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Post by Cavallo on Jul 23, 2012 20:24:02 GMT -5
Workout for Winter Cup GRADE FIVE TURF - G5 10F T Oct. Week Four
Michael Landing took the fiery chestnut off the mechanical walker and led him to the cross ties. Firebird stood alert and eager as he watched Michael disappear into the tack room. As soon as he saw his racing tack, the chestnut colt let out a shrill whinny. His eyes were warm with excitement. Michael smiled at the colt's enthusiasm as he went about gearing Firebird up.
Yes..boy you know what this means. Once finished, Michael led the flame licked colt out onto the turf track. He looked about and saw that the field was fairly empty. The colt's head was carried low, his legs moving parallel on the turf and you could tall he felt immediately at home.
Michael smiled and led the colt to the mounting block on the side. He climbed up and found his seat. Firebird tossed his head, feet dancing on the turf bouncing Michael like a sack of potatoes. Easy!!! Michael chuckled as he reined in the colt. Someone was eager to be off.
Suddenly they heard the thunder of another horse. Michael looked up startled, he could have sworn they were alone on the track. He groaned at what he saw. Adele. What are you and Ian doing here?
Adele gave Michael a condescending look. Hey. Last time I checked, you and Firebird didn't own the turf track here. The Inncocent Skier and I needed to prep for the winter cup. She then proceeded to stick her tongue out. Michael rolled his eyes.
Whatever Adele... Ian nickered to the flame colored colt. Firebird responded with an excited toss of his head. There was no animosity between the two, but Firebird was all fired up and eager to be off.
Michael rolled his eyes and was about to nudge Fire, but Adele stopped him. Hey! Wait...would you mind if we ran with you...it'll definitely add more fun. Her eyebrow arched questioning.
Geese...Adele you're like the annoying younger sister I've never had. She rolled her eyes. Well, Mike??
Yeah...I guess...the competition can only help. Adele grinned and nudged The Innocent Skier after Michael and Firebird.
Michael gave Firebird a bit of his head and he eagerly took up the slack. Adele and Ian quickly caught up and matched their pace.
We're just going to do a quick blow-out. 5 Furlongs. He's been working a lot and I still want him fresh come race day this week. Adele nodded...Ian snorted as the excitement began to grow in each horse. Firebird locked eyes on Ian and Adele whom he immediately knew would be his competition in this work-out run.
Desire and eagerness burned within the depths of the 3 year old colt's eyes. Ian held the younger colt's stare UN-intimidated...if anything more determined. We've worked the gates already. Running Start! Ready?? Michael yelled as he prepped himself for the take-off.
Adele nodded her consent and readied herself as well. She knew her Little Miss Innocent prodigy would give Firebird a run for his money....it would also be a good indicator to see how this Oddside son would run against older and more experienced competition.
READY! SET.... GO! Michael tapped Fire and they were OFF! Adele smiled as she felt the strong break in Ian's hindquarters. It was one of his best features. Michael looked to see where Adele and Ian ran. As true to the older horse's running style he lagged right behind Firebird. The Innocent Skier preferred the back run and loved the closing kill. Michael nodded to himself. Firebird himself was a versatile runner, but come race day he had a certain strategy. They would break the gates hard and fast and run right behind the first group of front runners...then come the final turn he'd let the colt deliver his finishing kick. Michael raised a hand, asking Adele to allow Ian to pass them. Two furlongs flew by...three more to go. As Adele caught on to what Michael was asking, she tapped Ian and he surged ahead like a solid freight cruiser. They were here after all to help Michael and Firebird...and to stretch their own legs a bit.
Ian creeped up on Fire and Fire locked eyes with the older bay as he began to inch past him...this was unacceptable in the colt's eyes. He felt the end was in sight and everything within him screamed to give pursuit, but he awaited Michael's cue. One furlong left. The heat and pressure was on.
Michael saw the end in sight and finally they made their bid. They were running a good solid length behind Ian and Adele and their pace true to his closing style was only increasing, but Fire responded with a resounding roar of hooves and flying turf. He would not be denied on this final stretch! With incredible speed, Firebird rallied to answer the older horse's challenge....the end was in sight and then....over.
HA! Adele laughed as she reined in The Innocent Skier and turned him about to face Michael and Firebird.
A smile was firmly planted on Michael's face. Don't you dare say you won!!! We both know Fire got his nose in front of Ian's!
Adele rolled her eyes, her smile confirming what her mouth refused to say. Sure....Michael...say it if you want...if that will help you and Firebird sleep better at night...
Michael shot her a teasing glare and clucked to the heated Firebird. Well...we most definitely will sleep well tonight...and we'll race you back to the mechanical walkers and smite you again if you wish..
You're on! Adele responded as her and Ian took off like a bolt unexpectedly. Michael laughed as he and Fire pursued at a light and easy canter, a sense of peace settled over them all. Yes, there was a peace. Michael shook the race from his mind and turned to his horse at hand.
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