blizzard

RADIANT SILVER AND HEADSTRONG WORK FOR THE ANTARCTIC DERBY

It was a cold, misty morning. Winter was well on it's way, and there were reports of a blizzard to come later today. Breath was highly visible from the horses as their hooves crunched the frosted grass. On their backs, their riders rode in warm jackets and woolly gloves, trying to stay warm in the cold. I hate winter.. Marissa grumbled.
Mmm. Stella agreed. And it's only September... She was not looking forward to winter racing. Last year she'd been riding in a race the afternoon following a night snowstorm. The horse had slipped over completely while taking the final turn and while neither horse or rider had been injured apart from bumps and bruises, Stella was not keen on it happening again.

The two year old thoroughbreds they were warming up now had never raced in the snow and therefore they would be most at risk. There was the possibility their first snow race would be this weekend, given that there was a storm forecast for later this afternoon. It was ironic, considering that their next race was the Antarctic Derby. It was a ten furlong race for two year olds, and two fillies bred by Star Thoroughbreds were entered. Battle Wings and Everyday Smile. Battle Wings was by Akuma Battlecry and out of Silent Wings. She was a grade four with a record of 12-4-5-2, and her most recent start was in the Lone Star Derby three weeks ago, where she had placed third.

Everyday Smile was by Everyday Hero and out of Euphoria. She was also grade four with a record of 7-5-2-0 and had raced last in the Lone Star Derby as well, coming first. The pair of fillies were definitely already great racehorses, and it was time Radiant Silver and Headstrong gave them a run for their money. Radiant Silver seemed to be rising now after a solid run and win in the Autumn Cup Grade Five Dirt. He had beaten Headstrong and Glory Bell, who had had a record of 4-3-1-0 at the time. Rad's record was now 11-2-3-4, and the young thoroughbred had gained some confidence from the win.

Headstrong had again placed second, bringing her record to 10-2-6-2. The filly was increasingly irritable and needed a win to bring her back the confidence Rad now had. Battle Wings was also a front runner, which would make things difficult. It looked like Radiant Silver would be at the same advantage he'd had in the Autumn Cup - he'd been the only closer in the field and was able to conserve while his competitors burned. Stella was excited by the thought he could win again in a short space of time, but reminded herself that anything could happen in horse racing.

With warm, loose muscles, the thoroughbreds were asked to gallop. They didn't need to be told twice, and immediately responded. Strong strides carried them to the turn, and their riders kept them at a solid pace, nose to nose. Radiant Silver clung to the rail, and Marissa was careful to keep Rizz from crowding him. Quickly, they approached the turn and took it at a reasonable pace. Rad inched ahead slightly, and Rizz responded to this by launching herself into full speed just as the turn was ending. Marissa didn't slow her because she'd been about to urge the filly on within a few moments in any case. Rizz hated to be behind other horses.

Radiant Silver and Stella allowed the filly to get in front of them, and then crossed behind her to the outside. Stella then let Rad really go, and the colt was ready for it. With strong, powerful strides he began to gain ground again. They raced up the stretch, faster and faster. Rad's nose was equal to Rizz's shoulder, and the filly's ears flattened against her skull in warning. She put on a final burst of speed and crossed the finish line, snorting her victory as she galloped out. Woo hoo! Marissa waved her whip in the air, grinning. Rad dropped back through the paces, his breathing slowing to a normal rate quickly. Stella leaned forward to pat his neck. We'll get her next time buddy. and with that, they were ready for the Antartic Derby.