to the moon and back

SILENT FURY WORKS FOR THE FULL MOON DERBY

The media of the racing world had been watching Silence closely for a few months now, and articles kept popping up about him. He had now run ten races this year undefeated and was going for the eleventh this weekend. The Full Moon Derby was a G1 preparatory race for the upcoming Turf Superstars series, which included the highly desirable Melbourne Cup. Would he continue his winning streak? Only time would tell. He was very nearly beaten by Flawed Princess in his last race - they had in fact dead heated it. Silence seemed to consider it a loss though and was apparently still fuming over it. Every time he took to the track lately he'd put in 110%, a sure sign he was going to be out for revenge on race day. The stallion had even beaten his best breeze time by a quarter of a second.

Marissa posted quickly in time with his trot. His dark bay coat looked black in the dim early morning light, but she could see a slight shine that would only brighten as the sun rose over the horizon. Like always when working a horse, she thought about the race ahead. The Full Moon Derby would not be an easy race, but it was well within Silence's capabilities. He would be up against Dazzling Dame and Infinite Warcry, who were twins, as well as Flawed Princess. Although Marissa was pleased to see Amira doing well, as her former rider, she was not going to give the race to Witch Creek Stables. Or Stride of Perfection Stables, for that matter. No, her loyalty was firmly with Star Thoroughbreds as it had always been, especially as she was a co owner of the stable and all of its horses. They would be gunning for the win as always, despite breeding one of their contenders.

Going more in depth, Marissa considered what she knew about the other horses entered in the race. Dazzling Dame of Witch Creek Stables was four years old and had recently made grade one after winning the Summer Cup Grade Two Turf. She'd won five of nine starts this season, placing second twice and third twice in the other four starts. As a preceder, she would be running behind Silence, hopefully a length or two back as the stallion was liable to attempt an attack if she got too close. Infinite Warcry of Stride Of Perfection Stables was twin brother of Dazzling Dame, and had accomplished a lot in his career. With no win since the end of April, he would definitely be on the warpath and was the type to come flying from behind. Flawed Princess was top of the watch list however, seeing as she had nearly nabbed the Seashell Cup from Silence at the end of June. As a preceder she would be right with Dazzling Dame for much of the way.

All in all, a top field. They would certainly challenge Silence, but a challenge was exactly what the colt loved, and he would rise to meet it. Coming back to the present time, Marissa prepared to send the stallion flying into gallop. Anticipating her instruction, Silence burst forward early. Marissa barely batted an eyelash, having been ready for the explosion of speed, but quickly rated the stallion. He needed to let off steam, but not burn out before the race even began. They thundered around the turn at a more moderated speed, and then entered the homestretch. Marissa turned the stallion loose. Silence quickly lengthened his stride and accelerated, pounding the turf with each powerful hoof as he gunned it for the finish. As they flashed by, Marissa knew Silence was ready to take on anyone and anything. He could take her to the moon and back..