royal wings

PEGASUS WINGS AND HENNA TURATH
WORLDBREAKER AND AMBER BLACK

ASUS'S WORKOUT FOR THE ROYAL RED RICHARD MEMORIAL STAKES

The five year old sprinter was a serious veteran up against major competition in his upcoming race, the Royal Red Richard Memorial Stakes. It was his sire's memorial race, and they had picked the race in favor of the Red Wine Sprint because it was a Horse of the Year selection race and tougher competition would be in it. Asus's half brother Here's The King had been sent to the Red Wine Sprint, obviously seeking some easier competition. Henna and Asus were only too happy to rise to the challenge of this five horse field. There was plenty of good competition entered to compete with them, and Henna wanted to take them all on and win. Asus was a champion sprinter. He had won both the Breeders Cup Sprint and Turf Sprint. Last season he had nearly won Horse of the Year. This season hadn't been as impressive as seasons past, but Henna was determined to make it better. They had time. Plenty of time.

They were in gate one. Gate two held the new monster mare White Chocolate of Gelli Aur Stables. She was excellent competition, with nine wins to her name this year. Asus's record was not as full as hers, but his talent was paramount and shown. He had won over half of his lifetime races, after all. Very few horses could brag of that. Gate three held Indian Delight, another racehorse who was peaking this year and sent from Star Thoroughbreds. He had been impressive, and was a front runner, though Henna found him to be more of a miler than a sprinter. Asus was a born sprinter, through and through. Windbreaker held gate four. She had also been doing well this year, though not as well as her stablemate in Henna's opinion. Henna was confident of their chances of defeating her. Destined For Glory rounded out the field from Close Racing. The mare did not have the record that the other entries in the field had. However, she was a closer, and if a fast pace was set would be able to pull off a surprise.

Henna knew that Asus had champion status and seasons of experience behind him. He was the true veteran sprinter in a field of rising sprinters. Few could match his energy or enthusiasm. Even now, two days before the race, he vibrated with energy beneath her, tossing his head this way and that and impatient to go. They were working on the turf today against Worldbreaker, an interesting choice given the grade three chestnut was a router and a closer. However, Amber had a different workout idea for today. They weren't just racing or galloping. They would be working on Asus's stamina. That was the true flaw in Asus's battle plan in races. He relied a lot on speed and sprint stamina. They needed more stamina so that they were balanced. That was the focus of today's workout. Henna wanted the Royal Red Richard Memorial very badly. She wanted that win. It would speak volumes of Asus's performance, and she was dying for that win.

Worldbreaker was already cantering around the track when Henna and Asus joined them. They were now cantering side by side down the stretch and into the backstretch. In warm tones, Amber relayed the workout plan to Henna. We're going to gallop near Asus's top speed for about a mile. He's energetic enough to recuperate before the race, so I'm not worried about that. Let's get it done! Henna nodded in compliance. They finished about a mile of cantering before actually getting into the meat of things. It was time to roll! Amber clicked her tongue and got World going, as Henna merely released Asus. Like a fireball, the small black stallion dashed off, nearly leaving behind World. Amber had to coax the unwilling closer into a faster speed to keep up.

The first half mile went evenly and was smooth. Asus sprinted as he always did, not minding the presence of World, while World hated every minute that he spent at top speed. He didn't like to run this fast this early, but because Amber asked it of him he did it without much resistance. It wasn't until the sixth furlong that Asus pulled for a bit more, seemingly in a final closing charge. Henna let him do it, and World actually fell behind a little bit. Asus was a blur. His legs churned the turf track beneath him, and he was like a firebolt. As they entered the final furlong of their sprinting workout, Henna released Asus all the way, and Asus flew into top speed easily. He sprinted away from World and left him in the dust. World was no sprinter. He could not keep up with the likes of Asus at this distance. Asus finished the mile sprint about four lengths in front and widening. Amber, nevertheless, was a good sport about it. You and Asus are looking good! she called. I got what I wanted out of World, too. Do you guys think you're ready?

Henna was grinning broadly, her fingers knotted in Asus's mane and stroking his sweaty black neck. Asus was practically bouncing in excitement. He appeared to be eager to do more despite his panting and his sweaty appearance. Oh yes, we are completely ready to take them on! she exclaimed.