bid for stardom

[S u N f r O s T ~]

DASHING IN THE FIRELIGHT AND HENNA TURATH
SILLENIA AND KRYSTAL YHATE

FIRE'S AND SILL'S WORKOUT FOR THE EUPHORIA MEMORIAL STAKES

Krystal Yhate grinned as she mounted the four year old Sillenia and got her going in a canter on the track. After so many races of being overshadowed by her stablemate Wildly Natural, Sillenia was beginning to show that she could stand on her own hooves as a star. The headstrong mare was going to be an absolute champion next year, Krystal hoped. They had just stolen the Little Miss Innocent Memorial Stakes in a surprise win with a competitive field. Never mind that immediately after they had come fourth in the El Sl Del Mar Memorial Stakes. Krystal was still high on the skill and class that Sillenia had shown when she had won. They were now one win from grade one, and Krystal was sincerely excited to see what would become of Sillenia next year. She still had a season of racing left in her, after all.

As for Henna Turath, she looked slightly devastated. Her beloved Dashing in the Firelight hadn't been doing well at all. They had worked hard, but this season was a far cry from last season. Their performance had not been good, and Henna felt as though Fire was crying out for retirement. But more than anything, Henna wanted Fire to have her final win, the win that would make them grade ones. That, at least, would justify her efforts. Fire still possessed the spirit for racing - she just wasn't showing it in her performance this year. It pained Henna to have done so badly, despite her hard work. It would pain her even more if Fire retired without her thirteenth win. The mare was utterly deserving. Hopefully, if they won this next race, things would be better for them.

The Euphoria Memorial Stakes had drawn up a stiff field. Fire's half sister Moondance was entered, and that alone would be enough to produce fireworks. Whenever the sisters raced, it was something to behold. Xalbadora was also entered. The filly hadn't shown all too much in the races this year, but was the sort of competition they enjoyed facing just because of how hard she tried. Limitless Time was also entered, and in that horse was a possible threat. Both jockeys remembered well how much of a menace that stallion had been on the track, during his three year old season especially. Finally, Furious Passion and Euphorion rounded out the field, and both colts had talent and had proven it. Overall, Fire was the long shot, and so was Sill. But they both had the talent to pull an upset.

The two mares were now cantering side by side, easily, neither truly challenging the other. They were used to working together, and they moved in tandem. Theirs was not a rivalry; it was more like a partnership. They did not seek to challenge each other needlessly, except as necessary. Thus, their warm up passed with little mishap, and then they began to gallop. Once again, they remained side by side. Fire was a mid packer, and Sill was a closer. Therefore, they was no true fight for the lead as they ran. Neither was willing to set the pace.

They remained side by side for a gallop of about five furlongs before being eased up. It was all their riders wanted of them before race day. They were now deemed ready to go.