passionate kiss

STREAKS OF PASSION WORKS FOR FANTASY CUP
BLAZING KISS WORKS FOR RACING POST TROPHY

The four year old colt was having an excellent season so far. Streak had won his last four starts, and was now on the verge of grade three. The only way from here was up, and that was exactly where Olivia would take him. They were going to grade one! They were going to the Breeder's Cup! Olivia could barely contain her excitement to ride the special horse - he was a half brother to Triple Crown Champion Furious Passion, after all.

Riding next to her was her boyfriend Blaze on Blazing Kiss. Olivia smiled brightly at him, wanting to reach out and hold his hand. But of course, they were riding hot blooded racehorses, not bombproof horses. Blaze grinned back, thinking similar thoughts. Blazing Kiss was an excellent filly having an awesome season. She was on the verge of grade four, with a record of 7-3-1-2. The two year old thoroughbred was due to run in the Racing Post Trophy, which was eight furlongs on turf for two year olds only. The field was a killer.

Blue Me Away of Silver Stride Stables had gate one. The colt was bred from two Star Thoroughbreds horses, Whippet and Bluebell Sonnet, and Blaze knew that James and Sarah were planning on breeding a full sibling to the colt next breeding season. He was a top contender for the win, and it was no wonder, since he had a record of 7-5-1-1. Next was Passion Heart from Bowen Acres. The filly clearly hadn't come into her own yet, with a record of 5-0-0-1. In gate three would be Stride Of Perfection Stables' filly Innocent Passion. She was obviously made of similar caliber to Blue, because she had a record of 10-5-2-3.

Cross My Heart of Witch Creek Stables was to break from gate four. She was another excellent horse with a record of 5-2-3-0. Next would be Flight to Fight from new stable Debar Racing. She had started just once for fifth place, which would likely affect her performance in the race. Then there was Nightshade, from Intrepid Racing. Yet another talented filly, with a record of 11-4-7-0.

Finally there was Kiss, in gate seven. The Memorial's Blaze x Stolen Kisses filly had had a month off since her last race, and as she'd placed third, she would be especially keen on the win. She liked to run mid pack, which should work out well in her favour since the majority of the field liked to lead the pack (Flight To Fight, Cross My Heart, Passion Heart and Blue Me Away also sometimes), leaving Innocent Passion and probably Blue Me Away in the preceder position, Blazing Kiss in mid pack and Nightshade in the closer position.

Blaze thought about what James had told him earlier, about the tendencies of the top contenders in the field and the way they would likely run in the final furlongs. Basically, Nightshade would probably start to creep up fairly early so Blaze had to watch out for her to prevent Kiss from being boxed. He and Kiss would have to start going wide the moment Nightshade began her run, and go around Innocent Passion and Blue Me Away who would also have to move around the front runners, who would likely be running out of steam by the two furlong marker. From then on, it would be a complete speed duel.

The time to gallop was coming up quickly now. Olivia pushed thoughts of the race from her mind and focused on the task at hand. Streak tugged hard, with a toss of his head. He was so keen for this. Blazing Kiss was in similar spirits, and was obviously growing more and more excited. The four furlong pole arrived, and the filly leaped into gallop, while Streak took the more conventional approach to switching to the faster pace. Blaze let out a cry of surprise, which quickly turned into a laugh. The horses raced nose to nose towards the turn, at a controlled gallop.

Streak was on the inside, and hugged the rail as he started the turn. Blaze held Blazing Kiss close by, not allowing the filly to lose speed on the corner. They were under strict instructions to run abreast of one another till the final furlong, but the eagerness of the thoroughbreds was of course making that difficult. As the turn ended and the stretch straightened out before them, the horses fought even harder for their heads. One more furlong, and they'd be released.. It couldn't come quick enough.

The two thoroughbreds burst forward with powerful acceleration. They took longer strides, digging into the turf and sending clumps flying behind them. Streak began to nose ahead of the filly two years his junior. It was to be expected, and it was precisely what James wanted. That way, Kiss would be even more fired up on the day of the race. They pounded over the line with one final burst, and then put on a fight before they could be brought back down through their paces. Their riders, out of breath, both exhilarated and grinning widely, turned them back to the gap where their trainer was waiting.

James had his poker face on. He watched them walk towards him, straight faced. The pair looked nervous once they got closer. Then he grinned at them, giving each horse an affectionate neck rub as they came to a halt in front of him. Great news, Blaze. Sarah just informed me that Cross My Heart and Innocent Passion are out of the race. Great workout, too. He said, turning away from them and walking towards the barns. Strip their tack off, cool them out and then groom them yourselves. He called over his shoulder.

Blaze turned to Olivia, grinning again. Two of the top contenders are out.. I think Kiss and I have a real shot at winning. Olivia smiled back, rubbing Streak's neck. Streak and I do too.

finished