xena's challenge

(have had to type this on my phone so i apologise for any typos!)

WAR CRY WORKS FOR THE YOUTH CHALLENGE

Xena's most recent start, the Winter Cup G4 Dirt, had resulted in second place to the only three year old in the field, which was an excellent achievement. Next on the filly's hit list was The Youth Challenge. It was a race that would solidify the winner as atop competition for the Breeders Cup Juvenile races. It was run over nine furlongs on dirt, and had attracted a sizzling field thus far.

War Cry danced onto the track, and immediately refused to follow direction. A head tos followed by a burst of acceleration followed by a violent buck all but sent.Marissa flying. Xena should know better by now - Marissa knew all about staying on a bucking, rearing, bolting thoroughbred. She took a tight hold of the reins and pulled the filly around in a tight circle, forcing her to slow down. Now the two year old was back under control, Marissa sent her trotting in a straight line, glancing around to see if the hot new assistant trainer had seen. He appeared to be watching Stella work with Silverianna.

Frowning, Marissa returned her attention to Xena's upcoming race while holding the filly in trot. Red Herring, Ignite, Sweet Inferno, Italian Ice, Golden Ghost, A Royal Legacy, and GS Super Charged were entered. If Marissa had to pick a top three out if the group, she wouldn"t be able to. Each and every horse was proving ti be awesome, and War Cry would certainly have to work hard for the win.

In saying that, Marissa racked her brain to remember the typical race positions of their competition. Red Herring was what they calked a pace presser. A wesker.horse than War Cry might succumb to his tricks, but she wouldn't. She was not easily ibtimidated and she would be setting a high pace like always. She did like to put a bit of distance between herself and the rest of the field usually, after all. There would come a point when Red Herring's jockey would stop his chase for his own good. Many of their competitors would probably think the filly would exhaust herself by the final furlongs, but Xena was capable of leading a twelve furlong race wire to wire. Nine furlongs would be no trouble.

The rest of the field were mostly closers, with the exception of Sweet Inferno, who was a front runner, and Italian Ice, who was both a front runner and a preceder. Marissa remembered the twelve furlong race they had won against just Sweet Inferno. Two strong personalities, two front runners. It had been a speed duel ti end all. And War Cry had won it! That was solid proof that the filly had the speed and stamina.

Xena was growing restless again and her canter was far from smooth. Marissa eyed their gallop point, and released the filly momentarily, allowing the chestnut thoroughbred to accelerate into a a decent paced gallop. Now galloping, Xena was happier and more willing to follow direction. They were the only ones on the track now, which also made.things easier. Xena sometimes liked to tear off after other horses if they galloped in front of her.

Rounding the turn, in the fourth furlong of their six furlong gallop, Marissa imagined the late stages of The Youth Challenge. Ideally, they'd be one or two lengths ahead of the next horse and waiting for the straight to start pulling away. However things were.more likely to go down differently - Xena would be nose to nose with at least Sweet Inferno, begging to be released. As they entered the home straight, Marissa did just that. Xena dug in, lengthening her stride and increasing her speed. Now was the time they would pull away.

As they crossed the finish and she began.to slow the thoroughbred, Marissa couldn't help thinking that they had a real chance. Xena hadn't won since July, although she'd only raced twice since, so they were well due for a win. They'd worked for it, they were talented enough for it and they deserved it. At the risk of being over confident, Marissa truly felt it was Xena's turn to come first and stand in.the winner's circle again. And Marissa would do her best to ride the filly right in!