a royal entourage

[S u N f r O s T ~]

A ROYAL LEGACY AND AMBER BLACK
AXIS MUNDAE AND VALENCIA ANDREWS

How much speed did Legacy have? Amber had just gotten a small taste of the colt's capabilities last time out. They had been racing Sweetie and Diana and they had been closing like a freight train to challenge. Diana had perhaps beaten them by a whisker, as she had tested their mettle to the limits. Amber felt as though she understood her colt more now. Legacy was very much a son of Merry Bay King. He was arrogant, and proud, and he knew what he was supposed to do out there on the track. Any that challenged his dominance got the brunt end of his furious determination. He was most relaxed on the track. Right from breaking he would start lazing around, and then close with amazing speed right at the end. If anything, he ran out of ground to run in his races, and this was why he was a distance runner.

Enter Axis Mundae. The filly had won two weeks ago in the Zelotypia Stakes at the Wire track. She had become a grade two in that race. She was prepping for the Debutante Stakes next week and the Girls Festival the week after. Big race season was upon them and Amber was excited for Axia. Thing was, she was having Valencia ride Axia today. She had ridden her for her first trial in admirable fashion, especially since Axia had won immediately afterwards. Amber had therefore paired her with Axia again today so that she could ride Legacy against the black daughter of Little Miss Innocent. She wanted Legacy to taste Axia's speed and not back down. Axia was just as daring and courageous as Sweetie. She would be a worthy match for Legacy today.

Amber was attentive as Legacy stepped onto the turf. He seemed to handle it just like the dirt, except there was a softer edge to his movements, as though he really, really loved the turf. That was fine with Amber Black. She loved the turf, too, and his sire definitely had. She rode him like the prince he was, commanding his attention only when necessary, letting him show off otherwise. She turned him in some graceful circles, on the lookout for Valencia and Axia. It seemed they were running a bit late, and Amber frowned a bit at this. She didn't like delays. But as soon as the thought registered, Valencia and Axia were trotting out the stable door. She was clearly ready to go. Valencia smiled sheepishly at Amber and waited to be reprimanded, but Amber launched into a different discourage.

We're galloping a mile and then sprinting for a quarter of a mile. That's not very long, but Axia should be willing to go for it. If you're leaving us behind, leave us behind. I want to feel Legacy dig in for it. Give us a challenge. Valencia nodded and made to turn her horse around. Amber hesitated slightly, wondering if she should tell Valencia the good news now or later, but just settled for following the apprentice jockey. Valencia was riding well. She was in tune with her mount and seemed to know just what to do to ride her. That was why Amber had taken the initiative and gotten Valencia a horse of her own to ride in the races. Valencia was here to grow as a jockey, after all.

Legacy was actually quiet as he went along the turf. He had his head tilted arrogantly, but it was only Axia who was shrieking challenges at him. Axia was just as arrogant as Legacy, but she was even more bold. She was making no secret of her desire to pulverize her competition. Valencia had her hands full and was calming down the situation admirably. Her light hands diluted Axia's competitive fury and she wasn't backing down. Amber admired that trait of Valencia's. The woman knew how to listen to her horse and divert whatever feelings the horse had to positive avenues. That was a valuable trait and one that would take her far. And now they were going to thunder into their mile long gallop. Axia had been taken just to the outside. Amber reined Legacy to the inside, and they shot to that gap and filled it. Valencia glanced under her elbow and then eased out with her hands. Axia picked up the gallop eagerly, surging forward. Amber smirked and she, too, eased Legacy into it. The bay colt was eager to go, but as soon as he was galloping he seemed to just collect his speed in his haunches and keep it there. He didn't want to go anywhere fast.

Axia was eager today. She plunged headlong into the workout and Valencia didn't bother trying to slow her flight for at least a furlong. She needed to let Axia let it out. She finally managed to get Axia's head in her hands and she slowed her down. The black mare had gotten five lengths on Legacy in that time but now Legacy surged a bit forward, making up a length before settling down again. Amber grinned. She had always known Legacy was a bit lazy at the beginning of the race, but there was no reason to change that. He had all that power in those hind legs of his and he was just waiting around to use it, spending the beginning of the race just enjoying the scenery. Axia was of a different type. She was the type that attacked the turf. If she was closing, her usual position, it was because she was in her cunning mode. Valencia could feel that cunning as Axia seemed to purposely want to kick some turf into Legacy's face. She was spirited and to the point.

Valencia slowed Axia some more, knowing Legacy needed to be with them for the sprint. This wasn't a race. Legacy edged up a little bit, ever calm. Within six furlongs they were galloping side by side. Axia stuck her head determinedly in front despite the slower pace, not letting Legacy have a whisker. When the time finally came the two women dropped into lower crouches and eased out more rein. The sprint began. Being a sprinter most days, Axia was off the fastest. Her hoofbeats quickened and she swept forward in a sudden blur of speed. Valencia narrowed her eyes against the wind. It was obvious Axia was very eager to go.

Amber urged Legacy on. The colt was not willing to pick it up so soon, and was letting his displeasure be known. But Amber knew how MBK sons operated. They wouldn't let their competition run away from them so easily. Amber could practically feel Legacy's gaze boring into Axia's hindquarters. And suddenly, the bay two year old was off in that amazing closing speed of his. The train that was Legacy was bearing down on Axia easily, as though she was running slowly. Valencia smirked. She glanced under her elbow and was thrilled to see Legacy gaining. It was totally what she wanted. She was baiting Amber, and it was working with Legacy. Now she let Axia truly run. She let the black mare all the way out. It was the final furlong and Axia's speed washed over Valencia like a wave. They were surely leaving Legacy behind.

Legacy's gains grew less, but his spirit grew more. He threw more into it. He would not let his dominance be stolen by such a mare. They were gaining, gaining, but there wasn't enough time. The two furlongs were up, and now they were slowing. But Legacy was all fired up. He snorted and stomped and whinnied his challenges, and Axia responded in kind. Hot headed and competitive, both horses were ready to go.