Y17 Juvenile Workouts
charming secret
It was the last weekend of December and at 6:30 am, the morning started out with the sound of a piercing whinny echoing throughout Firestone Racing’s indoor oval, making head trainer and owner Carter wince in discomfort. The sound was followed by a dark bundle of energy clattering down the ramp to the track with a small man desperately holding on for dear life. Carter raised his eyebrow at Ouro Lume, or Lily as they liked to call her around the barn, as James managed to right his seat in the saddle. The dark bay filly was tossing her head in an attempt to get James off, and as she started to paw the ground both men knew what she was about to do.
“Hey! Don’t you even dare…” Carter heard James yell from the track, and he couldn’t help the smirk that grew on his face.
“I swear, this filly has more energy than half this barn combined…” James yelled from atop Lily, who had now stopped in her tracks with her ears perked towards the door.
“She’s definitely a character, just try to not let her roll again. She’s starting to ruin my saddles…” Carter responded, running a gloved hand through his hair. The air was frigid and he could already see steam rising from Lily’s skin. Not long after the filly had stepped onto the track, another bay almost identical to her followed suit; the only difference was the white on his face. Charmed Weapon walked onto the track like he meant business, side-eyeing the filly with distaste at her antics. Talia sat regally above the tall colt, and Carter liked the way she matched up; they both meant business when it came to the track.
The next horse that walked in, Carter had a glimmering hint of hope in his eye. Red Hot Secret nobly pranced onto the track with his head held high and ears perked. Sammie had a firm grip on the reins as Sam jogged towards the group that had already started making their way around the track. Puffs of steam could be seen coming out of the horses’ noses as they started their jog around the indoor track, each one moving fluidly. They were no longer gangly yearlings, but well matured two year olds that the staff of Firestone had done an amazing job of training.
Lily had taken the lead at this point as all three horses advanced into a slow canter as they passed Carter for the first time. The lone filly pinned her ears and threatened to lash out as Charm and Sam galloped beside her, but James kept her in check to make sure she wouldn’t be stupid as they picked up speed. Sam looked like he was having the most fun out there, as he was more romping than galloping and Sammie did a good job of handling his antics – it was still a learning process for the young horses but Carter knew as they picked up even more speed that he would really buckle down.
Charm galloped confidently beside the two, matching their stride with his as Talia let him figure out the striding for himself. Once he noticed Lily picking up speed, he complied willingly and it was then they were off to the races. All three horses had their ears pinned against their skulls as their speed picked up, Carter getting his watch ready as soon as they hit the starting mark. Sammie felt the power of the chestnut colt gather underneath her as Sam’s nostrils flared and he surged ahead. Lily was not happy with the chestnut colt pulling ahead and almost unseated James as she buckled down and dug into the track. Charm followed suit, his tail swishing effectively behind him as he brought up the back of the field, but not by much.
All three horses galloped on confidently as if they had been doing this for ages and all three jockeys were surprised at the amount of competitiveness that leaked out of the unstarted horses. Carter clicked his stopwatch as all three passed by him for the last time, Sam in front by a long shot. The trainer had to do a double take at the time before turning his head to the horses who were now returning from their workout, steam rolling off their hides in unison. Sam clocked the most impressive time, with Lily and Charm not far behind in the ranks.
“12 seconds in the last furlong – that horse can run, Sammie.” Carter praised the young jockey atop Sam.
“If they keep going that speed in races, we’ll have some killer juveniles this coming season.” The jockeys patted their mounts and headed out of the arena and back to the stable. Carter was thoroughly impressed, and he would be lying if he said Red Hot Secret excited him the most.
“Hey! Don’t you even dare…” Carter heard James yell from the track, and he couldn’t help the smirk that grew on his face.
“I swear, this filly has more energy than half this barn combined…” James yelled from atop Lily, who had now stopped in her tracks with her ears perked towards the door.
“She’s definitely a character, just try to not let her roll again. She’s starting to ruin my saddles…” Carter responded, running a gloved hand through his hair. The air was frigid and he could already see steam rising from Lily’s skin. Not long after the filly had stepped onto the track, another bay almost identical to her followed suit; the only difference was the white on his face. Charmed Weapon walked onto the track like he meant business, side-eyeing the filly with distaste at her antics. Talia sat regally above the tall colt, and Carter liked the way she matched up; they both meant business when it came to the track.
The next horse that walked in, Carter had a glimmering hint of hope in his eye. Red Hot Secret nobly pranced onto the track with his head held high and ears perked. Sammie had a firm grip on the reins as Sam jogged towards the group that had already started making their way around the track. Puffs of steam could be seen coming out of the horses’ noses as they started their jog around the indoor track, each one moving fluidly. They were no longer gangly yearlings, but well matured two year olds that the staff of Firestone had done an amazing job of training.
Lily had taken the lead at this point as all three horses advanced into a slow canter as they passed Carter for the first time. The lone filly pinned her ears and threatened to lash out as Charm and Sam galloped beside her, but James kept her in check to make sure she wouldn’t be stupid as they picked up speed. Sam looked like he was having the most fun out there, as he was more romping than galloping and Sammie did a good job of handling his antics – it was still a learning process for the young horses but Carter knew as they picked up even more speed that he would really buckle down.
Charm galloped confidently beside the two, matching their stride with his as Talia let him figure out the striding for himself. Once he noticed Lily picking up speed, he complied willingly and it was then they were off to the races. All three horses had their ears pinned against their skulls as their speed picked up, Carter getting his watch ready as soon as they hit the starting mark. Sammie felt the power of the chestnut colt gather underneath her as Sam’s nostrils flared and he surged ahead. Lily was not happy with the chestnut colt pulling ahead and almost unseated James as she buckled down and dug into the track. Charm followed suit, his tail swishing effectively behind him as he brought up the back of the field, but not by much.
All three horses galloped on confidently as if they had been doing this for ages and all three jockeys were surprised at the amount of competitiveness that leaked out of the unstarted horses. Carter clicked his stopwatch as all three passed by him for the last time, Sam in front by a long shot. The trainer had to do a double take at the time before turning his head to the horses who were now returning from their workout, steam rolling off their hides in unison. Sam clocked the most impressive time, with Lily and Charm not far behind in the ranks.
“12 seconds in the last furlong – that horse can run, Sammie.” Carter praised the young jockey atop Sam.
“If they keep going that speed in races, we’ll have some killer juveniles this coming season.” The jockeys patted their mounts and headed out of the arena and back to the stable. Carter was thoroughly impressed, and he would be lying if he said Red Hot Secret excited him the most.
social status
The air was getting slightly warmer as the morning progressed as Firestone led out its second last pair of juveniles preparing for the upcoming season. Two sprinters, who were built long and lanky and quite frankly looked gangly and immature, stepped onto the synthetic track as Carter turned to face them. Not even halfway through the door, Final Velocity, nicknamed Vee around the barn, took one giant leap, all fours in the air and squealed. Luckily, Devon saw the spook coming and had grabbed onto a thick piece of her black mane before Vee could unseat him. Kissing to her softly, he urged the young horse past the door. The whites of Vee’s eyes were showing as she snorted at everything around the track. The horse was a nutjob but she had talent that was for sure. Travelling more elegantly behind her was Socialite, who daintily stepped onto the track as if she had been doing it her whole life. Sammie sat calmly on top of the bay filly as they lined up in front of the head trainer for their instructions.
“I’ve noticed Vee likes to hug the rail, so watch your inside leg Devon. She may be on the smaller size but she runs like a tank so make sure you keep her in a straight line and don’t let her bump into Sally.” Carter advised. “Sally is smart, she picks up on things quickly so let her find her feet once you’re out on the track.” Both jockey nodded in understanding as they trotted their way over to the gates.
It took a few minutes before the horses settled inside the gates, but as soon as they were released Sally shot out almost immediately. Vee followed swiftly but got out a bit slower and settled her way in behind Sally. The small mare immediately found her rhythm to Sammie’s satisfaction and Devon guided Vee towards the railing. Devon could feel the power and energy building in Vee’s muscles, only to be released in full force near the end of the workout. Up ahead, Sammie kept her hold on Sally in the outside position. The filly kept her head up and ears perked, stretching out with every stride she took while keeping a slower pace as to not burn herself out.
The final turn came up on the pair and it seemed like Sally knew Vee was coming; Sammie squeezed her calves and gave Sally two taps on the shoulder with her small crop. The mare tucked her head in and tossed it back out, accelerating slowly. Devon pushed his hands upwards, releasing some of the reins on Vee, and gave the bay filly her head. The young filly exploded underneath him, tucking in her hind legs and pushing outwards with all her might. Sally’s ears flattened to her head as the sounds of Vee rapidly catching up beside them grew louder. Sammie whispered to her softly at first, then began raising her voice to urge the mare to go faster. The slightly taller filly responded beautifully, stretching her neck out, itching to have her head. Vee slowed as she got next to Sally, for a slight second as she read her competition; then burst forward once more.
Sally accelerated and managed to keep up with Vee until the fifth furlong, when she dropped down enough for the white-faced filly to get a small lead on her. As the pair crossed the finish line almost together, the jockeys began slowing the sweaty Thoroughbreds to a brisk trot, then down to a walk.
“Beautiful. They both have been training exceptional against each other. They’re good competition. I feel their first race will be quite good.” Carter smiled brightly as he motioned for them to take them back to the stables.
“I’ve noticed Vee likes to hug the rail, so watch your inside leg Devon. She may be on the smaller size but she runs like a tank so make sure you keep her in a straight line and don’t let her bump into Sally.” Carter advised. “Sally is smart, she picks up on things quickly so let her find her feet once you’re out on the track.” Both jockey nodded in understanding as they trotted their way over to the gates.
It took a few minutes before the horses settled inside the gates, but as soon as they were released Sally shot out almost immediately. Vee followed swiftly but got out a bit slower and settled her way in behind Sally. The small mare immediately found her rhythm to Sammie’s satisfaction and Devon guided Vee towards the railing. Devon could feel the power and energy building in Vee’s muscles, only to be released in full force near the end of the workout. Up ahead, Sammie kept her hold on Sally in the outside position. The filly kept her head up and ears perked, stretching out with every stride she took while keeping a slower pace as to not burn herself out.
The final turn came up on the pair and it seemed like Sally knew Vee was coming; Sammie squeezed her calves and gave Sally two taps on the shoulder with her small crop. The mare tucked her head in and tossed it back out, accelerating slowly. Devon pushed his hands upwards, releasing some of the reins on Vee, and gave the bay filly her head. The young filly exploded underneath him, tucking in her hind legs and pushing outwards with all her might. Sally’s ears flattened to her head as the sounds of Vee rapidly catching up beside them grew louder. Sammie whispered to her softly at first, then began raising her voice to urge the mare to go faster. The slightly taller filly responded beautifully, stretching her neck out, itching to have her head. Vee slowed as she got next to Sally, for a slight second as she read her competition; then burst forward once more.
Sally accelerated and managed to keep up with Vee until the fifth furlong, when she dropped down enough for the white-faced filly to get a small lead on her. As the pair crossed the finish line almost together, the jockeys began slowing the sweaty Thoroughbreds to a brisk trot, then down to a walk.
“Beautiful. They both have been training exceptional against each other. They’re good competition. I feel their first race will be quite good.” Carter smiled brightly as he motioned for them to take them back to the stables.
Socialite ridden by Sammie Pickett
candy warriors
Now that the first group was done for the morning, Carter looked forward to his next three groups, two groups being sprinters and the last one the marathoners. The first horse to come onto the covered track was a half-sibling to Firestone’s own Moonstorm. Apache Warrior stomped onto the track with such force that he startled himself, causing him to scatter to one side of the track. Devon grabbed onto a chuck of grey mane, trying not to fall off the unruly youngster.
“Already off to a great start there, eh Apache?” Devon spoke to the young horse, patting his neck ever so slightly not to startle him again. In response, Apache tossed his head and pivoted around to watch his workout partners walk onto the track. The bright chestnut filly with the white face by the name of Sweet On You walked in, bright eyed and eager to run. Her coat was dulled by the winter weather, but once she shed out her coat would be blossoming again. Talia once again got the ride for the filly and seemed to take a real liking to her. Hot on her tail was Foxy Passion, who glared at the colt in front of them with such anger, and it took all of James’ energy to stop her from lunging at the horse.
After lining up behind the now set up gates, Carter helped load the three youngsters. Everyone went in surprisingly without a fuss, except for Candy who was very reluctant to go in and attempted to kick out at the iron bars, but went in eventually. It was time to see who would need more work with their breaks. Without a final notice, Carter pressed the button to open the gates and those final all three horses leaped forward at a full out charge. Apache was the first one out with high speed, his ears pinned flat against his head as he regained the lead early, followed by Fara and lastly Candy, who seemed to nonchalantly gallop out of the gate without a second thought.
Devon, who was catapulted in his saddle, regained his seat quickly. Riding Demi over the years had helped him with harsh breakers. As all three horses travelled across the track at blinding speeds, the cool wind coming from the January air was somewhat refreshing to the jockeys, who were working hard to keep their juveniles in line. Apache was enjoying the gallop and being in front. He set a solid pace but it wasn’t too quick. Fara and Candy responded eagerly to the leader’s change in pace whenever he made it; it was a good quality Carter looked for in a racehorse. His juveniles were smart, that was for sure.
Talia kissed to Candy to start to speed up, but she was already digging in and galloping away from the back of the field. Abruptly Fara attempted to lash out at Candy, who galloped confidently beside her but was startled at the sudden lunge from the bay filly, which caused her to swerve out into the middle of the track. James gave Fara a quick tap on the shoulder, disciplining her slightly as they charged down the backstretch. As they rounded the turn, Apache began to spread out even more as if trying to see just how far he could push himself. Devon grabbed onto a chunk of the juvenile’s silver mane as Candy and Fara shot after him, not far behind. Fara’s outburst of energy sent her catapulting towards the gray colt in front of her, lengthening her stride as she soon came hurtling towards the lead. Candy, hot on her tail, was more nonchalant about her increase in speed and Talia guided her calmly towards the middle of the pack, to which Devon didn’t see the two fillies coming, and was soon overtaken by the two charging horses behind him. This made Apache angry, who pinned his ears and fought back for the lead but was too late as they narrowly missed the wire.
The gray colt tossed his head in anger as Devon brought him down to a steaming walk. Fara trotted up beside him looking full and mighty of herself after nabbing the practice win from Candy, who kind of moseyed over after that heavy effort. All three jockeys patted their sweaty mounts as Carter stood in front of them with a half-smile on his face.
“Impressive. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy to see that Apache is angry – maybe it will carry over to his first race of the season and do him some good,” Devon smirked at his praise. Apache still had a belly full of fire and he couldn’t wait to take him out on race day.
“Fara still needs to learn her manners a little bit, but that final surge at the end is what really intrigues me. Keep riding her like that James and she’ll do good things hopefully. And Candy, as calm as ever. She’ll definitely be one to watch – she’s a sneaky little thing.” James and Talia looked over at each other and smiled.
“Already off to a great start there, eh Apache?” Devon spoke to the young horse, patting his neck ever so slightly not to startle him again. In response, Apache tossed his head and pivoted around to watch his workout partners walk onto the track. The bright chestnut filly with the white face by the name of Sweet On You walked in, bright eyed and eager to run. Her coat was dulled by the winter weather, but once she shed out her coat would be blossoming again. Talia once again got the ride for the filly and seemed to take a real liking to her. Hot on her tail was Foxy Passion, who glared at the colt in front of them with such anger, and it took all of James’ energy to stop her from lunging at the horse.
After lining up behind the now set up gates, Carter helped load the three youngsters. Everyone went in surprisingly without a fuss, except for Candy who was very reluctant to go in and attempted to kick out at the iron bars, but went in eventually. It was time to see who would need more work with their breaks. Without a final notice, Carter pressed the button to open the gates and those final all three horses leaped forward at a full out charge. Apache was the first one out with high speed, his ears pinned flat against his head as he regained the lead early, followed by Fara and lastly Candy, who seemed to nonchalantly gallop out of the gate without a second thought.
Devon, who was catapulted in his saddle, regained his seat quickly. Riding Demi over the years had helped him with harsh breakers. As all three horses travelled across the track at blinding speeds, the cool wind coming from the January air was somewhat refreshing to the jockeys, who were working hard to keep their juveniles in line. Apache was enjoying the gallop and being in front. He set a solid pace but it wasn’t too quick. Fara and Candy responded eagerly to the leader’s change in pace whenever he made it; it was a good quality Carter looked for in a racehorse. His juveniles were smart, that was for sure.
Talia kissed to Candy to start to speed up, but she was already digging in and galloping away from the back of the field. Abruptly Fara attempted to lash out at Candy, who galloped confidently beside her but was startled at the sudden lunge from the bay filly, which caused her to swerve out into the middle of the track. James gave Fara a quick tap on the shoulder, disciplining her slightly as they charged down the backstretch. As they rounded the turn, Apache began to spread out even more as if trying to see just how far he could push himself. Devon grabbed onto a chunk of the juvenile’s silver mane as Candy and Fara shot after him, not far behind. Fara’s outburst of energy sent her catapulting towards the gray colt in front of her, lengthening her stride as she soon came hurtling towards the lead. Candy, hot on her tail, was more nonchalant about her increase in speed and Talia guided her calmly towards the middle of the pack, to which Devon didn’t see the two fillies coming, and was soon overtaken by the two charging horses behind him. This made Apache angry, who pinned his ears and fought back for the lead but was too late as they narrowly missed the wire.
The gray colt tossed his head in anger as Devon brought him down to a steaming walk. Fara trotted up beside him looking full and mighty of herself after nabbing the practice win from Candy, who kind of moseyed over after that heavy effort. All three jockeys patted their sweaty mounts as Carter stood in front of them with a half-smile on his face.
“Impressive. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy to see that Apache is angry – maybe it will carry over to his first race of the season and do him some good,” Devon smirked at his praise. Apache still had a belly full of fire and he couldn’t wait to take him out on race day.
“Fara still needs to learn her manners a little bit, but that final surge at the end is what really intrigues me. Keep riding her like that James and she’ll do good things hopefully. And Candy, as calm as ever. She’ll definitely be one to watch – she’s a sneaky little thing.” James and Talia looked over at each other and smiled.
frosted
Carter looked down to check the time on his watch and was pleasantly surprised that the time only read 8:15am. He had managed to exercise all of his older stock by some of the hired hands between juvenile sets, and almost all of his juveniles with the last two being brought to the indoor oval now. Ice Fiend stormed onto the track with a loud flatulent sound of a fart that made Carter giggle slightly. The big-bodied Innocent Skier colt was one of three of his sire’s foals hitting the track this season. The colt was a brat, but he was armed and he was dangerous on the track. Following not too closely behind was the Worldbreaker daughter by the name of Peacebreaker. While she had her ears slightly pinned, she quietly entered the oval off in her own little world.
The colt that Johnny was riding was a challenging horse to work with, forceful and demonstrative. Talia on the other hand had Pilly; a very willing, sweet filly who is one heck of a horse. The horses had different racing styles, but it planned the workout with relative ease. Ice was a mid-pack runner; he liked to break quick and stick towards the middle of the field before dropping back slightly behind the leaders. He likes to come down the center of the track to avoid congestion along the rail, whereas Pilly was a powerful stalker. She breaks sharply and will run up to settle just in behind or alongside the leaders. The bay filly has a hard time if you try to stick her in between horses, so keeping her to the outside is a must.
Talia smiled as Pilly snorted, trotting energetically on the spot on the synthetic track. Heading towards the gate, both horses loaded with relative ease. Ice was just being the usual jerk he is and made things carry on a bit slower. Both jockeys crouched down, anticipating the break, and when the gates were released it was Ice who was first away. He leapt forward, his big bold strides carrying him to the front.
Pilly quickly caught up to the leader and Johnny let Talia take over the lead early, it was best to let them stay comfortably in the position they were used to. Talia tightened her grip on the reins and made sure that Pilly wouldn't increase the pace even further. The first furlong passed exceedingly quickly and Pilly lead, not pulling Talia too much, but she held her back a little bit. Johnny sat two and a half lengths behind, sighing as Ice grabbed at the bit and wanted to move forward. Giving him a hard check, the bay colt flicked his ears back and forth but settled down quietly into the long stride Johnny hoped for.
Into the home stretch and Pilly still lead, her ears pinned flat against her head. Johnny let Ice go and his big booming strides drew closer to the bay filly. Talia finally started to urge on Pilly and soon enough, both horses were side by side. Pilly didn’t like the company beside her and flicked her tail behind her, Talia encouraging the horse to keep pace. Ice’s facial expression matched the filly’s as they flew under the wire. A short workout it was, but both horses felt phenomenal. Smiling, both riders pulled their horses up and began cooling them out. Carter felt giddy.
“And your Firestone juvenile works are done! That’s a wrap guys.”
The colt that Johnny was riding was a challenging horse to work with, forceful and demonstrative. Talia on the other hand had Pilly; a very willing, sweet filly who is one heck of a horse. The horses had different racing styles, but it planned the workout with relative ease. Ice was a mid-pack runner; he liked to break quick and stick towards the middle of the field before dropping back slightly behind the leaders. He likes to come down the center of the track to avoid congestion along the rail, whereas Pilly was a powerful stalker. She breaks sharply and will run up to settle just in behind or alongside the leaders. The bay filly has a hard time if you try to stick her in between horses, so keeping her to the outside is a must.
Talia smiled as Pilly snorted, trotting energetically on the spot on the synthetic track. Heading towards the gate, both horses loaded with relative ease. Ice was just being the usual jerk he is and made things carry on a bit slower. Both jockeys crouched down, anticipating the break, and when the gates were released it was Ice who was first away. He leapt forward, his big bold strides carrying him to the front.
Pilly quickly caught up to the leader and Johnny let Talia take over the lead early, it was best to let them stay comfortably in the position they were used to. Talia tightened her grip on the reins and made sure that Pilly wouldn't increase the pace even further. The first furlong passed exceedingly quickly and Pilly lead, not pulling Talia too much, but she held her back a little bit. Johnny sat two and a half lengths behind, sighing as Ice grabbed at the bit and wanted to move forward. Giving him a hard check, the bay colt flicked his ears back and forth but settled down quietly into the long stride Johnny hoped for.
Into the home stretch and Pilly still lead, her ears pinned flat against her head. Johnny let Ice go and his big booming strides drew closer to the bay filly. Talia finally started to urge on Pilly and soon enough, both horses were side by side. Pilly didn’t like the company beside her and flicked her tail behind her, Talia encouraging the horse to keep pace. Ice’s facial expression matched the filly’s as they flew under the wire. A short workout it was, but both horses felt phenomenal. Smiling, both riders pulled their horses up and began cooling them out. Carter felt giddy.
“And your Firestone juvenile works are done! That’s a wrap guys.”