high flyer

CROWNED QUEEN AND SUGAR RUSH WORK FOR THE EAGLE CUP

Crowned Queen was already a high flyer, and the Eagle Cup was the next race on her list to win. It was shaping up to be a tough field, and her stablemate Sugar Rush was not to be forgotten. Despite having four wins less than Jewel, Sugar was just as strong as a competitor and had beaten Jewel in the Dixianna Breeder's Futurity six weeks ago. She'd been right behind her in many of their races together and was raring for another win against her competitive stablemate.

They set off on their warmup at a brisk trot, and Sugar Rush asserted herself as the dominant one.. for now. Jewel would let her lead the race and then steal the win right from under her nose. The Eagle Cup was run over six furlongs on dirt. There were six entrants, including Sugar and Jewel, and there was some seriously tough competition in their way of the win. Alucard, in the first gate for example had come from nowhere. Neither Olivia or Blaze could remember really noticing him before, but they noticed him now. In the hands of Stride Of Perfection Stables, the colt had earned himself a record of 13-5-5-2. He'd most recently won the Orchid Cup Colts, which had run July Week 3.

The next entrant was Optimus Unstoppable. He was inexperienced with only two starts, and had not raced since January. He would likely not be ready for the level of competition this race had in it, but they wouldn't count him out. Reflected in Water was the next entrant, and though she was inexperienced the Radiance sired filly had won her last three races in three weeks so they knew she was tough. Then there was Tears No More. He was definitely their biggest contender, with a record of 13-7-5-1. He had last won in July, and had most recently placed third in the Racing Post Trophy six weeks ago.

Crowned Queen was coming off a win just last week and had bounced back nicely. She had brought her record up to 16-7-5-2 and was now grade three, with all but her maiden win being in a big race. Sugar Rush had a record of 14-3-4-6 and was just good as Jewel in terms of speed and stamina. She hadn't won for six weeks and was due for another win, to bring her up to grade four ranks. As for how the race would play out, it looked as though Optimus Unstoppable was the only horse with an advantange there. The race was front heavy with two front runners and three preceders, so it was lucky that Crowned Queen and Sugar Rush had the outside gates. Sugar Rush would probably put up a hell of a fight to keep the lead from Tears No More, but the colt didn't get to grade three already for nothing. Blaze would have to rate her so she didn't tire herself out to much pushing the pace faster and faster. Crowned Queen would take up position behind her stablemate to avoid getting stuck on the rail with Alucard and Reflected in Water.

With race strategising behind them, and the pair of fillies warmed up, the riders sent them flying into gallop. They would only do a three furlong blowout seeing as Jewel had raced last weekend, as they didn't want to tire her out. Sugar Rush would also need plenty of energy to fight off Tears No More. With strong strides that lengthened with each one, the fillies pounded around the turn without slowing down. Sugar Rush hugged the rail, and gained a little ground. With the stretch straightening out before them, each put on a burst of speed, their hind quarters pushing out powerfully while their front legs stretched forward. Jewel quickly made up the lost ground.

Their hearts pounded in their chests as they closed on the finish but neither filly would win. Their riders made sure they held them nose to nose the whole way, just to make sure they wanted it that much more on race day. They flashed by the wire together and slowed gradually during the gallop out. Olivia grinned ear to ear while Blaze smiled to himself. Sugar Rush was ready to rock Crowned Queen's world again. He could feel it. Olivia felt similarly about Crowned Queen, giving the filly's neck an affection rub as they slowed to canter. Turning back to the gap in the rail they dropped back to trot. The fillies were ready to fly high in the Eagle Cup.

WHOEVER JUDGES - I would really appreciate a bit more time for this workout. I've been doing them for nearly six hours (couldn't get on any earlier today and not at all yesterday) and it's now 11.30pm and I'm too tired to get any more words out

MANHATTAN ROYALTY WORKS FOR THE HAWK CUP

Manny would go into the Hawk Cup as the least favourite to win, simply because he had six wins less than the favourite. People had probably forgotten about it, but a month ago Manhattan Royalty had beaten out Demonic Desires for the win in the Best Pal Stakes. His record of 16-2-8-3 wasn't so bad, either. Eight second places could have just as easily been wins - Manny was talented, but up until last month he'd been pretty unlucky. Now his luck seemed to have turned, and the colt was ready to shake things up again in the Hawk Cup. This time with a bit more competition - but with that came more recognition. The Royal Red Richard colt was related to some fine sprinters, like Pegasus Wings and Here's The King. He would be just as great one day, sooner rather than later.

Olivia grinned to herself, guiding the young colt around the outer rail as they warmed up. Radiant Silver and Headstrong zoomed by on the dirt track, with Radiant Silver claiming victory of the workout race. Stella's squeal of joy and Marissa's groan were audible over the pounding hooves of all three horses. Olivia nudged Manny's sides gently, sending him into canter and crossing to the inside rail for the turn. Radiant Silver and Headstrong had galloped out and turned back to exit the track behind them. Manny stretched his legs in an extended canter, lengthening his neck as well as Olivia trusted him enough to give him the extra rein. They were the only ones left on the track now, so it wasn't so likely he would just take off or something.

The Hawk Cup looked to be a tough race, and Olivia would treat it as such. With now front runner but a field of three preceders and a closer, the pace would probably be fairly slow. Olivia would play it by ear, and try to keep Manny in his preferred position. Someone would have to lead, and she didn't want it to be them, even though Manny was capable of leading a race. Olivia stifled a yawn, thankful it was her last ride for the day. She couldn't wait to sleep in tomorrow - Sweetness Unlimited would be her only horse to work since the others were racing this weekend.