jaydae

[S u N f r O s T ~]

SUGAR JAYDE AND HENNA TURATH
AXIS MUNDAE AND AMBER BLACK

JAYDE'S WORKOUT FOR THE UNICORN HORN JUVENILE TURF SPRINT
AXIA'S WORKOUT FOR THE UNICORN HORN TURF MILE

This wonderful gray daughter of Queen Of Hearts had won her very start on the track. Henna knew that Kirsten Jade of Akita Rose Stables would have been proud to watch Jayde, daughter of her most loved broodmare, swooping down the track in the Flipping Frog Stakes to take the win. Henna certainly knew that Jayde was a dream ride and that she had big plans to take the juvenile filly places. Especially after she had won Prospect of the Year and Best Prospect Filly. Only more honors could add themselves to her already spectacular record. Coming off of her win, she had been entered in the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Turf Sprint. She was up against six other horses, but the distance of six furlongs was right up her alley. Jayde loved to sprint, especially on the turf, and Henna knew she could take on those other juveniles and pull out the win.

The black three year old quietly heeded Amber's commands as she was pushed into a trot. She kept up a constant tension on the reins, always waiting for the right moment to break free and run with the bit. Axia was a bold and daring filly with immeasurable talent and Amber had high hopes for her. Axia had won her first start of the year in the January Turf Stakes. Bouncing off of that, she would be going for the Unicorn Horn Turf Mile. The field currently consisted of only Star Thoroughbreds' Indian Delight, an older and more experienced racehorse. Amber was, of course, hoping for the win. Especially against such an experienced competitor. But even losing would add to Axia's knowledge of racing. If anything, Amber was just hoping for Axia to gain from the experience, and not just in terms of record.

Two year old Jayde nickered in a friendly way as Axia pulled up alongside her. Axia nickered back as well, and soon the two fillies were becoming friends. Jayde was just a sweetheart in general. Axia may be bold and daring, but the three year old loved to socialize, even if Jayde was merely a juvenile who lacked Axia's power and experience right now. Amber grinned, patting Axia's neck, and Henna copied the movement with her own special smile. So, Amber, what are we doing today? she asked. I was thinking just a mile long gallop. No racing. Jayde is still just two, after all. Don't want to overdo it Amber replied. Henna nodded in agreement. The pace increased to a canter, and after half a mile of that they were ready to gallop. At Amber's signal, both riders dropped their feet in the stirrups, rose into a crouch and cued for a gallop.

Axia was faster on her feet than Jayde. It took Jayde three more strides before she had caught up to the quicker Axia. This was to be expected, though. Henna expertly moderated Jayde's pace to match Axia. Axia was going easily, her legs tearing up the turf. Jayde was straining ever so slightly to keep up with Axia's cruising speed. Even though Axia was usually a closer when she raced, she could play any position well, and apparently she was in a front running mood today. Too bad they weren't racing this workout, or else a speed duel would have ensued with the usually front running Jayde, who could also switch to preceder depending on the pace. For the race, both riders planned to ride their horses to their strengths. Axia would close from the back at the sixth furlong. Jayde would lead, or stay slightly behind depending on the speed up front. Then, when the time was right, they would go in for the kill, so to speak.

It wasn't until the fourth furlong that things got a bit more interesting. Jayde actually started pulling at the reins, wanting to go faster and leave ever so annoying Axia behind. Henna, of course, held the filly to Axia's pace, but was surprised by her sudden burst of energy. Only furlongs ago the filly had wanted to go a bit slower; now she was demanding for more speed. Had she gotten used to the pace that quickly? Amber felt a tugging at the reins, but held them in coolly as well. For all she knew, Jayde was struggling like she had been during the first two furlongs, and wouldn't be able to keep up. Straining two year olds, especially during the first month of racing, was an awful idea, and Amber had too much experience to get Jayde injured at this young stage in her racing career.

The rest of the workout went uneventfully. When both riders pulled up, their mounts were breathing evenly and felt loose. Henna and Amber slapped rapid high fives. Both believed their mounts were ready for their separate Unicorn Horn efforts.