trial

[S u N f r O s T ~]

ODE TO GLORY AND KRYSTAL YHATE
AXIS MUNDAE AND VALENCIA ANDREWS

It was four thirty am and trialing jockey Valencia Andrews stood at the entrance to the barn with a confident smirk on her face. Compared to other stables she had been at, SOPS ranked the best in quality of the actual buildings. The stables had a world class feel to them, accompanied by a touch of peace and serenity from being in such a secluded countryside as it was. When Valencia had first visited the stables she had found herself admiring every part of it. Now today was her first official trial ride. Instead of riding some random ponies that she had been tested on before, she would be riding an SOPS racehorse, and that was top class. She didn't know exactly what was going to happen, just that she was meeting Amber here at 4:45am to groom her mount.

The clock was ticking towards the time. Valencia stood, leaning against a stall door, her foot tapping impatiently. Finally Amber showed up, and the woman looked bright and energetic on her home terrain. Valencia didn't blame her. Winning four Wire Finish Cup races had certainly put Amber in a good mood. A lot of her entries had been ambitious but she had worked with them and they had responded well. Valencia hoped she would one day feel the same exhilaration as she ran her own successful barn. But for now, she essentially snapped to attention as Amber stopped in front of her and paused as though surveying her. Are you all ready to go? You're going to be out on the turf today. I have you riding a very special filly. Valencia wordlessly nodded and followed Amber as she strolled further into the barn and stopped outside a certain stall.

Inside it a black filly stood as though awaiting their arrival. Her eyes boldly challenged them, and she pawed the bedding once as though declaring her dominance. This is Axis Mundae, full sister to Beltane, by Warlock and out of Hall Of Fame mare Little Miss Innocent, my grade three sprinter miler. And you'll be riding her. Valencia nodded once as though it wasn't a big deal, but on the inside she was brimming with excitement. Amber was bragging just a little bit, enough to let Valencia know she'd be on a top class horse. I assume her things are in the tack room? Her question was voiced as she prepared to enter the stall. She didn't need Amber to tell her that this was time for her to get to know Axia before the ride. Amber smiled a bit, liking her new exercise rider's forthrightness, and nodded. Without further ado Valencia entered the stall and approached Axia, all the while observing everything about the black mare.

She stood tall and proud. Her eyes were full of courage, and she seemed to be daring this new rider to get on top of her and feel her speed. Valencia liked her attitude already. She clipped on the lead shank and led the mare out. The four year old looked more like a colt. Muscles rippled and she carried herself arrogantly. She clipped her into the cross ties and left to get her tack. Meanwhile, Krystal had arrived at five am as she had been instructed to. Amber was waiting for her. I'm working Ode against the fresh meat, yes? was the first thing she said, teasingly. Amber laughed and nodded. That was all the instruction Krystal needed. We'll be at the track by five thirty. You can give us full instructions then, right? Amber nodded and then left, leaving the two women to their horses.

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The track looked pristine. Amber gazed over the turf lovingly, stopwatch in hand, waiting for her riders to come out. When she finally heard a nicker and spotted them she grinned and strode over to meet them. Krystal was seated confidently aboard Ode. In their latest start they had finally broken their maidens and Krystal looked thrilled about it. So right now she and Ode were in high spirits. Axia, on the other hand, had seconditus. Nevertheless, Axia should be able to easily defeat Ode in this workout. It was more a matter of seeing how Valencia ticked before things got a lot more interesting tomorrow morning...

Ode and Axia were stopped and Amber took this time to evaluate her jockeys. Krystal was sitting perfectly in the saddle, relaxed and waiting. Valencia was a bit less relaxed, but that only natural. She otherwise looked very, very good and Amber couldn't help the grin that crept up her face at that. So, Valencia, tell me a bit about Axia she prompted. Valencia hesitated a little bit before launching into a discourse. This filly isn't scared of anything Amber. I'd accuse you of bombproofing her, but it seems to me like she's just innately courageous. She loves to be groomed, and she especially loves it when you brush her just behind her left ear...moving on. Her attitude screams bold, courageous, bad ass! She's built like a colt and can act really tomboyish. She knows she's a really pretty filly, too. She can be very arrogant. She finished her sentence and Amber nodded. She was actually a bit impressed that Valencia knew that one grooming tidbit.

I can tell she rides closer. She's the stalking type - though I think she has a lot of flexibility, too. She lapsed into silence and Amber seemed to mulling something over. All right, here's what I want. A mile canter, a mile gallop, then a four furlong race tacked on at the end. Krystal, I want you to race Ode at about eighty percent effort. He's still got a race this month, in about two weeks as you know. Valencia, I want you to keep Axia at fifty percent, nothing higher. She's got a race next week and I don't want her tired. Both riders nodded, Valencia looking a tinge hesitant. She had never ran her horses with some kind of pacing system before. She'd have to play this by feel.

Ode and Krystal were already off galloping and Valencia hastened her mount to follow. As she finally began to ride the mare Valencia became aware of the sheer boldness of the mare's movements. She left no power contained as she strode forward. She acted like she owned the world. Leaning slightly into the canter, Valencia was pleased to discover that Axia had a high class gait. She lightly touched the ground despite her powerful strides and really seemed to grip the turf well. Valencia chanced a glance at Ode and was instantly fascinated. Ode was listening intently to Krystal's aids, and his stride was smooth as whipped cream. He looked like he was floating and he looked a lot older than two years old. He seemed to be communicating wonderfully with Krystal and Valencia knew that the two had a firm partnership.

The mile canter went by and the gallop was a welcome up in the pace. Valencia slowly eased Axia forward, and the thoroughbred eagerly gobbled up the open rein before staying just a bit below race speed, ready to go when asked but content to wait for a little bit before doing so. It was obvious just why she was a closer type. Valencia held the filly in and she barely fought back. She had her eyes on her prey, the gray colt up there, and she seemed to be waiting for the opportune moment to get him. To Krystal, Ode was of high class today. His win had bolstered him up and she had never felt this smoothness when riding him before. She loved it and resolved to get Ode to the level of his stablemates before long.

Now it was finally time to race. Valencia was hesitant as she let Axia out. This hesitancy let Ode grab the lead and begin to run with it. The gray two year old was leaving them behind and this was not good. Snarling to herself, Valencia eased out the reins and Axia took the speed up a notch. Practically humming her happiness, the big black mare narrowed the distance and then slowed it again, waiting for just the right moment to snap the distance away. Valencia had no clue if she was going at fifty percent, so she played it by ear. Ode appeared to be working harder, and Axia perhaps wasn't working hard enough. She urged the black mare faster and, for some reason, the mare did not respond.

Was the Little Miss Innocent daughter testing her? Valencia's eyes narrowed and all thoughts of how this was a trial vanished. Axia was not taking her seriously. The daring mare was testing her mettle and willpower. Valencia knew exactly what she had to do. She took a hold of the reins and eased them back, forcing Axia to slow and letting Ode get away. Axia's ears pinned flat briefly. This was not what she wanted. Valencia could practically hear the wheels turning in the mare's brain. Do what you're asked and you'll get more. Valencia let it register and then asked again. This time, she got a willing response, and Valencia smirked. The mare's respect was granted! She set her eyes on their prey and let Axia fly.

Like a black bullet, the two of them sped up to and drew alongside Ode. There was a furlong left to go and Valencia held Axia back as they nearly made to pass Ode. They weren't supposed to be going at full effort, after all, and the two year old could even lose morale from being passed like they were about to pass him. So she held back, and when the workout finally ended eased down with Ode. Valencia was too busy paying attention to her mount to notice the appreciative glance Krystal threw her way nor the pleased smile on Amber's face. She glanced at Amber, who nodded, dismissing her, and then trotted away on Axia to cool her down and get her untacked and groomed.

Krystal stopped at Amber's level. Before her boss could say anything Krystal spoke. She's got natural talent and she reads the horses well. I like how she rode out there today and so far she has my vote. Are you trialing her again? Amber was smirking. Yes, I am. Be here tomorrow, same time. You're going to be on Sillenia. Amber barely managed to restrain a sudden cackle. Krystal's left eyebrow shot towards the sky. What are you planning? Amber couldn't help but divulge her evil plan. You on Sill, me on World, Henna on Flash...and we're all going to race Valencia, who will be on Kiss. The odds...are NOT in her favor! But she's got to do well, or she's not making the roster. Krystal's face was full of disbelief. Kiss isn't up to that level Amber. What are you thinking?

But Amber had already wandered away to give Valencia her instructions, leaving Krystal trying to puzzle out the ways of her boss and best friend.

[S u N f r O s T ~]

WILD KISS AND VALENCIA ANDREWS
WORLDBREAKER AND AMBER BLACK
FLASHY WINGS AND HENNA TURATH
SILLENIA AND KRYSTAL YHATE

Amber could not remember the last time she had felt so smug. Even now a smirk curled her lips as she mounted atop her new favorite chestnut stallion. Worldbreaker awaited her presence on his back like an angel. With barely any asking of him the two of them began to walk towards the turf track. The air around SOPS was lovable. Everything about it was calm and reassuring. Amber was always at her calmest when she was at her home stable. But when you put her atop World, the most peaceful of the racing stallions, and you put the pair of them here, things were more peaceful than peaceful - they were blissful. Amber's smirk faded into a gently happy grin as she rode World through the track entrance and then stopped him, waiting for the other two she had asked to come early to see her.

World had had a pretty good season so far and they were two wins from grade one. At five years old, the lightly raced chestnut stallion would finally reach the landmark grade. He had been an accidental conception, but he was the one Amber loved to ride. Though very lightly raced, he had never let Amber down and was becoming a serious contender on the turf. This was his last season on the track and Amber had already begun lining mares up for him in her mind. The chestnut was packed with muscle and loved distance running. The turf was his home and Amber could say with confidence that none of the horses she rode right now, except perhaps for Infini, loved the turf more.

A flashy blood bay stallion was approaching them. Henna Turath rode Flashy Wings with pride and the shadow of a smirk on her face. She was still feeling very alive after beating Sunset Crusade last time out. Gosh. She hated the stallion. Theirs was not a friendly rivalry, and Henna had to say that she just didn't care. Right now she was on top of the world with Flash. The News Flash son had won all four of his starts this year and was being pointed to the Starry Night Stakes against Sunset Crusade, Silverianna and Sillenia. Seriously. All the big S's on the track. But that race was still a while away. Right now, they were breaking in the new exercise rider, or something like that. Henna spotted Amber aboard World instantly and grinned. She walked Flash over and onto SOPS's coveted turf track before stopping, a grin now firmly on her face.

So, what's the plan?
We wait for Krystal.
But that could take forever! You probably have her getting Sillenia ready, and you know how crazy she is these days about Sill!

Amber was saved from a reply by the sudden appearance of Sillenia in the distance. The bay mare strode forward proudly, her eyes alight with excitement as she approached the track. Showing the headstrong nature which was her characteristic track attitude, she pulled like a train as they neared the turf. Funnily enough, the bay daughter of Grand Silence and Tamaraq was dual surfaced but had never won on the dirt. It seemed that she really preferred the turf track - however, that by no means meant she was bad on the dirt. Second place in the Dubai World Cup last year was above decent. Krystal was stroking the mare's neck and appeared lost in thought. She had been with Sillenia for a long time and they had accomplished nothing short of greatness with each other. She looked up as she got closer, nodding a greeting. So what's the plan?

Henna turned to Amber, impatience written over her face. Sillenia finally joined them, nickering at her half brother World as she did so. Flash simply stood with determination to beat the horses around him oozing out. He looked pristine, four for four, with victory after victory and a desire for more. Henna would hate to disappoint the colt that had stolen her heart. Amber grinned and finally began to talk about the plan. Well, Valencia passed yesterday's test. So today, we're testing her out in a new situation. We're going to see how she handles pressure...

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What an amazing feeling it had been to ride the high class Axis Mundae yesterday against the well bred Ode To Glory. Valencia thought she would never get over the feeling of riding an actual good racehorse out there. She just had a feeling that Axia would win her next race and become a grade two at last, and be deserving of such a title as well. She grinned as she entered the barn and proceeded straight to the stall of the horse she was riding. Wild Kiss, daughter of hard knocking DW Flamekissed and Hall Of Fame inductee Wild Flower. She was riding the half sister of Hall Of Fame inductee Wildly Natural and grade two Worldbreaker. How cool was that?!

She let herself into Kiss's stall. This filly was entirely different from Axia. Valencia could tell this at a glance. She was not only slimmer and a bit more petite, but the look in her eyes was something...different. Not bold like a hunter's. Sly like a fox's. This filly seemed friendly, especially as she came forward and pushed her nose into Valencia's chest, searching for treats, but Valencia got the distinct feeling that she was a very tricky horse, and very intelligent as well. She couldn't wait to get on board her. But first, she let Kiss get used to her presence, sniffing around, before leading her out and grooming her.

When she was finally done, she led Kiss to the mounting block and mounted up. Kiss had been sweet up to this point, almost too sweet tempered for a thoroughbred, but Valencia hadn't missed the gleam of intelligence in the mare's eye and was on her guard. Performance wise, the mare hadn't been all too impressive. She had won her latest start and had pulled off a win in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf one and a half years ago. Valencia stopped for a second, briefly shocked. She was riding a Breeders Cup winner. She had to let that sit in for a bit before grinning and then riding Kiss out for the turf track. And then she had to stop again in shock of what awaited her.

Sillenia. Worldbreaker. Flashy Wings. Horses way above Kiss's level. Amber expected her to do well against this competition aboard Kiss? Kiss was talented in some way, Valencia could feel it, but talented enough to face this? She had no idea what it was like to ride Kiss and she was expected to do so? Pings of nervousness ran through her, and Valencia took a deep breath before approaching the waiting trio. She was still too far away to hear the brief conversation that broke out. She's nervous Amber, and I don't blame her. What are you trying to test here? Krystal's question was a touch scolding. Her mettle, of course. Can she handle impossible odds? She's going to have to if she wants to ride here replied Amber shortly. There's no way around difficulty here. We're the best. We're only going to accept the best. Henna muted her exclaimed Hell yeah! as Valencia finally pulled up in front of them.

Valencia cleared her throat uncertainly. I'm here as you asked Amber. She briefly hesitated. Hi Henna, Krystal. The two women murmured hi's back, but they were too busy focusing on Amber's next words. The owner of SOPS stroked World's chestnut neck once before replying. Hey Valencia. Before we get started, can you tell me anything about your mount? Valencia responded like a school girl that had studied for a test, a small smirk playing across her face again. She's not Axia. She moves more like a girl. She's a lot more graceful and dainty in her movements. Axia would charge into battle with a war cry. Kiss would trick her way to the same result. She's as cunning and sly as a fox. She's wicked smart. Amber's head had been nodding in agreement to each point. Well, you're riding in a race against us today. We're warming up for a mile and racing the same distance. These guys can take a fast pace this week easily, so don't be hesitant. I want their best efforts. Amber stopped to grin broadly as World nickered a challenge at Flash, who responded with a trumpeting bugle and the beginnings of a rivalry filled dance he'd been perfecting for Sunset Crusade. Let's rock and roll.

Sillenia was really heavy on Krystal's hands. But having a four year long partnership had its benefits, and Krystal soon had Sill gliding easily under soft hands. A perpetual smile was fixed to her face. Krystal was going to prove Sillenia's worth again this season. They were the new turf queens. It was their turn in the SOPS turf lines of greatness. Beside them now came World and Amber, the same perpetual smile on Amber's face, the same easy hands at work during the warm up canter. Neither woman worried about the future or dwelled on the past. The thoughts running through their minds were focused only on the now. But Henna Turath couldn't say the same. Flashy Wings. Sunset Crusade. The meanest rivalry in history, in her opinion. She could never find anything nice to say about the woman - her horse just got under her skin and so did the arrogance of her rider. Henna would have accepted her defeats more often had she not been on the receiving end of what she perceived as a bad attitude.

You're smooth as silk aren't you girl? Valencia was whispering sweet things in the perked ears of her newest mount, and Kiss seemed to like hearing the sweetness. She nickered and pranced, the least serious of the four racehorses on the track, proving difficult to handle for the majority of the warm up. You're so smooth, I bet you're a closer. That smart mind of yours, how could you not be? You've got a canter like a rocking chair and I bet your gallop is like liquid mercury. They should have called you quicksilver.

[/b] And in this matter she continued until the mile was all over. Throughout it, Flash had been proudly leaving, with World and Sill side by side just a length behind. Valencia realized that she had been trailing but merely shrugged to herself. She had been getting to know her mount. Going fast had not been a priority. But it was about to be. Was she supposed to defeat everybody? At the very least keep up, but win? Could she do it?

Your sire is DW Flamekissed. You've got grit and determination as a guarantee from him. So I have full confidence. These ponies won't know who ran them over she whispered, and was rewarded with a neigh. Valencia sat up straighter and exuded confidence. She gently asked Kiss for a bit more speed and the petite filly responded, drawing up alongside the Big Three, as Valencia would now call them. The time was nigh to begin the workout. The four riders drew up alongside each other and revved their engines. The starting point was upon them and then the three horses were rolling into the gallop. Flash broke the classiest and happily took the lead. His eyes brightened at the open turf in front of his hooves and he excitedly raced along. World, Sill and Kiss were all well off the pace about three lengths back and not hurrying. That was when Valencia recognized a potential problem. With all these closers, there would be a pile up at the end of the race. Should she move or wait for somebody else to?

The quarter swept by in an easy twenty four and no horse was flagging. Valencia had just begun to urge Kiss forward when Sillenia suddenly tugged her way into striking distance, breaking from the closing pack and swinging slightly outside in the backstretch. With confident impatience she waited, knowing she'd just have to see the stretch to know it was time to go. Valencia let Kiss just advance a little bit before checking her, keeping her in hand. She could practically hear Kiss's brain whirring as the filly became a cunning o, working out the angles. She swept to the inside with plenty of room to swing out if necessary and Valencia approved of the course of action. She knew the chestnut Worldbreaker was behind them somewhere and that the more they forced him out on the turn the better. Flash had plenty in reserve even though Sill had just started pressuring him into a faster pace.

It was time to go as the turn roared up. Valencia let Kiss fly and swing out, hopefully disrupting the closing World's rhythm. A muffled curse confirmed her suspicions and Valencia smirked. But she would be stupid to think that would hold them for long. Thus, she focused only on her targets up ahead and watched them closer. Then their engines revved and Sill and Flash were engaged in a speed duel that was taking them far away. Valencia bit her lip and just let Kiss fly. She felt the grit of the filly's dire full on as she focused on her targets and entered hunt mode. Flying as they were, Valencia knew only one thing would make this faster - her jockeying skills. She swung out at the top and bore down on the duo. A chestnut appeared in the corner of her vision and made to whoosh past. Kiss was guided into a speed stream and together the two moved. Class was shown as the two finished just a half length behind the other dueling pair.

Amazement and exhilaration. Love and the desire for more. And Valencia knew she could fit in here. As Amber talked her through the workout, Valencia felt a sense of belonging. This dream job, with dream horses, was to be hers. And from here, her credentials could only get better.
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