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Post by Cavallo on Jul 23, 2012 20:26:54 GMT -5
Michael Landing and Firebird Preparing for Over the Rainbow Stakes G5 8F
This upcoming mile run was swiftly approaching. Michael was working the fire colored colt, as he posted in his racing irons. The beautiful colt arched his neck as they cantered lightly around the track. Michael felt the rocking motion of the Oddside x Vintage son. He sighed as his mind slowly wondered to the past. There was a lot of great horses here at GHF and they seemed to dominate the tracks, but what of the outside horses? Horses like his Firebird. His pedigree came from a long line of outside champions and legends...but none of that mattered here.
With a determined thrust of his chin, he returned to the colt at hand. The pedigree didn't determine the horse's future...it was the effort and drive the horse and trainer had...and that they had in spades.
Let the work begin. At three years old Firebird was in his prime, no longer a gangly two year old, you could see the hard muscle that had developed. The deep chest, that allowed Fire to inhale like a vacuum as he ran. His rump rippled, toned and cut. He was a professional athlete...and his training was now at hand. Time to really crank up the heat.
They had been workng hard the past few weeks and already an improvement was seen. Off-site, Firebird had placed 1st in a field of 7. Their initial season race here on GHF had been met with disappointment, coming in second to last in the field, but their most recent race had him placed now in the middle of the pack. A solid 6th in a field of 11. Granted it wasn't what they had wanted, but it wasn't second to last. Improvement had to come and it came with practice.
Alright boy...5 furlongs. You've been working hard and there is no need to tire you before your big day. Fire tossed his head as if celebrating in victory. Goof.
Michael, however did want to practice with the gate. The break would determine a lot in this race and he was going to be sure Firebird was on top of his game.
They swiftly approached the gate, at the approach Fire full of energy approached and crow-hopped slightly before Michael straightened him out and in they slid. A track hand latched them in and Michael readied himself.
Firebird's nares flared, eyes glistened with passion, but body stilled, eager and waiting for...
The BREAK. The gates clanged open and the flame licked colt, broke forth like an uncontrolled forest fire. Straight and true he ran right out of the gate as he gathered his stride confidently. Michael rode confidently, keeping a firm hand on the colt. Fire raced with passion. It was one thing to ride a racehorse..it was another thing to ride a racehorse passionate about racing. There was no other competition on the field...just themselves and against themselves they competed...
The furlongs passed, the final stretch approached and Michael lightened his hand and Fire took the excess and ran with it..his speed gradually increasing as he put the speed on the end in sight..
Swooping by the marker, Michael let out a whoop! He let the colt keep running, but gradually slowed down his pace. He fairly danced as he finally came to a halt. Michael smiled as he gave the big colt's glistening neck a firm slap of affection. Fire's head bobbed up and down, his mind and body screaming for more, but Michael simply laughed and looped him around to cool him off. They would need that "more"come racing day. He said a silent prayer and knew that they had done their part...the rest was up to fate.
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