picking up the pace

THE INNOCENT SKIER AND KRYSTAL YHATE
WORLDBREAKER AND AMBER BLACK

Success was a recent taste on Krystal's tongue. The woman couldn't help smirking as she cantered Ian along the turf track. True, Amber had ridden him for the win in the Belmont Turf Classic, but her mount had gone out there and beat their butts. Krystal was gloating in the fact that she rode two top class turf horses. Her record with turfers was beginning to rival Amber's now. Ian was full of it today, too. The normally quiet colt was a bit more spunky and excited. He practically shivered in excitement as they upped the ante to a canter, and waited expectantly for a gallop. But Krystal didn't want to start Ian's workout yet; if she was correct, Amber would be heading out soon with Worldbreaker. Krystal wanted to thank Amber again for riding Ian to victory, as well as wanted to offer her a race with Ian. World was not doing very well lately; Amber had been in low spirits about his progress. Krystal knew that the colt had talent, but it seemed he was taking a while to find his legs. Krystal also knew that Amber absolutely loved her colt, but was beginning to lose hope with him. A race would cheer them up.

Krystal sighted a chestnut colt walking towards the turf track from the direction of the barns and turned Ian around. She planned to meet Amber at the gap in the fence. As Amber and World drew closer, Krystal slowed Ian and began to trot him in a circle, making it obvious that they were waiting. Amber nodded as a greeting, and began to trot World. Krystal fell into step beside them as Amber began warming her colt up. World looked beautiful today; his eyes gleamed as he effortlessly moved across the turf, practically caressing the ground with each stride. He was a beautiful mover, and beautiful to watch run. So beautiful, it was a wonder he'd had such poor luck this year. Maybe it was the influx of two year olds that had kept Amber busy? Whatever the case, they were getting ready to put some work in.

Thank you again for riding Ian began Krystal with a small smile. A brief return smile flickered across Amber's face as she accepted the thank you before returning to her glum expression from before. Krystal pressed on. In return, I wondered if you would let us work with you today? Her question hung in the air. Amber appeared to have not heard her, but Krystal saw the gleam beginning to form in her eyes. The competitive gleam of fire that appeared whenever Amber was challenged. The gleam that said there was no way she was backing down. Krystal relished the gleam and waited, knowing what was to come.

Six furlongs, sprinting. I know Ian is tired from the Turf Triple Crown she said, her tones soft but commanding. Be ready to go in five. With a silent cue, she and World were off and cantering. Krystal grinned after them. A good race would get Amber's spirits up, especially on her peace loving colt. Ian was just raring to go after watching the chestnut gallop off into the distance. Krystal stroked the bay's neck thoughtfully before entering a canter as well. They traced World's path up the track until they reached the six furlong marker. From there, they slowed to a trot and orbited in a circle, waiting for Amber and World. Ian was relaxed and ready to go. He was still slightly fatigued from his campaign, but was recovering fast.

Right on time, World and Amber appeared, trotting towards them. World's movement was even more loose and fluid now. He appeared to be trotting on air. Krystal kept Ian moving until Amber was right with them, and then shot Amber a glance. Amber nodded, and began to count down. Krystal prepared herself, and when Amber finally reached zero the two colts were off side by side, racing, strides reaching for more ground and loving the feel of wind in their manes and speed in their hooves. Both colts were typically closers, so neither wanted to take the lead. Instead, they hung around near each other, occasionally letting the other get slightly ahead only to make up the ground quickly after. Amber and Krystal waited just as patiently as their colts, waiting for those final two furlongs that were all that mattered in the end.

As soon as they began to round the final turn, both colts instinctively began to ask for more, raring to go. Krystal and Amber let them, and grinned as the wind whistled even more ferociously past them. The two colts quickly gained speed, but continued to remain side by side. Now it was a test not of speed but of heart. Who would give in first? Odds were that World would, seeing as he tended to avoid conflict. He dipped back a little bit, but suddenly something seemed to break in the colt. To see Ian galloping gracefully a half length ahead of him seemed to change something. World grabbed the reins and ran harder. He sprinted up and past Ian, looking as though he had only started racing. He crossed the wire two lengths in front of Ian and still pouring it on.

Amber appeared breathless as she slowed her chestnut colt down. Where had he gotten that from? She looked back, bemused, as Krystal and Ian came cantering up and joined them for a cool down. Looks like he definitely has something in him, Amber Krystal murmured quietly. Keep on going with him. Amber carefully considered her words and what she had just felt beneath her. It had been like water released from a high pressure valve. Yes, he does she eventually agreed, wonderment dripping from her tone. He's picking up the pace.