take over the world

** I have no idea why Marissa was riding Warrior in this workout lol - should have been Stella. So lets pretend it was Stella since I cannot be bothered editing it xD

EUPHORIA'S WARRIOR WORKS FOR THE DUBAI WORLD CUP

Marissa yawned as she headed down to the track, where her first ride of the day, Euphoria's Warrior, nickered gently as she approached. Marissa was so proud of the colt. He was doing amazingly, having just won the Dubai Colt Cup, his tenth win of the year. He was all tacked up and ready to work, gleaming from head to toe. The horse was a picture of health, the image of what a racehorse should look like. He had been bouncing around his handler until he'd seen her coming, and now he waited almost calmly.

Hey handsome, she greeted him with a rub on the neck. He quickly sniffed her pockets for any sign of a treat. She hadn't bought anything for him today, and proceeded to mount up. Jack then appeared, strolling lazily out of the barn. The handler, a groom named Natalie, smiled and returned to the barn to get the next horse ready. So, what's the plan for his workout? Jack asked, holding onto Warrior's head to he couldn't move off.

Marissa's eyes flicked to his once and then focused on the space between her horse's ears. Mile gallop. She replied, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Although she found Jack to be rather attractive, he annoyed her a bit. He acted like she wasn't superior to him, being a co owner of Star Thoroughbreds, a co trainer and an excellent rider. And he should have checked Warrior's training schedule. Mind if I join you, with Akuma Battlecry? He asked, studying her face for her reaction.

She looked around at him, mouth open. You want to ride Akuma? One of our most dangerous stallions? She could barely believe it. She hadn't even seen Jack ride yet, and somewhat doubted he could handle Akuma's charm. The horse was an excellent sire, but had not made such an excellent racehorse. He had been talented, but his dangerous attitude had affected his ability. Jack had nodded, and was waiting expectantly for her answer. A smile slowly formed on her lips. Okay. I just hope you can handle him.

She was partly daring him, and mostly genuinely hoping he could handle the horse. She'd ridden Akuma back in his racing days, and now he was usually exercised by their stallion handler, George. Jack grinned. Be right back. He said, already heading up the stallion barn. Marissa nudged Warrior, who walked a few strides then burst into trot onto the dirt track.

Well Warrior, you're about to work out with your dear old Dad. She told the colt, rubbing his neck. A few minutes later, she heard hoofbeats and glanced back to see Akuma Battlecry cantering towards them. He was clearly fighting for his head, as Marissa had expected. As Jack and Akuma came alongside them, though, the big dark bay stallion dropped to trot next to his son, just as Jack had asked. Marissa was slightly surprised. She had for some reason thought that Jack wouldn't be as good in the saddle as he was.

He grinned at her, which she returned. Right, well, let's make this a little race. Three furlongs all out. Because I doubt we can go for a mile without racing, and Warrior still needs gas in the tank for the World Cup. Marissa said, noting Warrior's changed behaviour. Pinned ears, neck arched, his strides becoming faster. He wanted a race with this huge stallion that had sired him. Agreed. Jack responded simply. Let's see if his Dad still has it.

Akuma was up to his old tricks, but Jack seemed to be at ease handling him. Marissa realised she didn't know a whole lot about his past, but decided now was not the time to ask. She nudged Warrior's sides and the colt switched to canter, which Akuma and Jack followed. They kept their horizontal distance, thankfully. Marissa's thoughts began to fade to the Dubai World Cup and it's entrants. Eternal Phantom, as the Dubai Filly Cup winner, was probably their top competition in a top field. There was also Flashy Wings, who had placed second behind them in the Dubai Colt Cup, Knight Rousseau, and Fiery Touch, who had placed second in the Dubai Filly Cup.

Eternal Phantom was primarily a front runner, Flashy Wings was a stalker, Knight Rousseau was also a stalker, and Fiery Touch was versatile. Warrior himself was a closer, and would follow the field until the final turn, where he would creep up on the outside. About one and a half, up to two furlongs from the finish, he would burst forward and sprint to the end, and hopefully claim the win. Marissa smiled at the image in her mind. Her and Warrior, crossing the finish in first place, and striding triumphantly to the winner's circle.

She looked up to see the five furlong pole passing them by. She glanced over at Akuma and Jack on the inside rail. Jack was focused on the stallion, had firm contact with his mouth and seemed to have him under control. Jack glanced at her, nodded ahead. Marissa looked up again. They were passing the four furlong pole now. It was nearly time, and the horses were picking up on it. Warrior tugged on the reins, ears forward now in excitement. This was a horse he had never raced before, a horse that was the reason for his existing. Not that he knew that, but he probably felt some sort of connection.

Akuma and Warrior burst into gallop at the same instant. Akuma threw himself ahead, like he used to as a front runner. Warrior kept on him though, his head level with Akuma's flank. They entered the turn, expertly navigating it by leaning into it. Marissa felt Warrior's stride. It was strong, powerful, and full of energy. He had plenty of power to use. The turn leveled into the straight, and Akuma began to pull away. The stallion still had it! But his son was youthful, and hadn't even got going yet.

Go! Marissa released him, letting the reins slip and encouraging him with her voice. Instantly the colt accelerated, and she felt the power surge through him and through the reins to her own body. A thrill went through her as she realised Warrior was about to go faster than ever before. He gained on Akuma rapidly, visibly closing the gap with each stride. There was still a furlong to go, and they were breaking even now, starting to pull ahead.

Akuma's ears were pinned, and Jack was urging the stallion on, shaking the reins, throwing his hands forward in time with Akuma's motion. The huge dark stallion just didn't have another gear like he used to. George's exercising of him usually consisted of a quick gallop, but nothing this strenuous. Warrior was ahead now, by half a length, then a full length. They were flying! Warrior crossed the finish a full three lengths ahead of his sire, who had put in a pretty excellent time himself.

Slowing up, Jack and Akuma caught up to them. Gotta say, Akuma Battlecry was going pretty damn fast. But you and Warrior still blitzed us. That colt really has something special. Jack said, grinning. Marissa smiled back brightly, stroking the colt's sweaty neck and ruffling his mane affectionately. I know.

finished