.... he paused he couldn't believe he was going to do this.... If you think he can handle this than...so be it. He shook his head and smiled at Mike's immediate reaction. His head whipped up, eyes slightly misted, but he quickly brushed them away.... AAhhh got something in my eye... Michael couldn't believe it...they were going to meet this field head on and they were going to give everyone the show their lives.
Well, at least you'll have surprise on your side come race day...you and Firebird will definitely be the underdogs...
Michael didn't care. Let people say what they wished. He knew his horse...and knew what he was capable of...and they were capable of pulling the upset.
Alright, Kyle's coming out with Attie and I'll go grab Comeuppance off the hot walker. We'll pressure him today and let him rest the next two weeks with light conditioning...
Nick turned from the rail and started to head back towards the barn area...he turned around again though a question in his eyes...
You sure you two are up to this?
Michael smiled and shook his head. Firebird as if in response did a slight rear..to show off his manliness.
I think you have your answer Nick.
Chuckling Nick walked back and knew now that as trainer it was up to him to give Firebird the best...
Dreams of the winner's circle danced in his mind as he smiled whistling a tune back to the barn...with the thunder of Firebird's hooves pounding on the turf.
Michael turned now to the task at hand. Michael and Nick had talked strategy earlier...the big threats Nick had pointed out and Michael had paid close attention.
They were the definite wild card and they would use that to their advantage. In a field of this caliber, they would expect them to take the short-cuts....but they wouldn't. Nick had a proven philosophy. If you short-change the process, you'll get short-changed results.
Michael...this field has one definite front runner, Indian Delight. Prize Me Proud and Executioner's Apprentice are both stalkers. They'll be the one's trying to jack Indian Delight up with the pressure.... Nick had paused to make sure Michael was paying close attention. Now, you and Fire are the underdogs...they're going to expect the two of you to rush to the front, to save time...thinking to play on your nerves and expecting you to be green. Don't fall for it. Hold Fire. What they don't know is that Fire can run up to eleven furlongs at a G1 speed. We both know it...they don't.
Michael's mind flashed back to all the times Nick had dragged him out of bed and drilled him and Fire with G1 racers...Comeuppance, Admiral's Revenge. Firebird wasn't a novice to racing high caliber horses....and they had no clue what was about to hit them. Michael nodded.
Hold him. Ride behind and I assure you...to some degree they're going to forget you're there. Use this. If they still run trying to egg you to spend Fire, ignore them. Fire has the stamina to challenge at the end. Don't let them get into your head and play mind games. Fire will want to rush up and squash them, but you've got to keep him in check. He trusts you...so it shouldn't be a problem. Keep an eye out for Executioner's Apprentice. He's edgy and tactical. Don't respond to him.
Michael's face was grim and thoughtful as he ingrained every word Nick said into his memory. Nick looked at his brother hard while Michael was stroking Fire's head..he seemed to bask in the attention Michael gave him and stood lazily, waiting for the humans to finish their jabber-jawing...
Michael...I know this can be overwhelming, but I have complete faith in you two...run hard and smart and give them a show no one will forget. Michael exhaled a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. He leaned his head against Fire's yes... they could do this.
Words: 1,935
Distance: 3 furlong breeze
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