the big guns [open]

[flatcreek]

Rocket Away & Austin Smith, Devil I Am & Josh Passit

Austin blinked and sipped his coffee as he walked into the Flat Creek stable. Rissy and Kiki nicked as he opened the door. Dev pinned his ears and tried to lunge at him, as usual. Hero pricked his ears and Andy looked out his door. Austin was the second one there-the first was John, as usual. He walked down to the end to check on Laugh, who was due to foal her Spiritway baby soon. The chestnut mare pricked her ears and nicked when she saw her old jockey. "Hey, old girl. How are you doin' today, huh?" After running his eye over her, he headed towards the office to see who John had him on today.

Austin nodded to John, who looked up as he walked in. He walked over to the dry erase board with all the sets written on it. He smiled when he saw that he would be breezing Jenna six furlongs today, then grimced when he saw who he would be working with in the first set. Dev. The two year old son of Daemon and Watch The Clock, Dev was bred to be a star, but he was offically crazy. He was hardly broken, and hadn't even been near the gates yet, let alone in them. He turned to John, shaking his head. "Really, John? Jenna's going to be our star turf horse, the daughter of Rocket and Laugh, and you're working her with Dev? That colt's going to end up hurting somebody before long. We've been lucky so far, but how much longer is that luck going to hold?" His rant over, he waited for John to reply.

John replied simply with, "He's going to be running against Jenna in their maiden race."

Austin shook his head, still trying to figure out how they would get the blue roan into the gates. As he turned to walk out, John called, "Josh should be here before long. Help him get Dev saddled up." Austin nodded, then left to go wait for Josh.

Before long, the door opened and Josh walked in. Austin nodded, said his greetings, then told him, "Dev and Jenna are breezing six furlongs as prep for their maiden race." Josh looked suprised, then said, "Well, let's go saddle him up and get this over with." Josh rubbed his ribs as he said so-Dev had dumped him pretty good the other day and Josh had been feeling it for the past few days.

Austin followed Josh to Dev's stall, where a groom had left his tack already. Josh slipped into the stall, just managing to grab the colt's halter before he was bitten. He led the colt out into the aisle, clipping the cross ties to his halter. Austin held the colt's head to keep him from biting, while Josh quickly saddled him, watching for flying hooves. The colt actually behaved-for once-until they went to bridle him. Dev backed up, and when that didn't work, reared until Josh finally slipped the bridle on.

Austin left Josh holding Dev and went to saddle his own mount. Thankfully, Jenna was in a good mood and behaved much better than Dev had. He had the filly saddled up quickly and led her out to the dirt road heading towards the track. He saw Josh there, already on Dev, and a groom waiting to give Austin a leg up. He hopped onto the black filly and followed Josh and Dev to the expansive turf track. He let Jenna move up to a jog, then a canter, then a slow gallop next to Dev. The two youngsters moved beautifully over the turf, legs flying.

As the two slowed to a jog so their riders could go over their workout once more, Austin heard some hoofbeats coming from behind. He glanced back, wonder who was out at such an early time. John had sent the two Flat Creeks out so early as to avoid the clockers and commotion with the two future stars.

[Admin Maria]

[bg=black][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] Ricky & He's A Pirate, Chad & Neith Ricky walked into the guest house where the workers stayed, peering down at Chad. Lee had told him the night before she planned on working Neith and Will in the morning, since the duo ran the same surface. He’d smirked right away and suggested Chad ride Neith. Both Die foals could be a handful at times, but Neith was the worst of all four starting this year from Ferndale. Chad, Wake up. The senior jockey called, ripping the blankets from the younger man. Chad let out a yelp as he fell off the bed, peering over the edge to glare at Ricky. What the hell man!? He snarled. Ricky simply smirked, cocking an eyebrow at the younger man and waited till he realized whom he was speaking to. Besides Lee, Ricky was basically the boss. It didn’t take long before the younger man lowered his gaze a fraction and Ricky took it for what it was. Lees orders. Your riding Goddess for her morning work out. Chad all but leapt up. Is she trying to kill me?! That horse is psychotic! Ricky smirked and turned towards the door. Be in the barn in ten minutes. He then left without another word. Thirteen minutes later Chad entered the barn to find Ricky had both horses tacked up, and was holding both calmly. How he managed that Chad would never understand, even their sire wasn’t as evil when it came to Ricky. Hesitantly he approached and with the assistance of a groom swung up onto the bay fillys back. Ricky handed him the reins before swinging up onto Wills back and gathering his reins. Remind me again why you get the calm one? You have more experience. Chad commented as they walked the two year olds down the side of the road towards the track. And you’ll never learn if we don’t throw you in the water so to speak. Ricky replied before urging the black colt for a trot. Chad grumbled something before he nudged the filly into a trot as well, glaring at Rickys back the whole way. It wasn’t long before they approached the track and entered, however the duo ahead of them had Ricky pulling back on Wills reins. Chad. He called and the younger man halted Neith. What? He grumbled, glaring at the senior jockey. Avoid that blue roan colt at all costs. Ricky ordered. Go wide if you have to, but under no circumstances are you to bring Neith near him. Chad glanced towards the duo and raised a brow. Why? Who is he? Beneath him Neith snorted harshly and tossed her head, dancing forward as her eyes locked on the smaller horses. Chad pulled back on the reins which caused the filly to squeal angrily. He’s Devil I Am, another Die foal. From what I’ve heard and seen, he’s worse than Die. Chad eyed the blue roan colt as Ricky said this. I didn’t think any horse could be worse than Die. He replied as Neith continued her tantrum beneath him, even doing little crow hops as she tried to move forth despite the pressure of the bit. Well, he is. So keep her away from him. We need them sound for their up coming maidens. Ricky ordered before nudging Will forth, making sure to keep the taller of the two far from Dev. Austin. He acknowledged the other man, and offered a nod towards Josh. Devs looking good.

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[flatcreek]

Rocket Away & Austin Smith, Devil I Am & Josh Passit

As Austin glanced back, he saw two horses slowing down, one stopping altogether. He wasn't sure who the slightly smaller horse was, but he'd heard quite a bit about the larger. He turned to Josh, calling over, "Ferndale horses behind." Josh glanced back, the pulled Dev to a stop. Austin followed suit, staying a safe distance away from Dev. When the filly squealed, Jenna pinned her ears at the filly, shooting dangerous glances at her. Dev tried to fight Josh for the bit, and, when he didn't get what he wanted, half-reared. Josh skillfully brought him back down as Austin moved Jenna farther away.

Austin watched as the Ferndale horses came up alongside them, keeping a good distance away from Dev. Clearly they had heard about Dev. Austin nodded to Ricky when he called out. Josh replied to Ricky, "Thanks. He's feeling a little too well, though." The colt tried to grab the bit again. The two riders nudged the babies into a slow jog, hoping to keep Dev from attacking anybody. "Will's looking nice, too, as is your filly," Austin added. "She another Die baby?"

Austin gave Jenna a pat-she was behaving wonderfully so far. The filly arched her neck even more, wanting all the attention on her. Austin had to laugh a little bit, since Jenna was the only Rocket foal out here, amid all three Daemon babies. She was just going to have to rely on her sprinter speed and distance staying power to beat them.

[Admin Maria]

[bg=black][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] Ricky & He's A Pirate, Chad & Neith Both watched as the colt half reared, obviously displeased with not getting his way. Ricky shook his head at the Die move, a low chuckle rumbling from his chest. Thanks. He’s feeling a little too well though. Ricky nodded I noticed. Will shifted towards the side, and further from the smaller colt. Ricky patted the black colts neck to soothe him while Chad brought Neith up alongside him, on the opposite side than what the flat creek horses were on. Ricky and Chad kept pace as the horses moved into a slight jog, Neith tossed her head though and broke into a gallop for a few minutes before Chad regained control. Thanks. He has his maiden coming up. Doing good so far. Ricky shot the bay filly an exasperated look Yea. That’s Neith, she’s Die and War Drums daughter. A complete bitch too. He commented, patting Wills neck once more. Poor Will here is the only boy of Dies we have. Lee hopes he follows in his parents hoof prints. Ferndale believed Hoist and Die were the perfect pairing to create a intimidating force. If Will did well, there would soon be more of this pairings foals around. Of course Holly had just been bred to Spiritaway and Ricky was personally looking forward to that foal when it came. Chad managed to circle Neith back around to Wills side and cringed under Rickys scolding gaze. You’ve got to keep better control of her Chad. Lee will kill you if she comes up lame. Chad offered a glare towards the senior jockey. It was your brilliant idea to put me on this psycho. He glanced towards the Flat Creek jockies. Course it seems to run in the family. He commented about Devs behavior as well. Ricky shook his head before turning towards Austin and Josh. We should prolly get these two worked out. Lee wants em ran six furlongs this morning. He said, rolling his eyes when Chad piped up. Yea… Six furlongs yet the races are a mile or more.

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[flatcreek]

Austin Smith & Rocket Away, Josh Passit & Devil I Am

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Austin watched as the two Ferndale riders moved their horses a little farther away from Dev. If that was getting them to move away, then he didn't know what they'd do when he had a full on Dev-fit, as the barn had come to call them. Josh grinned, "He's actually not doing all that bad today, belive it or not. We actually got the saddle on him before he started his Dev-fit."

The two listend as Ricky talked about the Ferndale two year olds. Will would surely be a threat-Ferndale's best were his sire and dam. Neith would be one to watch for, too. She was slightly more compact looking than Will, more sprinter-like. Austin replied,"That's how we are with Jenna here. She's the daughter of Rocket and Laugh." Jenna snorted, as if pleased that they were talking about her. "She'll be up against Will in their maiden race, along with Dev, although I have no clue how were going to get him to load," added Josh.

Josh nodded when they mentioned the Die craziness running in the family. Dev's dam didn't exactly help things out, either," said Austin. He reached down to pat Jenna when Ricky mentioned working their two six furlongs. He glanced over at Josh, making sure that he was fine with it, then said, "We're going six furlongs, too. Want to work together?" he glanced over at Chad. "It sharpens speed. Even distance runners need speed, although, unless I'm mistaken, your filly looks more like a sprinter, not that it matters."[/size]

[Admin Maria]

[bg=black][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] Ricky & He's A Pirate, Chad & Neith Ricky had to keep himself in check when Chad shot them a rather confused look, before shaking his head. Dev-fit? Chad mumbled, mostly to himself. Ricky simply ignored him, instead keeping his attention on the two Flat creek riders. Oh? Wills half sister Deirdre will be in their maiden with them. She’s coming out later with Scott. He commented, a fond smile spreading across his face as he thought about the blue roan filly. Chad shot Josh a confused look, but Ricky snorted No, I doubt that mix helped the temperament any. I honestly believe Dev Is the worst Die foal so far. We bred him to Gravestone again this year, they threw a interesting foal before. A reverse black brindle was interesting to say the least, and the bald face only make her look like a skeleton. When they asked if they wanted to work out together he glanced towards Chad, before nodding towards Austin. Sure, it’ll probably be good for them to run in a group instead of pairs. Preperation and all. He knew some horses could react negatively if bumped.. This would give them a practice run. Chad huffed at the comment about speed, and nudged Neith ahead of them. Ricky sighed and shot them a apologetic look. He’s young and rude. Neith is a sprinter actually.

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[flatcreek]

Rocket Away & Austin Smith, Devil I Am & Josh Passit

Austin heard Chad mumble "Dev-fit?" under his breath, but ignored it. It really didn't care to anybody at Flat Creek what the other stables thought. They thought about it, but once it came to the final decision, it would be a Flat Creek one alone. The two listened as Ricky mentioned the other Ferndale entry. From the look on his face, he seemed pretty fond of her. "You've got quite a few turf distance twos, don't you? It'll be a tough divison this year, for sure."

Josh nodded, "Witch has a Spellbreaker filly that's a yearling. Thankfully, Wendy's not as crazy." Austin smiled when Ricky mention Gravestone. "Zen Master, our Gravestone filly is dong good, too. She's a looker."

Austin watched as Chad moved his filly up, then replied to Ricky's first comment. "Sounds good. Our two are pretty much warmed up, but if yours need some more, these two will be fine." He glanced again at Chad. "No problem. He'll learn, eventually. And, yeah, I figured. I've seen enough turf sprinters around Flat Creek to know if one looks like a sprinter." He glanced down at his lanky filly, giving her a pat. Jenna ran both sprints and distance, a combination of her sire and dam.

[Admin Maria]

[bg=black][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] Ricky & He's A Pirate, Chad & Neith Ricky let Chad wander a bit ahead of the trio, though he kept an eye on the younger jockey. Lee would have his ass if Neith came back injured, not to mention she’d kill him. He kept the majority of his attention on the flat creek jockies, chuckling when asked about them having quite a few turf distance. Aye, most of them are Die foals too. He cocked his head slightly Oh? Whats her spell breaker foal look like? He was really looking forward to the mix, sure that it’d give the Die foals a run for their money. I bet. We bred her back to Die this year. Should prove interesting what pops out. He murmured about Gravestone, his lips quirking in a slight smile. Nah, they’re good. They were raring to go, and Ricky signaled Chad to come back with a short, sharp whistle. Will snorted beneath him, his ears flicking at the sound but otherwise ignored it. Neith tossed her head as Chad pulled back on the reins and asked her to circle around, ears pinned back against her skull. Once she was beside Will again Ricky glanced at the flat creek jockies. Ready? He’d wait of course until everyone was actually ready, before nodding to Austin. He had no desire to decide when the work out would begin. No, he would wait for the other guy to choose as his horse continued its jog beneath him. Chad huffed beside him, but fell silent at the glare he was sent. Someone really needed to teach that boy some manners.

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[flatcreek]

Josh & Devil I Am, Austin & Rocket Away

Austin nodded at Ricky's reply. "We've got quite a few, between Rocket and Die babies. I'm hoping that AJ and Fred bring in some dirt and sprinter blood." AJ was off to a good start at stud, seeing mares of the likes of Autumn Fun and Eastern Essence in his first two years. Fred hadn't been such a splash at stud his first year, but the other stables would be sorry they missed out on the smokey black.

"Wendy's a tovero like her daddy, but she's a chestnut roan. She'll be about 16.1 and a dirt sprinter. Bossy and deathly scared of plastic bags, too. She's not near as bad as her big brother, though," Josh said with a fond look. The filly would be one of his mounts next year. She was quirky, but would be a force to be reckoned with in the dirt sprints. Austin nodded. "It should be interesting."

"Okay," Austin said. When Ricky whistled, Dev jumped and tried to run off, ears pinned to his skull. Josh pulled on the reins and got the colt back in line with Jenna, who had flicked her ears at the unexpected noise. "Easy, girl," said Austin.

Austin nodded to Ricky. "We're ready. Want to start there?" he nodded to the six furlong pole, which was in front of them.