as we become legends [training]

[flatcreek]

Mindset & Sam Foxcrand, Evil Essence & Sarah Mutain

Sarah stopped her car in the parking lot near the barns, grabbed her stuff, hopped out, and headed to the barn, with Sam following close behind. Sarah had given Sam a ride to the barn since her car was in the shop and Sarah drove right past Sam's house on the way to work. The two had become close friends, being the only two female jockeys at Flat Creek. Sarah opened the door and walked in to see John standing near a couple of grooms that were holding Seth and Beast. 

John nodded when he saw the two women walk in. He spoke up once they had set their stuff down. "Sam, you're on Seth and Sarah's on Beast. I want you to breeze them five furlongs, after about a mile gallop. I also want it from the gates." Sam and Sarah nodded in understanding, then got leg-ups from the grooms and headed out to the track.

Sarah couldn't help but smile at her mount when Beast pinned her ears at a cat that ran across the road in front of them. The daughter of Daemon and Eastern Expression was on the fast-track to becoming a star. She'd been working blazingly fast, over long distances, without being pushed at all. She was out of the dam of two champions and sired by a well-known distancer. She would be a force to be reckoned with on the track.

Sarah glanced over at Sam and Seth. The grey colt was being his usual cool self, hardly flicking an ear at the cat. Seth was just as well bred as Beast, only 100% Flat Creek blood. He was sired by the well known dirt distance runner Thatswhatyouthink and out of the GII dirt sprinter Here In London, who had been GI runner and two time Horse of the Year, Autumn Fun's biggest competition. Seth was kind of Flat Creek's hidden treasure, being kept well out of sight from outsiders. There was a reason he was in the first set.

Once the two horses reached the track, their riders asked them to jog, then at the mile pole they moved into a steady gallop. Seth, on the inside had his ears pricked and was looking over at the stands. They were completely empty, not a soul in sight. Beast was glaring at Seth from the outside, driving her legs faster than Sarah wanted. She pulled on the reins and the filly slowed slightly, but still with her nose in front. Beast "accidentally" bumped up against Seth a few times, but the sturdy colt paid no attention to her.

After a easy mile, the duo slowed to a jog and made their way over to the gates. Seth just looked at the contraption, while Beast squealed and crow hopped.  To Sarah's relief, though, Beast loaded okay, only pinning her ears. Seth loaded first try, hardly blinking as he went in.  When the gates sprung open, Seth, being the sprinter, flew out first and took the lead. Beast, with her closing nature, dropped back a stride or two and settled well on Seth's flank.

The grey and black kept the same positions for about three furlongs, when Sarah cued Beast to start moving forward, closing in on Seth. Sam, still being newish, wasn't completely aware of what Sarah was doing and kept Seth at the same pace. The result was that was Seth reached the furlong pole, Beast was only a little more than a quarter of a length behind and closing fast. Sam suddenly kicked onto gear and urged Seth forward, but the colt picked up his momentum too late. At the wire, Beast was a short head in front.

The two riders eased down their two year olds. It had been a good workout in preparation for their maiden races. Sarah gave Sam a smile, then said, "Remember to watch behind, no matter how far in front you are. If you would have kicked him into gear just a little sooner, I wouldn't have caught you." Sarah gave an approving nod, and Sam smiled. "Thanks, I'll remember that."

[flatcreek]

Unsung Hero & Sam Foxcrand, The Wild Life & Sarah Mutain, Accipiter & Josh Passit

Sam followed Sarah and Beast back to the barn on Seth. All of the three year olds had been worked for their maiden races now, and were ready to go. Seth nickered as they neared the barn and hopped off, handing the horses off to grooms. John stood out of the way with three of the grooms, including Freddy who would get his big chance in the last set when he would ride Cash. Right now, though, he was holding Hero and the other two were holding Wild and Hawk. As they walked over, they saw Josh walking up in the background. Once Josh was there, John gave his instructions. "Sam, you've got Hero, Sarah, Wild, and Josh is on Hawk. Gallop a mile, then work them six furlongs." Sam and Sarah nodded and followed Josh over to the three year olds.

After getting leg ups from the grooms, the three walked quickly to the track and jogged until they reached the mile pole, when they started the gallop. Wild tossed her head and Hawk pinned her ears. Hero just galloped along lazily on the outside, his long legs easily covering the ground.

Sam's colt was sired by Flat Creek's champion stallion Zynco and out of a broodmare called Blue Skies. Hero was already a feature winner, with the American Cup Juvenile to his credit. He was looking to make a name for himself in Y8. She gave the sabino colt a pat, then looked over at the other three year olds.

Sarah's mount, The Wild Life, was a high-strung, hyper-active sprinter filly. She was sired by the little-known stallion Fritzy and out of champion broodmare Devil's Food, which related her to Hall of Famer Skyward, Feature winner Fiorion, and the feature-placed Numerical, along with two yealings. Devil's Food was the Y5 Broodmare of the Year, too. The filly was the pride and joy of Flat Creek's three year olds, with a feature win to her name.

Accipiter, Josh's filly, was modestly bred, but had so far run beyond her pedigree. She was sired by the fairly popular stallion Talon and out of the Flat Creek broodmare In Flight, who was best known as the dam of Stardust. Hawk was a looker, too. Her flashy markings and coloring caught everyone's eye.

After a mile of galloping, they sped up until they were at a breezing pace. Wild, being a pure sprinter, was fastest at the start. Sam, on Hero, was next, about a quarter of a length behing. Hawk and Josh were just a head behing Sam and Hero.

With four furlongs left, Josh started to move Hawk up even with Hero. Sarah glanced back, but didn't ask Wild to go faster yet. Sam kept Hero even with Hawk. With just over two furlongs left, Sam cued Hero to start running and her moved up on Wild. Josh and Sarah, seeing Sam moving up, asked their mounts for more.

As the trio sped for the end of the workout, Wild and Hero started to draw away from Hawk. The filly was just starting her run, not being used to the shorted distance. As they passed under the wire, Hero had managed to stick his head in front. Hawk was a short length behind, having closed well in the final furlong. They all gave their horses pats after they eased up, then headed back to the barn.

[flatcreek]

A Thrush's Song & Sam Foxcrand, Touch The Sky & Austin Smith

Sam hurried back to the barn, hoping that she would have a break before her next mount. However, her hopes were dashed when she saw John standing in the aisle holding Teddy. She groaned and handed Hero to his groom. Austin stood next to Kiki, waiting on Sam. She hurried over, listening to John's instructions. "These two are just galloping a mile and a half. They're in good shape and tend to run better without working fast right before the race." Sam nodded and have Teddy a pat. The colt just leaned into her hand and sighed.

The grooms gave the two jockeys leg ups, Freddy hardly containing his excitement to finally get a chance to ride a Flat Creek horse. She smiled at him, remembering her first day, then followed Austin and Kiki out to the track.

Teddy was well-bred, sired by two time side of the year Tambourine and out of Broodmare of the Year ByeByeBirdy, relating him to Horse of the Years Skyward and Consetllation. He was very mellow, usually, but sometimes had a bad day when he just didn't feel like doing anything.

Austin's mount, Kiki, was also sired by Tambourine and was out of the dirt sprinter Brilliant Mind, who had had a short, but brilliant career. Bri had been lightening fast, beating Autumn Fun and her stablemate, Here In London.

She gave the colt she was on a pat, then asked for a jog; once they were on the track. She followed Austin's lead, asking for a gallop near the half mile pole. Teddy galloped energetically, wanting to go faster. She let him move up near Kiki, then eased on the reins until he was matching pace with the filly. Sam saw Kiki fling her head, not liking the colt alongside her. "Easy, girl," Austin crooned to the filly, keeping her together.

After a little over a mile, Kiki started to fade; being a sprinter. Austin nodded for Sam to go on ahead with Teddy, who was still full of energy. Teddy's ears pricked as he passed the filly and he lengthened his stride slightly. Sam pulled back on him, not wanting him to take off.  Teddy shook his head, but didn't fight her as they passed under the wire, finishing their gallop. Kiki was about two lengths behind, not having the stamina to keep up with Teddy. Sam gave her colt a pat, then turned him towards the barn, nodding to John when he told her that Adam, a groom had instructions.

[flatcreek]

Impressivly & Sam Foxcrand, Numerical & Josh Passit

Sam sighed when Adam told her to ride Impress. She was tired from her three previous mounts, and Impress was so annoying. He thought he was too cool to run and listen to you. Josh was on Fancy, who while not as bad of a racehorse as Impress, wasn't exactly the best either. It wouldn't be the best workout of the morning, that was for sure. However, she was surprised when Adam said just to jog them.  They would be getting a harder work tomorrow, she figured.

The two riders got leg ups and walked the four year olds over to the track. Impress jumped and crow hopped all over, his attitude and flashy markings bringing attention to him. Fancy blended in with her plain black coat, but was fighting Josh for her head. When they reached the track, the cued the two horses to jog. They both fought to go faster, but neither rider let them. 

Sam's gelding, Impress, was sired by the little known Flat Creek stallion Fritzy and out of Blue Skies. He wasn't exactly the best bred, but he thought that he was.

Fancy, Josh's mare, was better bred, being sired by the Kings Park stallion Numerical, and out of the Rlat Creek broodmare Devil's Food, who had produced several feature winners, the most well known of which was the Treble winner Skyward. Even if she didn't pick up her racing career, she still had lots of potential to be a great broodmare.

Sam and Josh watched as the two horses jogged around the track. Impress was still skittering around and acting stupid, but Fancy had quieted down a little bit. After a quick mile, they eased the two horses down to a walk and headed back to the stable, Sam's legs feeling like jelly.

[flatcreek]

In The Distance & Austin Smith, Stardust & Sarah Mutain

As soon as Impress and Fancy had gone out, the grooms brought Dolly and Amber out of their stalls and saddled them. Josh walked in just as the two horses' bridles were being put on and Dolly's blinkers attached. "Gallop them a mile, then a quick three furlong breeze." he said, checking the tack. Sarah and Josh nodded, got leg ups onto the two horses and headed to the track.

Josh gave Dolly a pat while they headed over to the track. Amber was pinning her ears at her half sister, being her usual bratty self. Dolly was pinning her ears right back, but she stumbled and then looked around with her ears pricked, as If she was making sure that nobody had seen her. Josh and Sarah laughed at the filly and Dolly glared at them.

Once they were on the track, they moved the mares up to a gallop. Amber was fighting for her head, but Dolly was acting perfectly. Sarah pulled on Amber's reins, trying to get her to stop. 

Amber, Sarah's mount and the older of the two, was sired by Fritzy and out of the Flat Creek mare In Flight. She was one of the more well known foals of both of her parents, doing well in the turf distance races.

Dolly was also out of In Flight, but she was wired by the Kings Park stallion Tambourine. She was well bred but she just hadn't been shining on the track.

The two mares soon finished their gallop. Sarah looked over at Josh, then sped Amber up. Josh was just behind her, Dolly's legs easily covering the ground.

Amber was sprinting furiously, ears pinned, relishing the chance to run. Dolly soon fell a length behind and eased off. Josh frowned as Amber finished in a sparkling time and Dolly staggered in nearly ten lengths behind her. 

Sarah eased off on Amber and turned to Josh. "Is she okay?" she called across the track.

"I think so, she just isn't one that wants to run." he replies looking concerned. "We'll let John look at her."

[flatcreek]

Fiorion & Josh Passit, All That Jazz & Austin Smith

Josh and Sarah hurried back, with Josh leading Dolly, in case something was wrong with her. Sarah hopped off when they reached the barn, handing Amber off to her groom, then going to get John. Josh stood with Dolly, her head resting against his chest. Sarah soon appeared with John following behind. John nodded to Josh. "Sarah and I will take care of her. You need to go work Andy and Music with Austin."

Josh perked up at that, handing Dolly over to John and going over to Andy. The American Cup winner was one of his favorites to ride. Andy was quiet, but could run.

Austin was already on Music, the fancy black mare with her head held high. She had placed and shown in some feature races in her career, nothing like Andy's big win though.

The two jockeys hopped up onto the horses, then headed out, leaving Dolly with John and Sarah. Andy sighed under Josh, relaxing in the warm sun that was rising. It was about six right now, and it would be a hot day. Josh looked over at Austin. "What are we working them?" Austin replied quickly, "Five furlongs." Josh nodded and asked Andy for a gallop as they reached the track.

Andy and Josh fell in next to Austin and Music for the gallop. The Sabino colts legs flew over the dirt easily, keeping a steady pace with Music without trying hard.

Andy was sired by Flat Creek's popular stallion Zynco and out of the well known mare Devil's Food. He was bred to be a star and so far had, with a victory in the American Cup, along with a third in the Green Isle Handicap in Y7.

Austin's mare, Music, was sired by the popular Tambourine and out of Blue Skies. She'd been second and third in some feature races,  but was yet to achieve fame.

 They soon finished the gallop of a mile and gave the two horses rein. Music burst ahead, relying in her sprinter speed to gain the advantage over Andy. Josh kept the stallion about a length off of Music and waited.

The two stayed  in much the same position until the final furlong, when Josh unleashed Andy's speed. The colt complied by sweeping up alongside the sprinter, stalling for a moment, then rushing past Music. Andy kept pulling ahead, crossing the finish about two lengths in front. Josh grinned and gave Andy a pat. After Austin pulled Music up, the two headed back to the barn. 

[flatcreek]

Skyward & Josh Passit, Open At The Close & Freddy Kranz

Josh hurried back to the barn with Andy, eager to know about the next set. Rissy was yet to work and he was hoping that the next one would be her. As soon as he walked into the barn, Josh grinned, seeing Freddy holding Rissy and Cash in the aisle. Freddy had a grin on his face, since this would be his first ever work. 

Josh and Austin handed their horses off to the waiting grooms then josh headed over to Rissy. The gray snorted and nudged Josh when he grabbed her reins, eager to go run. John walked over from Dolly's stall. Seeing the look on Josh's face, he answered the unasked question. "She's fine, just a little bruise on her hoof. I have Dan coming to take care of it later, after works. Now, these two are going for a mile and a quarter gallop, then a seven furlong breeze. Freddy, remember what we've talked about. If Josh says something, do it. He's been riding a long time. He knows what he's doing."

Freddy and Josh nodded, then got up onto their mounts. Rissy nickered and pranced around, waiting for Freddy to get situated in the saddle. Once the rookie was ready, Josh led the way to the track. Once on the track, Josh asked Rissy for a gallop and Freddy and Cash soon followed. The two six year olds galloped along easily, after four years they knew their job.

Cash, Freddy's gentle mount, was sired by Zynco and out of Blue Skies. He had placed and shown in features, but was yet to win one and was three wins away from GII. It was hoped that he would make it before he retired in Y9.

Rissy, the grey that Josh was on, was well known throughout the racing world. She was a Champion Two Year Old and, later on, Horse of the Year. She was a Hall of Famer and was the first - and only - Treble winner. Rissy was sired by Tambourine and out of Devil's Food. She was truly a legend, with all of her major wins.

Josh glanced over at the end of the gallop. The kid was doing well so far. He nudged Rissy to a breeze pace, making sure that Freddy and Cash were following.  He held Rissy back a little, letting Cash catch up. Once the stallion drew even, he nodded to go faster. The two sped up, staying even for the first few furlongs.

In the last two furlongs, Josh cued Rissy to go faster. She was nowhere near sprinting speed, just coasting along. She soon was about half a length in front and Josh called back to Freddy, "Speed him up!" Freddy cued Cash to catch up, but was a little too late, finishing about a quarter length behind Rissy. "Not bad, just rookie stuff. You'll figure it out."

[flatcreek]

Exalted One & Sam Foxcrand, Conquistador & Sarah Mutain

Sarah and Sam left Dolly's stall soon after Josh and Freddy left. This was to be the last set of horses to work for the day, making Sam glad to finish the day. She walked out to see that the grooms were holding Apollo and the new filly from Ferndale, Brig. The flashy filly was annoying, wanting all of the attention. Sarah, seeing Apollo, had grinned and hurried over giving the colt a pate and fixing his forelock.

"Just take these two out for a jog," Adam, the groom, said, since John had already left to watch Freddy ride. Sam and Sarah nodded, then hopped on and walked the horses to the track. Apollo had his head held high, his sooty bay coat shining in the sunlight. Brig was acting snotty, prancing and trying to get attention. Sam sighed and have her a half-hearted pat.

Once on the track, Sarah cued Apollo into a jog, with Sam following. Brig tried to gallop, but Sam pulled on the reins, slowing her down. Apollo simply was his proud self, acting like a much older horse. 

After a quick mile jog, they walked the horses over to the barn, where they were handed to their waiting grooms. Sarah smiled as she gave Apollo one last pat before she headed home to a shower. The colt nickered and gave her a final nudge. "Silly boy.".