golden leaves

AUTUMN CUP WORKOUTS BELOW

RADIANT SILVER AND HEADSTRONG WORK FOR THE AUTUMN CUP

The Autumn Cup was to run in a few days time. Rizz and Rad had been entered in the Lone Star Derby, but were pulled at the last moment and entered in the Autumn Cup Grade Five Dirt instead. They began their warm up at a brisk trot around the outer rail of the dirt track. Headstrong demonstrated how aptly she had been named by tossed her her and pulling on the bit, while Radiant Silver just showed off beside her with his neck arched and his tail high. Their riders were silent, thinking about the race ahead. The horses seemed equal in ability - they were workout partners a lot and had started in several races together. Rizz seemed more consistent in races, but Rad was right up there with her.

The Autumn Cup Grade Five Dirt was a ten furlong race, and had attracted a field of four. Ivory Storms from a stable of the same name was entered in gate one. The colt had a record of 4-1-2-1 and looked to be a solid competitor. In gate two was Star Thoroughbreds bred colt Glory Bell. Now owned by In Stride Racing, the Bank On Glory x Flashabelle lined thoroughbred had earned himself a great record of 4-3-1-0 and would be the one to beat. Heels tapped thoroughbreds' sides lightly and the pair were quick to break into canter.

Radiant Silver had drawn gate three. The Radiance sired, Silver Stalker foaled colt was clearly born of great bloodlines but so far his record hadn't shown it. He had run ten starts for one win, three second places and four third places. He was possibly a late bloomer, and would run better as a three year old. Headstrong was to start from gate five, and the fiery filly was bound to put up a fight. She was sired by War Admiral, making her half sister to Admiral's Revenge and therefore of the same blood as some of the top horses to grace GHF's track in the last few years. She had missed out on the win a few too many times, with a record of 9-2-5-2, and would be out to win this time for sure.

The pair of thoroughbreds were now warmed up and ready to gallop. 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 coming up fast, only another twenty metres or so and they'd be released. On cue, the two thoroughbreds burst into gallop, immediately trying to race each other. Rizz forced her nose ahead, and then accelerated as the turn leveled into the stretch. Stella had held Rad back slightly, much to his frustration. But as the stretch straightened out before him, she released him and the colt knew exactly what he had to do.

Digging in, Rad through himself into gear. With each massive stride, he began to gain ground on the filly. Marissa looked over her shoulder and saw them, then urged Rizz on faster. Both thoroughbreds were reaching their full speed potential, and Rad was closing fast. Inch by inch, he gained on her. It was going to be close! When they flashed by the finish, Rizz had just held her lead by a nose. Dammit! Stella thought. She'd held Rad in too long. It was a mistake she would not make again, that was for sure. But she was definitely pleased with how he had closed on Headstrong. He could certainly be classified as a strong closer. As they slowed back through the paces, both riders knew their mounts were ready for the Autumn Cup.