PEOPLE: Kirsten Jade, Melanie Mackenzie & Aaron Phillips
PLACE: The Wire Dirt Track
DATE: January 4 2014 (February Week One)
Jumping Juveniles
we are jumping ahead into the big leagues
The big black colt pawed at the track in anticipation. Kirsten knew she didn't have much time before she would get thrown if she didn't move soon. "Shh, patience Mano, patience". His eyes flashed in fury and Kirsten knew she wouldn't be in for a good ride if this continued. She waved to Aaron, who was upon the flashy and extremely talented Impress the Moonlight. "I gotta get moving, can you let Melanie know we'll do a two furlong group breeze at the quarter pole?" Aaron nodded and gave a thumbs up. "Alright, let's go." She kicked Mano into gear and was nearly thrown back from the power in his young stride.
The pure black colt with power in his stance and rage in his eyes moved across the TW wire as though he owned it already. He didn't care about his surroundings, he just wanted to run. He lipped at the bit, trying to get it between his teeth. The trust and partnership was still new between horse and rider but Kirsten wasn't going to let the young horse dominate over her. She was still the rider, whether he liked it or not. She was in for the long run. After Mano's blistering first start, and first win last month in the Norman Stakes* Kirsten was looking forward to seeing Mano perform in his next race.
Melanie clenched her teeth together in frustration. "Come on Flee!" She was running late for the Night Stalker colt's workout... again. Of course it was all the juvenile colt's fault... again. Anddd Melanie will get blamed for it... again. Even though everyone knew that you couldn't rush Fleet Street, nor force him to do anything. If he wanted to take his sweet time he did. If someone forced him into anything he'd dig in his stubborn heels and refuse to nudge. Melanie sighed as she saw Aaron and Kirsten both already on the track warming their mounts. She accepted a leg up from one of the track helpers and quickly pointed Flee to the gap.
The black colt didn't budge. "Oh my word Flee sometimes I just wanna strangle you!" His ear flickered backward and then stepped out onto the track. He huffed out a puff of air and moved into a trot. There we go. She almost didn't want to make a peep, scared to set off the colt again and have another disaster of a workout. He didn't do very well in his first race out and Melanie was determined to get Flee through his juvenile year with some good wins. It was going to take some work though.
Aaron glanced around at the two black juvenile colts and their riders and felt a sense of pride for his mount. He patted the young filly on her neck and enjoyed the feel of confidence that rose from her. Impress was definitely an impressive juvenile and one of their best this year. She comes from very prestigious bloodlines and has already a win in a top juvenile race on the TW track. She had another race this weekend and Aaron felt that their chances of winning was really good. Imo increased her pace on the rail, her ear pointed towards her rider. She wanted some rein to run. "Not yet Imo". They had to wait for the colts to get warmed up. No worries, Aaron was enjoying his ride and there was no rush. Patience often led to wins. And Aaron wanted to win.
Fifteen minutes later Kirsten had turned to the inner rail and had mentioned to Aaron that they were ready. Aaron transferred the motion to Melanie who nodded. The three juveniles turned to the rail and started their run. They would be meeting up to race and it definitely won't be the last time. Let's get the show on the road.