It wasn't often that they had an unraced horse so far into the year. The team had planned to get Oddball racing as soon as January hit, but they kept having setback after setback. First, it was clear that the filly still needed time to grow, to mature. So they'd set her debut for March, but that got pushed back once she developed a slight fever. Thankfully that was gone now, and they could finally get her onto the track. At least they didn't have to deal with running her through her gate test, that having been done since February when they'd considered racing her then.
The chilliness of March had finally given way to the warmth of April, and everyone was eager to be out in the nice weather. Instead of shipping her to the racetracks ahead of time with the rest of the string, it was decided that they'd keep Oddball at the stable until the week of the race. At least that gave them a bit more time to work with her at home where there were less distractions. The unusually colored filly glided across the dirt as she and her rider headed towards the starting gate, as if she was a dancer. Her ears pricked forward, eager to start running. She hesitated at the starting gate before realizing that it wasn't going to eat her. Bradley gave her a pat on the neck once they were inside. It took only a minute before the gates flew open, and instead of hustling out like every other horse would've, she started out slowly. The pair were the only ones on the track at the moment, so they didn't have to worry about the field getting away from them. Today's exercise was just getting her used to running again after two weeks off. Not that she really needed it, but there was no use getting her excited before they were at the track. They'd work her in company later. The spotted filly started to pick up speed as she ran, her ears pricked forward at the empty track in front of her. One of the tallest horses on the farm, her long legs propelled her over the dirt easily. She was a horse that clearly loved to run and that was the best kind of horse, one that loved their job. Bradley sat quietly on her back, knowing that there was no use in urging her to run faster than she was now. She had plenty of speed to head to the front when they needed to. But that was for the end, when the rest of the field had the same idea. The plan, as Bradley had been told by George that morning, was to let her run as fast as she could at the seven furlong pole. Let her run for the next two furlongs and then cool her out. Of course, things didn't always go to plan. The excitable filly spooked at a bird flying overhead, the shadow falling over them as it passed. It also didn't help that one of the farm's tractors backfired at the same instant. She took off at the five furlong pole instead, completely ignoring the cues to slow down. The one good thing about the situation was that they didn't have to worry about anyone else on the track. The white horse ran down the track as fast as she could. The poles passed by quickly, and he could only guess as to how fast they were going. It wasn't the steady fractions of when he was riding one of their classic distance horses, but the fast fractions of the sprinters running all out. Which in George's opinion, was way too fast for a two year-old in April. Not that there was much they could do about it now, but at least they knew she had the speed. It wasn't until the nine furlong pole came into view that the filly slowed down. Bradley managed to get the filly to walk once they passed it, patting her on the neck. The filly shook her head, not quite exhausted from the events. "I really hope that didn't ruin our chances," he told the filly. "At least we know you can run."
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Y19 Workout for Points Of CircumstanceThe dark bay colt pranced his way down the track as his rider tried to get his attention back on the task at hand. The colt was a racehorse, not a dressage horse. No fancy footwork needed here. It took a couple minutes and a circle or two before the horse settled down a little. Once the horse was prancing less (though the rider could tell his attention was not on him), they moved on down the track.
Points Of Circumstance finally stopped moving once he saw the starting gate. He finally started acting like an actual racehorse, walking calmly towards the gate as if he hadn’t been acting like a fool before. He willingly entered the gate, his ears pricked forward as he eyed the empty track before him. The colt was starting a lot later than the team would’ve liked, but he was turning out to be a late bloomer. Starting in mid-June was not the optimal time for the first race, but there wasn’t much of a choice. It was either now or never, and they weren’t going to let the horse sit until next year. The horse stood stock still in the gate, not even flinching as the doors shut behind him. With the young horses, the riders always held their breath until the doors opened. It wouldn't be until the end of the year when they could finally stop worrying whether or not the horse would act up as if it was the first time they were in the starting gate. Of course, that didn’t rule out the possibility of one of the other horses acting up, but at least it tended to be rare then. The gates opened after a couple of seconds. Too long to open, and even the most seasoned horse would get restless. The horse broke quickly out of the gate, ears flickering to try and hear where the other horses were. Usually they had a partner to accompany them on the workouts, but today it was a solo run. George wanted to see how Alex did when it was just him. Just the horse, the rider, and the dirt track in front of them. Alex’s hooves pounded the dirt track rhythmically, an even tempo that felt like music to his rider’s ears. The horse lengthened his stride without asking, though Bradley was told to take it slow. The race was coming up and there was no use in asking the horse for everything. But a quick pace wouldn’t hurt. Y19 Juvenile Workout for Hat TrickHat Trick ridden by Hailey Andrews & Whispering Soldier ridden by Bradley Corette
Y19 Juvenile WorkoutFeaturing Passionate Whisper & Seattle Harbor The birds were out chirping away in the trees as the two horses stepped onto the track. The black filly was in frisky spirits, prancing about when the riders urged the horses into a canter. The chestnut colt's rider shook his head at the filly's antics and guided the colt forwards. Both horses had high expectations for them. The filly's two half-brothers had done exceedingly well last year, and the team hoped she would do the same. The colt was a full brother to newly-retired grade one winner Seattle Lightning. Saying they had huge shoes to fill would be an understatement.
It would be an easy workout today, nothing too strenuous. Just a chance for the horses to stretch their legs. Although with both horses preferring to go for the lead, neither rider would be surprised if the workout turned into a speed duel. And considering what happened with Whispering Soldier last year in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint, they were hoping that it wouldn't. The less speed duels they got their horses into, the better it would be. The riders let the horses gallop once they passed the three furlong pole. The black filly took the lead with the chestnut colt right behind her. Harry fought against the reins as Bradley held him back. If any of the juveniles on the farm needed to learn how to rate themselves, it was Seattle Harbor. Even Knight's Ransom had finally learned to settle down. The black filly put on a burst of speed, eager to get away from her rival, but Harry wasn't having any of it. Bradley let the horse speed up just a bit, enough to catch up to Lilly, but nothing more. Y19 Juvenile WorkoutStorm Dancer ridden by Bradley Corette and Fly By Legacy ridden by Scotia Anderson The fog covered the ground lightly, with the sun peeking just above the horizon. The dark bay colt already on the dirt track, tossed his head, clearly displeased at being made to wait. He wanted to run, and he wanted to do it now. Bradley had to keep a tight hold on the reins to keep the colt from bolting forward. Storm Dancer stomped a hoof on the ground, ears pinned back.
"Just a couple more minutes," Bradley told him as he looked around for their workout companion. Out of the fog cantered a second bay colt. His rider pulled him up next to the pair, out of reach of Storm's teeth. Fly By Legacy tossed his head, eager to get on with the running. His rider patted him on the neck. Compared to Storm, Finn was a delight. Nothing seemed to put him in a bad mood, whereas with Storm, every day was a toss-up as to whether they'd get a cooperative one or not. "Be glad you got the easy horse," Bradley told Scotia. "Who said I was complaining?" She replied. "We need another rider since Hailey's out, and both horses need a workout. As long as I'm not on that horse, I'm okay." The pair moved on to the starting gates where George was waiting. Finn easily went into the starting gate, already acting the professional. Storm took a bit longer to get into the gate. After a couple of minutes, he finally decided to stop messing around and loaded into the gate. Once the horses were settled, or standing still for a second, at the very least, George pressed the button, releasing the horses onto the track. Finn surged to the front with Storm right behind him, just off the other colt's flanks. Bradley had to hold Dancer back from going after the other bay, both with his teeth and going for the lead. This was a short workout, but there was no need for either of them to get into a speed duel, not with it being so close to Storm's first race. This was just a tune up. Finn loped easily along the dirt, gliding over it as easily as he did turf. While the team had plans for him to run on mainly turf, it wouldn't hurt him to run on dirt every now and then, just as his dam had. His ears flickered back to listen for Scotia's cues, just in case she told him to go all out. But not yet. The colt wasn't too concerned about the other horse beside him, though he did keep an ear turned back towards him. Storm, tired of running at the speed they were going at, fought for his head. His rider was tempted to keep holding him back, to try and teach him some patience, but he also liked his arms where they were. That lesson could always be taught another time. So he let the dark bay colt have his head. The horse charged forwards, passing the other pair to take the lead by a length. Startled, Scotia let Finn go all out. The two horses charged down the track, nearing the five furlong pole that marked their finish line. Every time one horse would get their nose in front, the other would come up and take the lead. Dancer managed to push forward and get his head in front as they passed the pole. Y18 Juvenile WorkoutWar of Redemption ridden by Hailey Andrews & Fabled Finale ridden by Bradley Corette The early winter sun shone just below the horizon as the two horses and riders made their way towards the track. The bay filly's ears were pricked forward and she kept straining at the bit, eager to set foot on the dirt. Her companion though, hung back, content to take his time.
“Not as laid back as her sister, is she?” Hailey asked as the filly nearly bumped into the colt, who just laid his ears back in warning. Whereas Fabled Dreams was more calm, Fabled Finale could be a firecracker at times. Hailey personally thought she was a bit neurotic with the filly needed see other horses at all times. Not that she ever said that out loud though. “No, not entirely,” Bradley commented. "That's not a bad thing though." "Not saying it was." Felicity snorted and stopped in her tracks as the starting gate came into view. Remi continued on ahead of her, completely nonplussed by the gate. Hailey started to turn the colt around, but the other rider waved her on. At some point, they’d get Felicity into the gate. It was just a matter of patience. Remi loaded into the gate like a seasoned veteran. George closed the door behind the colt, and then turned to look at the other pair. Bradley just shrugged his shoulders. This was a game they’d played before, and nothing would make the filly move until she wanted to. Thankfully she’d passed the gate test, so she’d proved she could go in without a fuss, but that was rare. A nicker from the other horse prodded Felicity into motion, the horse eager to rejoin her companion. She loaded into the gate quietly and all three persons breathed a sigh of relief. No antics today. Felicity shuffled, as if reconsidering her decision to go into the gate at all, though thankfully the doors flew open before she had time to act on it. The two bays flew out onto the track, dirt flying from out under their hooves. Fabled Finale moved to get her head in front, slowly creeping ahead of War of Redemption. The colt just let the other horse mosey on by, not particularly caring that he was losing. Hailey barely managed to suppress a sigh. She’d ridden horses that were slow before (After All, in particular) but even Andrew managed to show some interest when being passed. Bradley held the filly back, not wanting her to get too far ahead. This was a workout, not a race. No need to rub it in that the horse actually wanted to run. Fabled Finale’s ears pinned back slightly, letting her displeasure at being held back known, but she slowed her run a bit. Something must’ve clicked in the colt’s mind because he finally picked up speed. Hailey couldn’t help but let out a woop as Remi surged forward, closing the distance between him and the horse in front. His nose was at the filly’s flanks when Bradley let the filly have her head. Accepting the challenge, the filly increased her speed, ears pricked forward. The two horses charged down the track, head to head, neither one of them willing to back down. Remi managed to get his head in front as they passed the six furlong pole. The riders pulled the horses up and smiled at each other. Remi fought to keep going, though settled down once he realized that wasn’t going to happen. Felicity on the other hand, took several circles at a trot to settle down. “Well, finally managed to get him to run,” Bradley said. “Just takes a bit for him to warm up,” Hailey said. “I think we’ve got a good year ahead of us if we can just keep this one’s attention.” She patted the colt affectionately on the neck. George met them at the track entrance. The riders looked at him expectantly, awaiting his feedback. “Not bad. Still need to work on Remi with his… attitude, but he’ll come around. Our other horses did. Overall, I think we’ll do alright this year. Juvenile Workout For Bizarre RedemptionBizarrre Redemption & After All The birds were already chirping, the sun just barely above the horizon, as two horses and riders stepped onto the track. The chestnut filly tossed her head, eager to get on with the workout. The colt just plodded along after the other horse, content to move at his own pace. His rider let him, knowing that there was nothing he could do to get the horse to move faster. The horse would hurry up when he wanted to.
Kelly apparently had enough of the slow pace and nearly yanked her rider's arms out of their sockets as she bolted forwards. Bradley managed to get her to turn in a circle and the filly finally settled down on the fourth circle. The colt planted his hooves on the turf when the other horse took of and stared at her as if she was an idiot. Most likely thinking that too. Hailey patted his neck, reassuring the colt that everything was okay. Y17 Juvenile Workout for Finding NorthThe sun was just coming over the horizon as a horse and rider stepped onto the dirt track. The chestnut colt's ears pointed forwards and he stopped as a flock of birds took off from one of the nearby trees. A reasurring pat from his rider convinced him that nothing was wrong. A gentle nug from Brad urged him forwards and the colt picked up the pace from a walk to a trot.
It was a quiet morning on the farm, with everyone else at one of the other tracks or busy taking care of the remaining horses on the farm. Which suited the pair just fine since no distractions meant that maybe the horse could actually put in a good workout. Not that his past ones had been bad, but there'd always been something to distraact the horse. After the horse was warmed up, he moved into a slow gallop. Unlike After All, the horse had no issues with going faster and Brad had to work on keeping North in check. This was not a workout where they needed to go fast, just one where they could see what he could do. There'd be time for fast workouts later, but not so early in the year. A leisurely gallop would be fine for now. The sound of the hoofbeats on the dirt track and the horse's breathing were the only sounds that broke the silence. It was mornings like these that the rider loved the best. Nothing but the horse and him on the track, leaving him to focus on the job at hand and not the stuggles of life around him. Which was true during a race, but in the mornings, there wasn't a bunch of horses that he had to keep an eye on as well. As they passed the four furlong pole, he let the horse have his head. Once they passed the next pole, he'd pull up, seeing as how the horse was a sprinter and this was his first workout. No need for him to be pushed to his max at the moment, so soon into the new year. The horse charged forwards, ears pricked forwards, his long strides eating up the ground. While the horse was one that chose to hang in the back of the pack, he loved to run as well as any other horse. And if the horse loved their job, no one could ask for anything better. Pulling up the horse was a struggle since he just wanted to keep on going. But turning the horse in a circle, Brad got the horse to slow down into a trot. He patted the horse's neck. "Good boy, good boy." Y17 Juvenile Workout for After All"You know, I've always wondered if this horse is part tortise," Hailey joked as she led After All to the turf track, with Bradley in tow with Fable. The filly wasn't originally going to be running, but maybe having the competitive filly on the track would do the trick. Even though the filly hated turf, she was the only one on the farm since the other horses were at the track. It was a risk, but it was one they had to take. "With as slow as he moves, after all."
"He just likes to move when he chooses to," Bradley replied. Fable tossed her head and he patted her on the neck. After the horses were warmed up and the riders mounted, they urged the horses to gallop. Fable made her displeasure of the track known as she gave a slight buck. But with a toss of her head, she settled down, moving ahead of After All. The bay overo colt continued with his leisurely gallop, clearly having no intention of moving any faster. No amount of urging from his rider would get him to move faster, so with a huff, she let him continue on with his slow gallop. Honestly, Fabled Dreams was having a better time on the track and this wasn't even her preferred surface. Though the filly still kept her ears back slightly, still unhappy with today's workout. Fable drew further away from them as her rider gave her her head. This seemed to wake After All up as he realized that he was going to be left behind. The colt charged forward, finally seeming to have his head in the game. Hailey was almost unsettled at the horse's actions, but quickly regained her balance. Finally, he was moving! The horse quickly caught up to the pair in front of them, catching them by surprise as he passed them. He just kept on running even after he'd passed the other horse. Which was good because the last thing they needed was for him to stop running after he'd passsed the lead horse. They wouldn't have to work on that then. Fable tried to catch up, but when faced with a horse that actually preferred the surface, it was kind of a losing battle. No one could say that it wasn't a valiant effort though. After All crossed the finish line a couple of lengths in front of the filly, ears pricked forward. Fable joined him afterwards, clearly displeased at both the track and having lost. Hailey reached over to give her a pat on the neck. "Finally got him to get moving, I see." Brad commented. "As you said, he moves when he wants to," She said. "We might have a shot of being successful this spring with him," he replied. "I think we'll be fine." Y17 Workout for Tempest Rising and FlashbangIf Hailey had a choice between riding Ransom and riding Tempest, she'd pick Ransom every time. In the past year the colt had been at the farm, he'd settled down and most of the staff were warming up to him. Tempest, on the other hand, had been here almost a year, and she still hadn't settled down. And of course, George had to put her on Tempest. Not that she was complaining though. She was lucky to have a job doing what she loved.
The only consolation was that she wouldn't have to deal with the tempermental filly alone. Though wether that was a good or bad thing remained to be seen. Bradley and Flashbang joined the two of them on the track. The colt had done well in the prospect races and was looking to be the star of the Y15 crop, at least for their farm. Today's workout was going to be an easy one, since it was the first proper workout for the horses. Just a nice, steady gallop for nine furlongs. No need to push them too hard so early in the year. They were still learning, after all. Tempest tossed her head, eager to get on with the workout. Rather than risk having her throw a fit because they weren't moving, the riders urged their horses forward. Once they were moving, Tempest settled down, quiet and relaxed. Neither rider was fooled into thinking that she'd stay that way, though. She was notorious for being unpredictable, and she kept everyone on their toes. Tempest took to the front, as was her normal running style. Flash was content to stay where he was. As they rounded the turn and was almost at the nine furlong pole, Bradley gave the cue for the horse to finally make his move. Flashbang took off like a rocket, a fitting description considering his name. He quickly caught up to Tempest, who pinned her ears back at the sight of the colt. The two horses charged down the track, neither of them wanting to give way. Hailey kept a good two feet or so of distance between the two horses, not sure what Tempest would do. Honestly, the fact that she hadn't acted up yet was a bit concerning. But maybe this was a good day. They passed the pole with Flashbang just geting his nose in front. Pulling up the horses, the two riders grinned at each other. "It's a good day, don't you think?" Bradley asked. "If she acts this way every time, we'll be fine. Flash's defintiely ready, though." Hailey replied. |