unicorn

EUPHORIA'S WARRIOR WORKS FOR THE UNICORN HORN DIRT CLASSIC

Almost a month had passed since the Breeder's Cup Classic, and after time off to rejuvenate, Warrior was back in full work and thriving. He'd taken third in the Classic, losing to Flashy Wings and Knight Rousseau. Now entered in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Classic, it was practically a rematch. Once Warrior saw who he was up against, the colt would not lose. Stella took a moment to take a look at the bay thoroughbred. Tall, lean and muscular, he looked every bit the athlete that he was. His coat had a healthy shine to it, as did his intelligent big brown eyes. Now four years old, Warrior was nearly fully mature.

Stella mounted up, and directed the thoroughbred onto the dirt track, giving his sides the gentlest squeeze to get him to trot. Last season, Warrior had done a lot, and they were still waiting to see if he would get any Horse Of The Year Awards. He had been nominated for several, including Racehorse Of The Year. This season, they had more big plans for him. After he (hopefully) took out the Unicorn Dirt Classic, Warrior would be pointed to the Senior Superstars Series, which ran later in the year. Before then, he'd have several preparatory races, in Memorial Stakes and Season Series cups. After that, he'd have another go at the Dubai World Cup and another run in the Breeder's Cup, although it would not be certain which race until much later on this year.

Thoroughly loose and warm, Warrior was ready to gallop. Stella lowered herself to him, and then released the reins a few notches. The colt burst forward into his favourite pace, and she allowed him to really stretch out and run. They were doing a four furlong breeze. As Warrior rounded the turn, he held his speed easily. Now a seasoned racehorse, he knew how to take turns without veering outwards or decelerating. As he continued around the turn, Stella's mind wandered to their competition for the race. Flashy Wings had gate one, and he would be the one to beat. But they could not forget Midnight Thriller, who was the twin sister of one of Warrior's rivals, Eternal Phantom.

Luckily, both their competitors liked to run behind the leaders. As there was no leader, one of them would have to lead. They'd likely forget about Warrior lurking behind them, probably wouldn't see him coming until he flew past them in the stretch. Warrior's signature style was to grab the win by a nose, and it worked well for him. Returning to the present, Stella realised Warrior was nearing full speed in the stretch. He galloped along powerfully, still digging into the dirt as he accelerated. As he crossed the finish, Stella didn't even need the time on the stopwatch. She knew Warrior was in top form, and she knew he wouldn't go down easy in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Classic. He was completely ready for it.

SILENT FURY AND PASSIONATE FLYER WORK FOR THE UNICORN HORN TURF CLASSIC

Marissa launched herself onto Silence's back, and the five year old stallion began to trot off before she got her stirrups. Hang on a moment, mate.. She muttered, slowing him back to walk to she could secure her booted feet into the irons. Behind her, Blaze and Passionate Flyer were trotting to catch up. When Prince caught up, Marissa allowed Silence to move on into trot again.

Blaze was smiling to himself. Prince had recently made grade three, and together they were looking forward to a great season. The four year old colt hadn't had enough attention paid to him, and it was obvious he deserved more as he was such a good racehorse. This would be his year to shine, Blaze would make sure of that. Marissa had similar feelings for Silence. She'd paid more attention to Stalker's Fury and her other charges last year, so the now five year old hadn't received her full attention during training. He was just one win from grade one, and she planned to get ten wins from him this season.

It wasn't going to be an easy feat for either of them. There were some excellent, amazing horses on the turf, and two of them were entered in the Unicorn Horn Turf Classic. It was a race Silent Fury had managed to win last year, run over eleven furlongs on turf for four year olds and above. Their competition this year was Firebird and Infinite Warcry. Firebird was five years old, and had a record of 37-14-12-6. He had won ten races last year, including the Breeder's Cup Turf Marathon. Infinite Warcry was four years old, and had also won ten races last year. His biggest wins included the Preakness Champion Stakes and Universal Cup, as well as a place behind Firebird in the Breeder's Cup Turf Marathon.

Neither Passionate Flyer nor Silent Fury had run in last months' Breeder's Cup. They just hadn't been ready for it. But eleven months from now, they would be. Their riders were determined to get them to the top. On into gallop now, as the pair of thoroughbreds were completely warmed up and ready to go. Silence lurched forward, instantly taking the lead. Prince followed less quickly, securing his position at Silence's quarters. Having analyzed their competition, Marissa knew Firebird was also a front runner and she knew there was going to be an intense speed duel unless one of them backed down. Silence had been liable to attack other horses earlier in his career, but the stallion now knew that it was wrong and instead just ran at death defying speeds to hold his lead. As a son of Rising Fury, he was perfectly capable of sprinting wire to wire at practically any distance. But the race wouldn't be as easy as that.

Infinite Warcry was a closer, and he would almost certainly have the upper hand in this field. If they kept an eye on him, and made their runs before he did, there was the possibility they could outrun him. If he got ahead of them in the stretch, it was likely there would be no catching him. They had to keep watch, and then they'd have a good chance. Silence and Prince were made of the same caliber as these other colts, anyway - they could beat them if they worked and tried and wanted it hard enough. The other two colts had a well known rivalry, and might not even notice Silence and Prince fly by them.

The pair of colts thundered down the turf stretch, flicking up the grass behind them slightly. The power could be seen and felt in each of them, each stride faster and stronger than the last. They each lunged forward at the finish, and it was impossible to decide a winner. They were ready to take on the Unicorn Horn Turf Classic.

BORN TO IMPRESS WORKS FOR THE UNICORN HORN DIRT MILE

Now three years old, Impress was in his prime. This season would be the most important of his career, and currently she knew he was being underestimated by his rivals. He'd run third behind Nightshade and Red Herring in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile, and now, a month later, he was on form to win the Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile. The black colt began his workout at a trot, warming up on the dirt track. He was not interested in warming up though, and was generally just being a pain in the butt. Marissa grimaced. Impress, let me tell you now, if there was ever a perfect time for your to live up to your name, it's the race this weekend.

It was time for Impress to step up and claim his throne. He was born for this. He had been bred to take on the best and be the best. He was bred to rightfully ascend to the title of Triple Crown Champion. His sire had done it, his half sister was a Triple Tiara Champion. His dam had won twenty races at this age, and then been tragically injured before going onto become a Triple Tiara or Crown Champ herself. The point was, Impress was destined to rise to fame. It was practically written in the stars.

Marissa gave the colt's sides a slight squeeze, sending him on into canter. His first start of the year would be his biggest challenge yet. He would take on not only horses in his own age group, but horses one or two, maybe even three years his senior. The Unicorn Horn Dirt Mile looked to be a very challenging field, and if Impress could rise to the occasion, he'd be right on track to live up to his name. Entered in gate one was Mercurial Magic. With unknown bloodlines, the colt was making a name for himself all by himself. The four year old currently had a record of 20-5-5-6, and had already won a race this season. He was a frontrunner or stalker.

Gate two would hold Arachne, a four year old grade three filly. She'd only started racing last year, and had earned herself a record of 25-9-10-3. There were no major wins to speak of, but there was no doubt she would gain some of those this year. Arachne ran as a frontrunner. Next there was Jazzaway, the only other three year old in the field. He was grade four, like Impress, with a record of 16-4-4-4. He had already run twice this year, for a second place and a third place. He ran as a frontrunner.

Impress was next, in gate four. He had a record of 16-5-7-3, and half the races that he had run in were HOTY Selection races. They were important races with increased difficulty, since they attracted the best horses. Impress had broken his maiden in the Legacy Dirt Stakes, which was a race for the offspring of Hall Of Fame Inductees. He'd run second in the Magic Millions Colts Dirt, the Follow The Hoofprints Dirt Mile, the Cashcall Futurity, Remsen Stakes, and Lucky Day Futurity, and run third in the Unicorn Horn Juvenile, the Alot To Live Up To Stakes, and the Breeder's Cup Juvenile. He was experienced in big races, and now he needed to win some.

Following Impress in gate three was Silver Secret. She was a four year old filly running at grade three level with a record of 21-8-6-4. She had already run once this season, winning a race at The Wire. She ran as a closer. Next was the clear big threat in the field. Paradise Island. She needed no introduction, that was for sure. The grade one Triple Tiara Champion had made a triumphant return earlier in the month after five months off. With a record of 32-16-8-6, she was the highest ranking horse in the field and would go in the favourite without question. She would likely run next to Impress as a preceder. Finally, there was four year old colt Ashes to Ashes. As a grade two with a record of 20-10-6-3, he would go in the second favourite to win. He ran as a front runner.

With lots of front runners in the field, the pace was likely to be blisteringly fast. The three horses that were not front runners would have an obvious advantage. Those three were Impress, Silver Secret and Paradise Island. Marissa knew it was going to be tough, but there was a bright glimmer of hope beginning to shine within her. This was definitely Impress' golden opportunity. If they pulled the win off in this race, he'd quite possibly become a top contender for the Crown in the eyes of the punters.

The colt launched into gallop at her command, accelerating quickly. Marissa took a moment to really feel his stride, and all she could feel was the pure power and energy with each one. He was stronger, fitter and faster than ever after his month long break from racing, and she knew he was going to be in top form for the race. As he galloped strongly past the finish, Marissa felt the lion in him rise up and roar. He was ready to take on the Unicorn.

STREAKS OF PASSION WORKS FOR THE UNICORN HORN TURF MILE

That darn Executioner's Apprentice is entered, Streak. Olivia told the stallion with a rub on the neck. The bay thoroughbred's ears flicked to the sound of her voice, and he listened intently. But don't worry. I have faith in you. We'll beat him this time. App had beaten them too many times. The Unicorn Horn Turf Mile had to be theirs. They'd worked hard. They deserved it. Just to come out on top for once would be incredibly gratifying. They hadn't won since August, and they'd been working harder and harder to get that win.

It had been a month now since they'd run in the Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint. Well, nearly a month. Exactly a month ago, they'd been working out for it. Streak had run third in that race, and it was fair to say he wasn't happy about it. Neither was Olivia. Needless to say, their morale was down. They needed a win to raise it. A big win. A win against Executioner's Apprentice and all the other awesome horses that were entered. Olivia wanted to win so bad it would destroy her to lose again. And not to mention the fact that if Streak didn't get the win in this one, he'd wouldn't run in the big races again. He'd be back in the undercards.

Streak's trot was bouncy. It was obvious he was feeling good. He'd had two weeks off to just be a horse, and he'd spent much of that time galloping around his pasture, calling to mares. Two weeks ago, he'd been brought back to work. He was completely rejuvenated, and performing well in workouts. Better than he had last year. Olivia just knew this would be their year. It was their time to shine. She'd been determined last year to get him to the Breeder's Cup, and they'd made it there. This year she was determined to take him to the top.

They were entered in the Unicorn Horn Turf Mile. In gate one was Lynara's Kingdom, who would likely be their top competition besides Executioner's Apprentice. She was a four year old filly with a record of 32-15-8-2. She'd run second behind App in the Breeder's Cup Mile. Her running style was variable, which meant she was unpredictable. In gate two was The Innocent Skier, a six year old grade three stallion. He had a record of 51-9-19-12, and had most recently run third in the Breeder's Cup Turf. He ran as a closer. A four year old colt by the name of Ruler's Secret would start from gate three. He was inexperienced, having started only six times for one win, one second and two thirds. He ran as a front runner.

Streak had drawn gate four. He was now five years old, and had earned himself a record of 31-9-9-7. He was just a single win from grade two. Last year he had won seven races, and he was nominated for a Horse of The Year award. Streak ran as a closer. Gate five would be empty, due to a scratching. Gate six would hold Midnight Dreamer. He was a five year old grade three stallion with a record of 26-8-7-5. He ran mid pack. Finally, there was the top threat himself. Executioner's Apprentice, now five years old, had earned himself a record of 54-26-21-5 and was a nominee for Racehorse of the Year. He'd already started twice this year, for first and second. Since he had run first in the Breeder's Cup Mile at the end of December, there was a possibility he'd be tired. Fingers crossed! Olivia thought with a slight smile.

Streak transitioned to gallop smoothly, and accelerated strongly even as they rounded the turn. Clumps of turf flicked up behind them as he dug deep, gaining speed with each stride. Shortly into the straight, he reached his top velocity and sprinted the remaining distance. Each stride was full of power and energy, and it still coursed through him as he reached the finish and slowed at her command. He was more than ready for the Unicorn Horn Turf Mile.

AFTER DUSK WORKS FOR THE UNICORN HORN DIRT SPRINT

Stella mounted up on the gorgeous bay filly with a smile. Last month she'd really shone in the Breeder's Cup, just grabbing the Filly and Mare Sprint by a nose. Overall it had been a great year for Dusty, who had come home with eight wins in fifteen starts. This year, Stella had big plans for the thoroughbred. Beginning with a win in the Unicorn Horn Dirt Sprint.

Trotting onto the dirt to warm up, Stella considered the race. It was six furlongs on dirt, and had attracted a field of five. Five talented sprinters that would be tough to beat. Dusty was half sister to Sunset Crusade through her dam, Dusk Runner, and she was sired by Beyond The Limits, making her half to Limitless Time, among others. Although her bloodlines suggested she would be better at a longer distance, Dusty was fast and didn't have the stamina to go ten furlongs. So she ran five to nine furlongs, usually at six, seven or eight.

Forbidden To Fly, sired by Flying Colours and out of Forbidden Wings was in gate one. The grade one four year old had a record of 34-14-10-7 and had most recently run second in the Breeder's Cup Sprint. He ran mid pack. Gamble On Peace would start from gate two. He was a four year old grade three stallion who had run third behind Forbidden To Fly in the Breeder's Cup Sprint. He had a record of 29-7-6-5 and ran as a closer. Next was Wannabe Hero, who would start from gate four. He was a four year old grade three colt with a record of 21-9-5-2. He had already won a race this year, and ran as a front runner. Finally there was the only other filly in the field, Beltane. She was grade two, on the verge of grading up, with a record of 38-12-11-8. She had run second in the Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Turf Sprint and had already run twice for two wins this year. She ran as a front runner.

After Dusk herself had drawn gate three. She was grade two, with a record of 27-12-4-4. This would be her first race back after winning the Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, and she was well ready for the challenge. Two weeks out of work to frolick in the pasture had done wonders for the young mare, as it had for all their horses. She was fresh, rejuvenated and re-energised. She was keen to race, and kept racing her stablemates in the pasture and up and down the fenceline. Under saddle she was very forward moving and she'd nearly galloped off early when Stella had just asked her to trot.

Now she was tugging on the reins, snorting a bit with frustration. She wanted to really get going, really fly down the stretch. She had no one to race but the clock, though, until race day. For now, she could work the extra energy off anyway. Stella crouched closer to the filly and allow the reins to slip a few inches through her fingers. After Dusk launched into gallop. Her stride became longer and stronger as she headed toward the turn, flicking dirt up behind her.

Stella guided the filly around the turn, although she was an expert by now at it. As the turn ended, and the stretch straightened out before her, Dusty accelerated again, sprinting down the dirt towards the finish. She wasn't trying her hardest, but Stella knew she would on race day. She was ready to take on the Unicorn Horn Dirt Sprint.

SPITTING IMAGE WORKS FOR THE UNICORN HORN TURF SPRINT

Blaze mounted up on the attractive light bay filly and turned her to face the turf track, sending her trotting quickly for it. Like most of the older Star Thoroughbreds horses, Image had had time off to rest and relax. She hadn't run in the Breeder's Cup, so the the second half of December she had spent racing around the paddocks. After nearly three weeks off work she'd returned to work and then run in the Jump Start Sprint in the second week of January. Third place had been disappointing, but it was fair to say the thoroughbred had still been in holiday mode. She was now back in full work and her times were better than before her break.

Image was entered in the Unicorn Horn Turf Sprint. Run over six furlongs on turf, for three year olds and up, it was going to be a tough race with plenty of turf sprinting talent. Axis Mundae was the first entrant, and she was a five year old grade one mare. She had run second in the Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint, and had already started this year for a win. With a record of 53-18-18-7, Axis Mundae ran usually as a closer. Next was another filly from Stride Of Perfection Stables, and she was probably their top competition. Half sister of Axis Mundae, Innocent Passion had a record of 21-9-5-7 and had run second in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. She had already run this year for second place and usually ran as a preceder.

Flying Solo was the last contender, a five year old stallion from Intrepid Racing. He had a record of 27-8-5-4 and ran as a stalker. Image herself rain midpack, and was grade three with a record of 31-8-12-8. She needed a win to boost her confidence, because she was capable of winning and just needed to believe it herself. She loved racing, but coming second all the time seemed to knock the filly down a bit.

As they cantered towards the four furlong pole, Blaze prepared to release the filly. Grabbing a hunk of mane, he ensured his feet were secure in the stirrups and then let the reins slip through his fingers. Image immediately burst into gallop, kicking up her heels slightly with joy. As she thundered down the stretch, Blaze had a feeling that the real Image was back. She was ready for the Unicorn Horn Turf Sprint.

WAR CRY WORKS FOR THE UNICORN HORN DIRT

Nearly a month after the Breeder's Cup, and a couple weeks off to just be a horse had made all the difference. War Cry had filled out nicely in the short amount of time, and was fresh, rejuvenated and ready to go. After losing four races in a row last year, Xena had finally gotten it together in time to take the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies in style. What a win it had been! She had lead the race wire to wire, and although the other fillies had come close, no one had gotten close enough.

Now three years old, War Cry was headed for the Triple Tiara. First on the hit list of preps for the big races was the Unicorn Horn Dirt. The nine furlong race had attracted four talented fillies this year, and it was safe to say they would probably all be headed for the Tiara, if not the Triple Crown. Xena tossed her pretty chestnut head, and bounced as she trotted on the dirt track to warm up. She was feeling good, and she was every bit the image of what a racehorse should look like. Fit, lean, muscular, with a healthy shine to her coat and a sparkle in her eyes. Winning was definitely a good look for her.

The Unicorn Horn Dirt was without doubt going to be her toughest race yet. She was one of three Breeder's Cup winners entered, and the other filly was Ventura, who'd been a close second behind her in the Juvenile Fillies. Nightshade from Intrepid Racing however looked to be the toughest contender of all. She had a record of 21-9-11-1, and although she'd been raced hard as a juvenile, it had obviously worked for her. The filly had beaten out colts to win the Breeder's Cup Juvenile, after all. She ran as a closer.

Ventura was sired by Impressario and out of Rising Fury. Marissa was thrilled to see her doing so well, but it didn't mean she'd let the other filly beat them. Ventura had so far earned a record of 21-9-9-3, and had won last week in a small race. She ran as a preceder. Italian Ice was the final entrant, sired by Impressario and out of Cute Italian. She was grade three, with a record of 15-7-5-1, and she had won the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Italian Ice was a front runner or preceder.

War Cry herself was grade four with a record of 13-5-8-0. She'd never placed out of the top two, and eight of her starts had been in HOTY Selection* races, which were the biggest and most important races on the calendar. Other than Ventura, Xena had also beaten Wish Upon A Star, Sweet Inferno and Dirty Diana for the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies win. In Marissa's mind, the win had solidified War Cry as a top competitor. She knew that before that win, everyone had dismissed Xena as a top contender because she had placed second a few too many times.

It looked like Xena would get her way and lead the race uncontested for much of it. Italian Ice could contend for it but judging by her recent starts, she preferred to position herself behind the leader, which was also where Ventura would be. Nightshade would bring up the rear. Like always, Xena and Marissa would make their move at the top of the stretch and sprint away from the rest of the field. It was the same strategy they always used. Hopefully it would result in another win!

War Cry tugged on the bit, keen to get on with galloping. She knew the time must be near, since she was completely warmed up by now. Marissa held tight for a few more minutes, and then released the filly into gallop. Xena surged forward powerfully, lengthening her stride as she raced for the turn. A smile tugged at the corners of Marissa's mouth. Oh, she loved this filly. So unafraid to go hard. She was very much like her siblings, and could almost be mistaken for a colt. Xena took the turn fast and leaned into it expertly, then as the stretch straightened out she accelerated again and really started to go for it. As she crossed the finish, Marissa knew this filly would do all she could to stay in front on race day. She was ready for the Unicorn Horn Dirt.

CALAMITY QUEEN WORKS FOR THE UNICORN HORN TURF

The dark bay filly danced beneath Stella as she warmed up for her workout. A month off racing had done her good. Now three years old, she had filled out some while on her two week complete break from work, and she was ready to rise to the challenges she would face as a Turf Triple Tiara contender. She'd come a long way in the last few months, winning two races in October and another in December. She'd then run an unlucky fourth in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and there were high hopes for her to make up for that loss by winning the Unicorn Horn Turf.

It was was race run over nine furlongs on turf for three year olds only. It was fair to say that many of the contenders for the Turf Triple Crown and Tiara would be running in this race, so for Calamity Queen to win it would be great. Stella thought that a lot of their competition would probably underestimate the filly and that's where they would have an advantage. Queenie had put in her fastest times yet in the last two weeks, so she was definitely on the improve and would hopefully surprise them all with a stunning win.

Queenie would be up against four other talented horses. Ode To Glory was one, a colt that had practically come out of nowhere to dead heat with Blue Me Away in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf. He was grade four, with a record of 20-5-4-6. He ran as a midpacker. Night Goddess was next, a grade four filly with a record of 12-4-5-2. She ran as a closer. A Royal Legacy, a grade four Merry Bay King colt was to start from gate five. He had a record of 19-4-2-6 and appeared to run more on dirt than turf. This would be his first important turf race. he ran as a closer. Finally, there was Bella Luna. Another grade four filly, she had a record of 21-6-8-4 and ran as a stalker.

Calamity Queen herself was grade four and had a record of 16-5-1-5. She typically ran as a preceder and liked to take the lead about halfway through a race. It looked like she'd be leading this race wire to wire, which suited the filly fine. The other horses would eat grass as she tore it up galloping in front of them! The filly was cantering along nicely, albeit tugging on the bit slightly. She was raring to gallop, raring to race. It had been nearly an entire month, after all. This workout alone would not satisfy her. She needed to race against not only the clock, but other horses. She needed someone to try to beat.

Stella allowed the reins to slip a few notches and the filly got right to it. Her stride lengthened as she powered up to the turn, galloping now. Around the turn she went, almost expertly, leaning in and slowing down only very slightly. As the stretch straightened out before her, the filly accelerated hard, stretching out her entire body with every stride to cover move and more ground. Stella urged her on and on, knowing the filly wasn't giving her absolute best. She never really did without an opponent. And as they crossed the finish, Stella knew that Queenie was saving her best for race day. She was ready for the Unicorn Horn Turf.

HEADSTRONG AND RADIANT SILVER WORK FOR THE UNICORN HORN JUVENILE DIRT

I swear, she nearly ripped my arms out. Headstrong's handler told Marissa as she collected the filly. Marissa smiled. Yeah, she loves the track. Can't get here fast enough. She replied as she vaulted into the saddle. Rizz immediately trotted off once the leadrope was clipped off, heading right for the dirt track. Stella was ahead on Radiant Silver - the two were workout buddies again today since they were entered in the same race, the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Dirt.

It had been three weeks since Rizz had won her first start in the twelve furlong Stormy Night Maiden Dirt. It had in fact been a dead heat with Everyday Smile, the Everyday Hero x Euphoria filly. Sharing the winner's circle had certainly been an interesting experience, but Marissa didn't want to do it again. She was determined they'd win outright next time. Radiant Silver had run third in his maiden debut, which had been a good experience for him. The colt would do better in his second run now that he knew better what to expect and how to handle it.

There were four other horses entered in the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Dirt, including Everyday Smile. Besides Rad, they were all horses who had won their first starts. In gate one would be Battle Wings, a filly sired by Akuma Battlecry and foaled by Silent Wings. She had won the Dirty Duck Stakes in the first week of January, and had shown a preference for leading the race. Next, in gate two, would be Anodyne. He was a colt sired by Augusto and out of Sun Chaser. He had won his first race at The Wire track in the Janvier Maiden in the first week of January and showed a preference for both stalking the leaders and leading the race,

Then there was Everyday Smile in gate five. She had been with Headstrong the entire way through the Stormy Night Maiden Dirt, always just right on her flank. She'd then made a move early and drawn level with Rizz, which was how they remained until the race ended and was called a dead heat. Ladam Rose was the final entry after a late scratching, starting from gate seven. Also sired by Akuma Battlecry, the filly was out of Charisma. She'd won her first race in the second week of January in the January Maiden Dirt, and shown a preference for running mid pack.

The field was top heavy, since Headstrong, Anodyne and Battle Wings all liked to lead and Everyday Smile liked to run behind the leaders. It meant that Ladam Rose and Radiant Silver were at an advantage. The front runners would probably wear themselves out trying to lead, and Everyday Smile could get stuck behind them. Stella knew she would probably have to take Rad wide, and then really drive him on to get to the finish in time to win. It wasn't going to be an easy race, but they knew Rad could really close strongly from what he had shown them in workouts.

The pair of thoroughbreds were now warmed up and ready to rock and roll. They were both begging for their heads by tugging on the reins excitedly, trying to outrun each other while cantering. The time to gallop was close now, just another few metres and they'd be released. They were just doing three furlongs, so they'd take the turn slowly and then fly down the stretch. Stella wanted to test Rad's closing power, so she decided she'd let Rizz in front by a half length when they got going.

On cue, the two thoroughbreds burst into gallop, immediately trying to race each other. Stella held Rad back slightly, much to his frustration, and then held him next to Rizz's flank as they rounded the turn. When the turn straightened out into the stretch, Rizz and Marissa took off. Rad tossed his head in frustration, and then Stella released him. The colt took advantage and threw himself into a massive, ground eating stride. They were already beginning to catch the filly. Rad was continuing to accelerate powerfully as the gained on Rizz inch by inch. It was going to be close, very close in fact. As they thundered past the finish, it was Rad by a nose. He had done it! Stella grinned ear to ear, giving the colt an affectionate slap on the neck. Good boy! she exclaimed.

Marissa was also grinning. That was awesome! I thought we had you for sure, and I think Rizz did to for a moment. She high fived Stella, and they dropped back to canter, then trot. The pair were ready for the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Dirt.

VOODOO DOLL AND KING GEORGE WORK FOR THE UNICORN HORN JUVENILE TURF

The black filly and the chestnut colt were certainly a sight for sore eyes. Together, they looked absolutely stunning. After having both been successful in their maiden debuts, the now grade five two year olds were entered in the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Turf. The prestigious turf race for two year olds had so far attracted a field of six, so the pair were up against four other talented young thoroughbreds.

Voodoo Doll had raced in the Stormy Night Maiden Turf, which was twelve furlongs long, in the first week of January. She had defeated three other entrants by at least a head, despite trying to attack them. It was Marissa's expert handling of the filly that got them into the winner's circle. She was like a rocket ready for take off. She needed to be handled very firmly but with caution. King George had raced two weeks ago in the second week of January, taking the eleven furlong January Juvenile Turf Faceoff with style. There had been just two other entrants in the field, both of them closers, so they hadn't come close to beating him.

The pair of thoroughbreds began warming up at a trot on the turf track. The spring grass was springy under foot, although a little beaten up from the morning's workouts. Like always, Blaze and George kept their distance from Dolly and Marissa. They were entered in the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Turf, a race run over ten furlongs on the turf for two year olds only. Since it was so close to the beginning of the year, it was usually the two year olds that had won their first races that entered. Looking over the entry list, Marissa knew that all but one horse was now a grade five.

In gate one would be In The Spotlight. Half sister to King George through their sire, grade one stallion Gorgeous George, the filly was out of On To The Spotlight. She had won her first race in the first week of January and shown a preference for leading the race. In gate two would be Acantha. She'd already run twice, and this would be her third start. It was pushing it a bit in Marissa's opinion. The filly was two years old and would have be tired since she raced in the first week of the month for third and then the third week for a win. She had shown a preference for front running.

Gate five would hold Dare To Impress, a filly sired by Impressario and out of Dare To Dream. She had won her first race just last weekend in the Legacy Turf Stakes, and showed a preference for running as a preceder. Miss Josephine was the next starter, running from gate six. She was sired by Passionate Class and out of Carmilla, and was the only maiden in the field. She had run once for third place in the second week of January and showed a preference for closing. Finally there was Prima Donna, King George's other half sister of the same age. Out of Royal Assault, the filly had won her debut in the Flipping Frog Stakes in the first week of January, showing a preference for stalking.

Voodoo Doll and King George had drawn gates three and four. The field looked to be very top heavy, with all but one of the entrants either liking to lead or to run behind the leaders. Miss Josephine would have the advantage there. The pace was likely to be very fast with everyone gunning for the lead or the spot behind the lead. Marissa and Blaze would play it by ear, and there was a chance they would drop back to mid pack to avoid getting boxed on the rail.

The two thoroughbreds were cantering nicely, although raring to go. George and Blaze still kept their distance, of course, but they were ready to give Dolly a run for her money. Dolly was tugging on the reins, her canter slowly picking up speed. The turn was just up ahead, and both horses knew that was often where they started running. Their riders exchanged glances, as as they passed the three furlong pole the horses were sent flying into gallop. George moved closer to Dolly now so that he would not be left behind on the turn. but still kept reasonable distance of her.

They moved around the corner quickly, and accelerated into the stretch. Approximately nose to nose, the workout was quickly becoming a speed duel and both horses were soon flat out, glaring at one another. Dolly was trying to veer over to George to bite him, but Marissa blocked her every time. George was beginning to pull ahead, and the filly dug in again for one last burst of speed as the reached the finish. She was lucky, and stretched out just as George brought his legs under him again, and won by a head. They galloped out triumphantly and then dropped back through their paces. George was fuming. He would not let the filly beat him in the race, or any of the others for that matter. He was the only colt and he would do his best to make the boys proud. They were ready for the Unicorn Horn Juvenile Turf.