strictly awesome

Olivia finished grooming and tacking up the four year old colt, and stopped to give him an affection rub on the neck. The colt dropped his head and his eyes closed halfway as he enjoyed it, making Olivia smile. She'd been working with him for months now. They'd only raced four times, for two seconds in March, and then wins in June and July after Star Thoroughbreds had managed to become the colt's new owners. Previously they'd been leasing him.

Roy looked at Olivia with his big, brown, and beautiful eyes. They reflected her, and she saw both of their desires. To win, win and win again. After further time off to settle in with his new training regime, Roy was stronger, fitter, healthier and of course faster than ever before. He could match Sunset Crusade evenly, and since the other colt was the winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeder's Cup Classic, among other races, that was something big.

As they left the barn, Roy was up to his usual antics. He trotted as Olivia walked, causing her to roll her eyes, but secretly she loved it. She loved him. When they reached the track, James was there waiting. He was holding a stop watch - they were breezing today. Olivia grinned to herself, knowing Roy had the ability to put in his fastest time yet. James helped her onto the thoroughbred and began his instruction. Warm him up thoroughly and then gallop him from the six furlong pole. I'll time you from four furlongs so make sure he goes fast.

Olivia nodded and gave the colt's sides the slightest squeeze to send him off trotting. Oh, and Olivia? Olivia turned back to him, stopping the colt in his tracks. If he does what I think he'll do, we're thinking of sending him to the Valorizarre Derby. James said, grinning. Now go, show us what this colt can do! He added, shooing them away. Olivia grinned and sent Roy off again. This was their big chance - a win in that race would certainly give Roy an edge in future competition.

After trotting and cantering for a while, Olivia knew the colt was warm enough and loose enough to gallop. So as they approached the six furlong pole she prepared to send him on into gallop. The colt knew it was coming and tugged on the bit excitedly. Olivia firmly held him in at a fast canter until the time was right. Starting too early could affect his time. The six furlong pole was upon them and right on cue, Roy burst forward. Olivia allowed him to settle into a comfortable speed and rated him to prevent him going any faster. The time didn't start until the four furlong pole.

The four hundred or so metres to the four furlong pole passed quickly, and Olivia began to urge the colt on. He obliged immediately, leaning into the turn and throwing his weight into each stride. Olivia could feel the power in each step he took, and she could feel his acceleration. Before they had even finished the gallop, before they even knew the colt's time, Olivia and James knew it was going to be his fastest yet. He was going to the Valorizzarre Derby!