Taking the Plunge.

[Cavallo]

Firebird - Prepping for Kaniska Stakes - G5 8F T

Nick grimaced as he looked at the race line up so far. The field was huge...there were eight entries, but two scratches, bringing the field down to six, including Firebird.

It would be refreshing this time around though to not be the oldest horse on the field. He perused the stats and occasionally looked up to see how Michael and Fire were warming up. Nick chuckled as he saw Michael rebuking the rambunctious colt. Firebird was all horse.

Nick looked back to his paper work. Consistency wise, Firebird was the winner, but Nick was not entering this race half-cocked and arrogant. He was desperate for Firebird to break his grade and move up to the next racing category...He deserved the win, but they still had to work for it. All of the horses in the field had more starts than Fire, but that didn't make them better.

It had been almost a whole month since Firebird's last outing, where he had taken the prize in the October Winter Cup Turf. Nick remembered the finish with clarity as Fire and Michael whipped by the wire. Out of the eight horse field, Firebird had fought for the win and hadn't let it go. The field upcoming was tremendously smaller and Nick knew that it was only to their advantage. They were one win away...one win. The thought of it being so close was maddening. So close....yet not guaranteed. Nothing was guaranteed in racing.

The entire field were front runners...but Firebird, he was versatile and Nick thanked his stars. Nick could have Michael hold Firebird at the back and come the 6th furlong have the colt up the pace and finally make his bid in the final furlong, to turn on his blinding solid close. It was their best chance. The horses would most likely all break to the front and their would be fierce competition. Nick smiled. Let them worry about the front...they can't fight a war on two fronts, especially one they weren't ready for or expecting from behind.

Nick heard Firebird let loose a shrill cry, as the flame licked colt fought for his bit, but Michael kept him in check. Michael...you've been out there with him for 15 minutes....I think.. he paused with sarcasm...That he's ready now. He raised an eyebrow at his brother as if to question his intelligence. He loved his brother, but sometimes...the simple things....annoyed the crap out of him about his brother....well He guessed that was normal.... for brothers.

Nick waved him to come over and watched the duo approach. Nick slid an admiring eye over the Oddisde x Vintage son. His lines were truly unique. Dreams of the Breeder's Cup danced in his mind..he suddenly snapped back to reality when he felt Fire's hot breath in his face. He pushed the colt's head and glared at his brother. Seriously? Fire stepped back and tossed his crown, but settled down slightly, ears pricked and eyes alert as he observed the turf around him.

So Nick, what's the game plan? Nick filled Michael in on his observations and after thinking he carefully nodded his consent. You're job in this race is to hold him back. You know he'd be up in the front fighting all-comers and wasting his energy so that he can't fend the challengers off in the end. Hold him. Then at the 6th furlong start giving him more and the let him go. The front-runners won't know what hit them.

Michael smiled. So what do you say then? Four furlong breeze? Nick nodded. Take him quick the first furlong, hold him the second and then up his pace in the third and fourth.

With a nod, Michael and the all too eager Firebird were off!

Michael rode the colt from their standstill and off they flew around the turf. Firebird had been ready for over 10 minutes and any kind of fast-paced motion as what he wanted. Michael held him in slight-check like Nick asked as they galloped the first furlong. It would be majorly important that the front-runners didn't get too much of a lead, so that come closing time, they could swing wide on the outside and run for it. If the distance between them was too far, it would be hard to catch the leaders given the shorter distance of the race.

Into the second furlong, Michael brought in the colt, holding him back. The passionate flame wasn't entertained about this racing style and fought a bit, but responded nicely to Michael's ques. This was were the trust came into play. Inwardly Mike was warmed, Fire trusted him to ride him to victory, even if Fire didn't understand the style they were running, Fire still trusted Mike.

Michael kept Firebird in hand and eased his hand gradually throughout the third furlong. Nick watched the colt's gallop as he saw Fire responding timely to Mike. He watched his stride lengthen. The fourth furlong came and like a pro Michael gave Firebird his head and swung him wider on the outside as if there were real front runners. Nick saw Firebird make his lead change and he was off like a flaming bullet.

Michael leaned in small and compact as he and Firebird swooped by their finish. Whoa, boy...whoa. Michael stood in his jockey irons and gave the colt's neck an affectionate slap. Dancing in place like a trained Lippizaner, Firebird looked out to the track...wanting more. It was as if he was addicted to the run. After four furlongs he still felt fresh and desirous. Michael couldn't help, but smile.

That's my boy. Firebird trilled his excitement and moved at Michael's command. They returned to the rail where Nick stood.
He looked and ran like a champ and still has more. Nick rubbed the sweaty neck of the colt and looked up at Michael. Come what may if the strategy looks like it won't work when you're on the field, trust Firebird...he'll know what to do. Nick looked deeply into the colt's eyes....seeing the glisten of passion and most importantly hunger.

They were hungry for another win...and they were willing to take the chance...to take the plunge in this last attempt of the season at victory. Come what may, they were ready.