hold onto your crown

SILENT FURY WORKS FOR THE SUMMER CUP

At five years old, Silence was every bit the unruly stallion you would probably expect, and more. He had reached full growth and towered at nearly seventeen hands high. But it was not only his height that was intimidating - the thoroughbred also had a temper and a powerful physique. This year his desire to fight had increased massively, and Silence had not lost a single race, winning all eight of them so far. Right now his record was 51-20-17-10 and Marissa dearly hoped the Rising Fury stallion would carry on his winning streak throughout the year. His next race would be the Summer Cup Grade One Turf, and he was well rested for it given that he had not raced since the end of last month.

The race had attracted just two others, Flawed Princess and Infinite Warcry. They had bred and previously owned Flawed Princess, and sold her as a three year old. Marissa had been her rider. The mare had not shown any promise until her five year old season, and now was in her prime as a six year old. Now racing for Witch Creek Stables, she would be one to watch out for. Infinite Warcry was a four year old colt owned by Stride Of Perfection Stables. It looked as though he may have peaked early, considering his three year old season had been excellent and his four year old season so far had been quiet. That did not mean to say Marissa counted him out - she actually thought he was more likely to put up a fight than Flawed Princess, but only time would tell.

In the race, Silence would be leading, Flawed Princess would run behind them and Infinite Warcry would close. Silence had lead twenty of his fifty one races from wire to wire, and he had done it at a variety of distances. He was a very fit and very strong, capable front runner. He didn't run flat out the entire way - his cruising speed was however still fast and some horses could not keep up that speed for ten furlongs or whatever. But it was Silence's sprint to the finish that wowed everyone - he conserved energy throughout the race by just calmly leading it, then in the final furlongs he explodes forward and charges down the stretch like a jet plane taking off.

Marissa took a hunk of mane in her hand and sent the stallion flying into gallop. He accelerated fast, digging into the turf as he threw himself forward. They hugged the rail as they moved quickly around the turn into the homestretch. Marissa began to drive the horse on, although it was hardly necessary. Silent Fury knew the drill and he loved this part of it. The bay stallion responded enthusiastically, truly beginning his sprint charge down to the wire now. Marissa gave him all the rein he needed, and the stallion used the full length of it as he stretched his body to cover more ground. It didn't take him long at all to reach top speed, and then he held it all the way to the finish of their four furlong breeze, and further still. Marissa stood in the stirrups and firmly slowed Silence back down through the paces. He was more than ready to take on the Summer Cup.