heat of the battle

will finish asap

EUPHORIA'S WARRIOR WORKS FOR THE SUMMER CUP

The four year old colt was fresh as could be, having last raced in the third week of April, a full month ago now. The majority of the big races for four year olds and over were in the second half of the year, which was getting close now. Warrior's next race to conquer was the Summer Cup Grade One Dirt, which had attracted tough competition as always. Stella ran the brush off the colt one last time and stood back to admire him. Now almost fully developed, Warrior was beginning to look (and behave) like a stallion. His neck was thicker than ever and his muscles bulged under his shining bay coat. He was becoming more and more interested in female horses and they had to put vapor rub in his nostrils when racing and working him to keep his mind on the task at hand.

After quickly putting on the thoroughbred's tack, Stella lead him out of the stables to the mounting block where the colt barely stood still for her. They headed down to the track at a brisk walk, and it took a bit of effort to keep the horse walking, as already his mind was on the gallop. When all four of Warrior's hooves were walking on dirt, Stella nudged his sides gently and sent him trotting. Good boy.. Stella praised as she rose and sat in time with his diagonals. Although working on the home track was boring without someone to race, Warrior still liked to get out and stretch his legs after being stabled all night.

As they warmed up, Stella considered their upcoming race and competition for it. Fiery Touch had been due to race from gate one, but had been scratched. Paradise Island was to start from gate two. Last year's Triple Tiara Champion was having a good season so far, although she seemed to be running a lot in lower level races. Following Silver Stride Stables closing, the filly had been sold to In Stride Stables, a close partner of SSS. The move did not seem to affect the filly's racing performance at all. Flashy Wings was their only other competitor. He was not having a spectacular season, but the five year old stallion had beaten Warrior to the post a few times, most memorably in December and January.

Paradise Island would lead the race, with Flashy Wings hot on her heels. Warrior would hang back in third for much of the way, before closing strongly in the final furlongs. The exact moment they made their move would depend on how their competitors were traveling. They couldn't fall too far behind, nor could they move to the front too soon. It was usually between the third and second final furlongs that Stella drove the colt on. He cantered now