high reaching

BORN TO IMPRESS WORKS FOR HIGH STRUNG DERBY
BEYOND PERFECTION AND GALLANT KNIGHT WORK FOR MANITOBA MAIDEN

Born To Impress was ready for his next conquest. He'd run second a month ago in the Magic Millions, where he had lost to Red Herring. That wouldn't happen this time, Marissa knew. Impress wasn't at all happy about his loss, and knowing the other colt was entered in the High Strung Derby, it was definitely going to be a good race. Right now, he waited impatiently for his workout partners to arrive, tugging on the bit and taking short, stroppy strides as Marissa turned him in circles.

Beyond Perfection, ridden by Olivia, appeared first. Then Blaze and Gallant Knight jogged out of the barn to catch up. Marissa glared at both for keeping them waiting. They should have been here a good five minutes ago. Without a word, she allowed Impress to straighten out and head up the dirt track. With other colts around, his stride barely improved. He just wanted to run. Olivia and Blaze exchanged guilty looks, and followed. Their colts were both full of energy and keen to race.

After several minutes of silent trotting, Marissa finally spoke. She seemed to be over her annoyance at them for being a few minutes late. Let's canter. She murmurred, focusing on her colt. Impress was back to his usual, impressive self, his stride now smooth, his neck arched and his eyes daring the others to race.

Impress was entered in the High Strung Derby. There were some excellent horses entered, so it was bound to be a great race. Dirty Diana, who was out of Lusitania (True Enough x Bank On Silver) and by All For Glory, was to start from gate one. Owned by Akita Rose Stables, the pretty grey filly was on an indefinite lease to Stride Of Perfection Stables. So far she had started just four times, and had improved significantly under Amber Black's expert training. She was ready to break her maiden, but could be slightly outclassed in this race.

Red Herring would break from gate two. The Witch Creek Stables colt had beaten Impress last time out, and Impress would never forget it. Red Herring had a record of 3-2-0-1, and had placed third in his last race two weeks ago. Next was Special Edition of Dreamvalley Stables. He had Star Thoroughbreds bloodlines (Gold Edition x Palisades Silver) and STBS had had the pleasure of leasing him for several weeks while Dreamvalley Stables undertook renovations. He was a talented colt, but better at the sprints.

Following two scratchings, Impress had gate six. He would have plenty of room to run straight into position as preceder, although he could possibly end up leading the race because none of the entrants usually ran as front runner. This didn't matter - Impress was versatile, and he could run anywhere he pleased. Preceder was just the most comfortable and convenient position. So far Impress had won two, placed in two and come third once in his five starts. He was definitely going for the win in his next race, and he had had a month since his last race to get faster, fitter and stronger. It showed in his workout times, which improved with every session.

Beyond Perfection and Gallant Knight were entered in the Manitoba Maiden. It was nine furlongs on dirt, run at The Wire racetrack. They were up against two other horses - two fillies, one from Serendipity Hills, and the other from Close Racing. The Serendipity Hills filly was Royal Blue. She'd beaten them in the Cherche Moi Maiden two weeks ago, which was her only start. The Close Racing filly was Barely Legal. She had started seven times, never hitting the board. All four entrants were two years old.

Gallant Knight and Royal Blue looked to be the favourites to win. Knight had raced three times, for two thirds and a fourth place. He was a News Flash colt, out of Gallant Queen. Beyond Perfection had started twice, for a fourth place and a seventh. He was by Beyond The Limits and by Perfection, both grade one ex racehorses.

The time to gallop was coming up quickly now. The four furlong pole was just ahead, and the riders prepared to send their horses into gallop. They would do two furlongs at a normal gallop, and a two furlong sprint. That would burn excess energy, without tiring them before race day. Impress was really raring to go, and burst forward the moment he felt a slight release of pressure. Knight and Beyond were also quick to switch to gallop, and kept up with Impress eagerly. They bounded around the turn, leaning in slightly, without losing speed. The turn leveled into the straight, then the two furlong pole was upon them.

Marissa all but dropped the reins, giving Impress all the head space he needed to take off and fly down to the wire. The black thoroughbred accelerated, taking long, powerful strides and stretching his body as far as he could. Ground was covered quickly, and Marissa's vision could have blurred. Knight and Beyond were hot on their heels, but Impress held them off. They passed the finish with Impress a length in front back to Gallant Knight, who was a neck ahead of Beyond Perfection. They were ready for the High Strung Derby and Manitoba Maiden.