raging torrent

EUPHORIA'S WARRIOR WORKS FOR THE BABBLING BROOK HANDICAP

The young stallion was stunning to look at. His long legs were slender but muscular, his coat dark and shiny. His mane flowed in the gentle breeze, and his tail was held high behind him. Stella posted quickly in time with his trot, her eyes glazing over the track ahead as she contemplated Warrior and his race ahead. He was four years old, and they were reaching the pointy end of the year. Races were going to get tougher with the four year old and over series coming up, and then there was the Dubai World Cup. After that, Warrior would be headed to the Breeder's Cup. Which race he ran in had yet to be decided, but the Classic could be on the cards.

Warrior's next race was the Babbling Brook Handicap. It was a prep race for the Senior Superstars Series, the first leg of which ran in October. Warrior had run second and third in the last two prep races and this was his last chance to win one this year. Having lost his last three starts, the thoroughbred was well and truly raring to go and win the next one. He needed to, really, in order to re assert himself as a top candidate for the end of year awards. Currently his rival Flashy Wings was pipping him at the post, and Stella didn't want that to continue. Flashy Wings was also running in the Babbling Brook Handicap, so this was the perfect race for Warrior to take back control.

Moving on into canter, Warrior relaxed slightly. Stella turned him in a large circle in both directions, then they continued on around the outer edge of the track. The homestretch was soon before them, and Stella again considered the Babbling Brook Handicap. Flashy Wings had drawn gate one, and would be their top contender. His most recent start had been in the Autumn Cup Grade One Turf, where he had placed third. His record for the year was 12-6-2-3, but two of those wins and one of those second places had been in undercard races, which didn't look as good as the big races.

Next, in gate two, was Ashes To Ashes from Witch Creek Stables. The colt had an impressive career record of 32-16-8-6, but only eight of those starts had been in big races, and he'd only won one of them. He largely raced on The Wire track and with only three starts on GHF's track in the first half of the year, he could be at a disadvantage. The next entrant was Gamble On Peace in gate three. He had not yet won this year after nine starts. He did however regularly race in big races and had to be commended for that. Stella ranked him as equal with Ashes To Ashes. Their final competitor was Paradise Island. The four year old filly was the only female in the field, but she was right up there as a co favourite with Flashy Wings and Euphoria's Warrior. Her record for this year was not of the same caliber it had been last year - she had won more undercard races than big races and it didn't look so good on her record. But she was a Triple Tiara Champion and could therefore not be counted out.

Warrior had a season record of 13-6-5-2 and not a single start had been in an undercard race. He was the only horse in the field with such a solid record and it certainly solidified him as a top contender for the win. Warrior had in fact not raced in an undercard race since he was two years old and therefore was highly rated. Stella had a goal to reach 25 wins by 50 starts for the colt and therefore he had to win four of his next five races. She would love for him to win the remaining eight races he was scheduled for this year, which would bring him to 30 wins in 54 starts, but it was unlikely. Warrior was good, but so was his competition. But hey, a girl can dream, right?

Warrior switched to gallop when asked, giving a slight kick up of the heels. Stella stayed close to his withers as the stallion headed up the homestretch, moving into the inside rail in time for the turn. Stella imagined it to be the race, and saw all their competitors around them. Ashes to Ashes had the lead, and Flashy Wings was hot on his heels. Next to Flashy Wings was Paradise Island, whose nose was equal with the stallion's quarters. Gamble On Peace had the rail right beside Warrior, and the two furlong pole was right up ahead. Stella watched as the race leaders began to make their moves, and began to urge Warrior on, before releasing him to make his strong closing kick. Warrior took powerful strides, stretching his legs as far as they would go before drawing them back to his body and taking another massive stride. He had strength and speed in spades, and it showed as he closed on Flashy Wings and Paradise Island. Ashes to Ashes and Gamble On Peace were behind them now. The filly was next to drop the pace, and now there was just Flashy Wings to beat. Warrior gained inch by inch, and then put on one final burst of speed, lunging by the finish to win by a nose.

Stella stood in the stirrups, a wide grin on her face. The imagined race scene disappeared, and it was just her and Warrior again. The colt slowed down, feeling the same sense of triumph as his rider. He was ready for the Babbling Brook Handicap. He would do whatever it took to win.