Beautiful Frost.
Beautiful Liar & Desmond Drake
Santana's Legend & Vivien Charron
Phantasm Frost & Clarimonde Tusaint
Santana's Legend & Vivien Charron
Phantasm Frost & Clarimonde Tusaint
"You're going to make my girl cry," Desmond complained loudly from Beautiful Liar's stall, and the mare whickered in response to is voice as if agreeing. Out the window, Clarimonde paused, ignoring Frost as he danced around at the halted movement of his rider. "Me?" Clari said incredulously, never a man of many words. "Of course you. You and your sprinter." Desmond patted the grey's neck with an exaggerated, dispirited sigh. He looked out the window to see Clari shaking his head and leading Phantasm Frost away. Desmond turned back to Leah again and sighed for real this time, more quietly, and finished tightening the mare's girth. She grunted, shifting sideways a step, but didn't really fuss. "If he doesn't lighten up, he's going to have a pretty lonely life," he said, mostly to himself. After a moment he shook off the thought, clipping his helmet and opening the stall door to lead the patient but alert mare out of her stall. Nickers and other noises of complaint came from the stalls, and Leah rumbled back an answer, but they made it out of the barn and into the crisp morning air without any of the mares throwing a fit.
As far as Desmond was concerned, Leah was a pretty underrated mare. Not that that was uncommon for Valkyrie horses, and he wouldn't have it any other way. The mare was the first-born of one of their broodmares, Loose Truth, and by one of the hottest studs on the turf: Gorgeous George. They had a half-brother to Leah in the yearling Flawless Majesty, out of Flawed Princess. The more horses they acquired, the more lines seemed to cross - one of the reasons Larsa was very keen on breeding fresh and unblooded lines. This would be Leah's fifth year on the track, and hopefully her first single-owner campaign since her classic year, where she did her best work. It was hard to hold the last year against her when she'd been shuffled from barn to barn. She had a lot of talent - it just needed to be nurtured the right way, and she was already much more trusting of Desmond than she was on pretty much anyone else, aside from Minske. He was determined to show how spectacular she was and do her parents proud.
As they began walking down the lane, Desmond saw another horse and rider making their way down. Desmond waved, pausing and waiting for the boy to catch up. Vivien was just as quiet as Clarimonde, though their motivations couldn't be more different. Vivien was shy, where Clarimonde was cold. All in all, it made Viv a much easier person to talk to. "'morning," Desmond said cheerfully as they began walking again. "Good morning," Vivien said back, looking a little uncertain but happy nonetheless. The filly he led, Santana's Legend, was a very pretty juvenile turfer acquired from Nature Blues in September. The bay and grey females eyed each other for a moment, then settled into company. Leah just didn't really mind, where Desmond figured Ana was just distracted, as the filly's ears were constantly swiveling as they walked. "So is it true you're starting at the university in the fall?" Desmond couldn't help but ask - Vivien was a good jockey, very good for his age, and he was hoping they weren't going to lose him even if it was to an education. Selfish or not. Vivien nodded, tucking a loose strand of his long blonde hair behind one ear. "I know it probably sounds boring, but I'd like to study their nutrition." He gestured at Ana as he said it, and Desmond shrugged. "Not boring. I've never been much for book learning, but you've got a good head on you. Will you be gone for good?" Vivien shook his head, wiggling the lead in his hand to deter Ana from stretching her neck out to the trees as they passed. "No, I'll still be here during the school year. I'll do works in the morning before class and races are on the weekend, so nothing should conflict really." Des nodded, clearly pleased with the answer. Vivien blushed a little, probably because someone was interested in whether he stayed or not. "Good. I can already tell this filly would be lost without you." Probably an exaggeration, but there was truth in bonds created between horse and rider, and he could already see one forming here.
Ana was from much more unproven lines than Leah was, and with that she'd probably need a strong rider to bring out her potential. Vivien was quiet in his everyday interactions, but on the track he was fearless. He trusted his horses just as much as they trusted him, and it was the sort of thing that made your chest ache when you watched them move in perfect harmony across the track. Ana was a turfer through-and-through, and Desmond would be lying if he said he wasn't excited to see what she would do. The two of them chatted for the few minutes it took to get trackside, where Cole and Minske were getting Clari up on Frost. With Minske occupying the colt at his head, for a moment the bay stood picturesque and still. Aside from Shenanigans, Phantasm Frost had been their most successful juvenile for year fourteen. The sprinter colt was beautifully built, strong and steady, and though he didn't sport the best record around, it would be the perfect springboard into his three-year-old campaign. A lot of experience, a lot of success, and a run in the Breeders' Cup. If that wasn't top competition, he didn't know what was. Now he was a new three-year-old, looked better than ever, and was on the brink of grade three. The future was bright for Valkyrie.
"Alright boys, out we get," Desmond said cheerfully, and in no time at all the three horses were trotting out onto the turf. Leah moved the smoothest of all of them by far, strides long and patient as she warmed up. Ana was a little more jittery, but she still wasn't a hot-headed sort. She was just excited as any young horse looking forward to an all-out run. Frost mirrored her more than Leah, but he too was easily handled. They were breezing four furlongs to sharpen up for their coming races, and what Desmond had said earlier was undoubtedly true - Phantasm Frost had an incredible amount of speed and he was going to clear the routers out. Ah, well. Ana was taken to the front when they broke into a gallop, and Leah and Frost settled about two lengths back. Ana set a moderate pace - they didn't want to burn her out by pushing her to a pace more suited to the older horses. Leah moved after two furlongs, and Vivien let Ana have her head to duel with the grey mare. Leah had gained the upper hand a furlong out when Frost made his move. Desmond could hear the staccato charging up behind them, and so did Leah. She put the gas on even more, but as much heart as she was showing, it just wasn't enough to hold off the sprinter. Frost went by like a freight train, opening the lead to a length and a half and gaining as they went by the wire. Ana was a bit more of a speed horse than Leah, so she was still on her tail despite her more immature muscling. When they pulled up, Desmond could tell that Leah was agitated, and smiled - she'd be fired up for her race, anyway.
As far as Desmond was concerned, Leah was a pretty underrated mare. Not that that was uncommon for Valkyrie horses, and he wouldn't have it any other way. The mare was the first-born of one of their broodmares, Loose Truth, and by one of the hottest studs on the turf: Gorgeous George. They had a half-brother to Leah in the yearling Flawless Majesty, out of Flawed Princess. The more horses they acquired, the more lines seemed to cross - one of the reasons Larsa was very keen on breeding fresh and unblooded lines. This would be Leah's fifth year on the track, and hopefully her first single-owner campaign since her classic year, where she did her best work. It was hard to hold the last year against her when she'd been shuffled from barn to barn. She had a lot of talent - it just needed to be nurtured the right way, and she was already much more trusting of Desmond than she was on pretty much anyone else, aside from Minske. He was determined to show how spectacular she was and do her parents proud.
As they began walking down the lane, Desmond saw another horse and rider making their way down. Desmond waved, pausing and waiting for the boy to catch up. Vivien was just as quiet as Clarimonde, though their motivations couldn't be more different. Vivien was shy, where Clarimonde was cold. All in all, it made Viv a much easier person to talk to. "'morning," Desmond said cheerfully as they began walking again. "Good morning," Vivien said back, looking a little uncertain but happy nonetheless. The filly he led, Santana's Legend, was a very pretty juvenile turfer acquired from Nature Blues in September. The bay and grey females eyed each other for a moment, then settled into company. Leah just didn't really mind, where Desmond figured Ana was just distracted, as the filly's ears were constantly swiveling as they walked. "So is it true you're starting at the university in the fall?" Desmond couldn't help but ask - Vivien was a good jockey, very good for his age, and he was hoping they weren't going to lose him even if it was to an education. Selfish or not. Vivien nodded, tucking a loose strand of his long blonde hair behind one ear. "I know it probably sounds boring, but I'd like to study their nutrition." He gestured at Ana as he said it, and Desmond shrugged. "Not boring. I've never been much for book learning, but you've got a good head on you. Will you be gone for good?" Vivien shook his head, wiggling the lead in his hand to deter Ana from stretching her neck out to the trees as they passed. "No, I'll still be here during the school year. I'll do works in the morning before class and races are on the weekend, so nothing should conflict really." Des nodded, clearly pleased with the answer. Vivien blushed a little, probably because someone was interested in whether he stayed or not. "Good. I can already tell this filly would be lost without you." Probably an exaggeration, but there was truth in bonds created between horse and rider, and he could already see one forming here.
Ana was from much more unproven lines than Leah was, and with that she'd probably need a strong rider to bring out her potential. Vivien was quiet in his everyday interactions, but on the track he was fearless. He trusted his horses just as much as they trusted him, and it was the sort of thing that made your chest ache when you watched them move in perfect harmony across the track. Ana was a turfer through-and-through, and Desmond would be lying if he said he wasn't excited to see what she would do. The two of them chatted for the few minutes it took to get trackside, where Cole and Minske were getting Clari up on Frost. With Minske occupying the colt at his head, for a moment the bay stood picturesque and still. Aside from Shenanigans, Phantasm Frost had been their most successful juvenile for year fourteen. The sprinter colt was beautifully built, strong and steady, and though he didn't sport the best record around, it would be the perfect springboard into his three-year-old campaign. A lot of experience, a lot of success, and a run in the Breeders' Cup. If that wasn't top competition, he didn't know what was. Now he was a new three-year-old, looked better than ever, and was on the brink of grade three. The future was bright for Valkyrie.
"Alright boys, out we get," Desmond said cheerfully, and in no time at all the three horses were trotting out onto the turf. Leah moved the smoothest of all of them by far, strides long and patient as she warmed up. Ana was a little more jittery, but she still wasn't a hot-headed sort. She was just excited as any young horse looking forward to an all-out run. Frost mirrored her more than Leah, but he too was easily handled. They were breezing four furlongs to sharpen up for their coming races, and what Desmond had said earlier was undoubtedly true - Phantasm Frost had an incredible amount of speed and he was going to clear the routers out. Ah, well. Ana was taken to the front when they broke into a gallop, and Leah and Frost settled about two lengths back. Ana set a moderate pace - they didn't want to burn her out by pushing her to a pace more suited to the older horses. Leah moved after two furlongs, and Vivien let Ana have her head to duel with the grey mare. Leah had gained the upper hand a furlong out when Frost made his move. Desmond could hear the staccato charging up behind them, and so did Leah. She put the gas on even more, but as much heart as she was showing, it just wasn't enough to hold off the sprinter. Frost went by like a freight train, opening the lead to a length and a half and gaining as they went by the wire. Ana was a bit more of a speed horse than Leah, so she was still on her tail despite her more immature muscling. When they pulled up, Desmond could tell that Leah was agitated, and smiled - she'd be fired up for her race, anyway.
Italian Ghost of Science.
Ghostly Girl & Savita Tusaint
Baciami & Halexia Suhail
Valine & Clarimonde Tusaint
Baciami & Halexia Suhail
Valine & Clarimonde Tusaint
After some deliberating, Cole had decided the day's batch of three-year-olds needed a real test run to get them into top competitive spirits leading into their first, and critical, races of the year. Last year had shown just how quickly the classic races popped up, and he wanted his string to be ready. And so, he was giving Ghostly Girl and Baciami a nine-furlong mock race, with Valine dropping in two furlongs later for a more preferable distance of seven furlongs. It wasn't ideal, but he thought it would work out fine for a dry run. The trainer and his son looked over the horses as they warmed up.
This work contained his two most inexperienced three-year-olds, Ghostly Girl and Valine. They'd picked up the Beyond His Candy daughter from a liquidation sale late in the year, and the filly had done something rather unexpected for him - she won her maiden during her first week out. Early in the season that was expected, but to do it so late in the year was... well, it put Cole in a difficult situation. Instead of pushing forward and campaigning the filly against more experienced grade fives and potentially break that incredible fighting spirit, the trainer had opted to abstain from racing her and work on her training to bring her back just as strong and more prepared for her three-year-old campaign. While it was unlikely, it was was possible that the filly would pull together nicely and become a contender for the Preakness or Belmont later in the summer. The Derby was even more unlikely, but it would all depend on how her preps went. She was a wildcard, and these first couple of races would be crucial.
Valine had a similar problem, though she had managed to get three races under her belt. The sprinter filly would at least have a bit more time before the Sprinter Crown or Tiara, if she shaped up to be a contender. She was a talented filly, and grew stronger with each ride. She was one that had a lot to prove, and Cole was sure she'd be able to do it.
The last horse, Baciami, was also a wildcard but had the experience to springboard very nicely into the new year if he played his cards right. The colt had run fifteen races, and his only out-of-money finishes were against top contenders in HOTY races. The colt was proving to be blue-blooded through his siblings' success - he had Italian Ice on his dam's side, indisputably one of the best horses to grace the tracks and winner of the Canadian Triple Crown. On his sire's side was Lissome, a same-year juvenile that had hit grade three and won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. With stats like that, Baciami had some greatness ahead of him, even if he was a bit more of a late bloomer. He truly was their best Triple Crown prospect, aside from Shenanigans - however, if Ami built himself up well, then Shenanigans was more likely to show up for the Canadian Triple Crown. Either way, the colt was in a very good position going in, and he hoped that he would continue to impress.
After a few minutes, the horses were relaxed, warmed up, and ready. Ami and Ghost were brought back to the nine furlong mark. Ami picked up the change in routine first, ears pressed forward and fractious nature showing through. It was excitement that made him act up now - he didn't want to slow down, he wanted to run. The other two horses swung quickly into place, Valine further down the lane, and Hal had her hands full with a half-rearing, headstrong, ready-to-go colt. The signal was a whistle - Cole gave it, and off the horses went. Baciami immediately rocketed to the front, and Hal had to fight with him for a few seconds to keep him to a good pace. However, he did settle, and Ghost stayed just behind him on the rail. After two furlongs, Valine was brought up to speed as the other two were passing and moved in to settle beside Ghost. Valine would have preferred a stronger pace - their current going would be a pretty slow seven furlongs - but she liked running in company and didn't have issues. They swung around the far turn, Ami still confidently carrying the lead. Ghost and Val were both very much the types of horses that did better with a horse to chase after, even if it was for different reasons. Given that, they wouldn't make their moves until late. They stayed steady and strong through the backstretch and through the turn. That was when they all turned the gas on. Ami lengthened his strides on the front, wildly fighting the pressure he could already feel from behind and fighting it well. Valine had a beautiful turn of foot and while she might have a bit of an edge as far as speed, she loved a fight and she didn't pull away from Ghost as they chased after Ami. However, she did eventually edge out the grey and move up on Ami. However, Baciami had a fair bit of speed as well, and he rallied when she drew alongside. Ami had the upper hand wand was actually starting to pull away when they crossed the wire, Ghost hot on their heels. Ami was hot as they pulled up, and had obviously put some real effort in against the sprinter. He didn't look the worse for wear, though, just a little tired, though the fire in his eyes and movements showed that he'd be ready for another round if asked. Cole was smiling when the horses were handed off to hotwalkers - if that wasn't a good sign for the start of their seasons, he didn't know what was.
This work contained his two most inexperienced three-year-olds, Ghostly Girl and Valine. They'd picked up the Beyond His Candy daughter from a liquidation sale late in the year, and the filly had done something rather unexpected for him - she won her maiden during her first week out. Early in the season that was expected, but to do it so late in the year was... well, it put Cole in a difficult situation. Instead of pushing forward and campaigning the filly against more experienced grade fives and potentially break that incredible fighting spirit, the trainer had opted to abstain from racing her and work on her training to bring her back just as strong and more prepared for her three-year-old campaign. While it was unlikely, it was was possible that the filly would pull together nicely and become a contender for the Preakness or Belmont later in the summer. The Derby was even more unlikely, but it would all depend on how her preps went. She was a wildcard, and these first couple of races would be crucial.
Valine had a similar problem, though she had managed to get three races under her belt. The sprinter filly would at least have a bit more time before the Sprinter Crown or Tiara, if she shaped up to be a contender. She was a talented filly, and grew stronger with each ride. She was one that had a lot to prove, and Cole was sure she'd be able to do it.
The last horse, Baciami, was also a wildcard but had the experience to springboard very nicely into the new year if he played his cards right. The colt had run fifteen races, and his only out-of-money finishes were against top contenders in HOTY races. The colt was proving to be blue-blooded through his siblings' success - he had Italian Ice on his dam's side, indisputably one of the best horses to grace the tracks and winner of the Canadian Triple Crown. On his sire's side was Lissome, a same-year juvenile that had hit grade three and won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. With stats like that, Baciami had some greatness ahead of him, even if he was a bit more of a late bloomer. He truly was their best Triple Crown prospect, aside from Shenanigans - however, if Ami built himself up well, then Shenanigans was more likely to show up for the Canadian Triple Crown. Either way, the colt was in a very good position going in, and he hoped that he would continue to impress.
After a few minutes, the horses were relaxed, warmed up, and ready. Ami and Ghost were brought back to the nine furlong mark. Ami picked up the change in routine first, ears pressed forward and fractious nature showing through. It was excitement that made him act up now - he didn't want to slow down, he wanted to run. The other two horses swung quickly into place, Valine further down the lane, and Hal had her hands full with a half-rearing, headstrong, ready-to-go colt. The signal was a whistle - Cole gave it, and off the horses went. Baciami immediately rocketed to the front, and Hal had to fight with him for a few seconds to keep him to a good pace. However, he did settle, and Ghost stayed just behind him on the rail. After two furlongs, Valine was brought up to speed as the other two were passing and moved in to settle beside Ghost. Valine would have preferred a stronger pace - their current going would be a pretty slow seven furlongs - but she liked running in company and didn't have issues. They swung around the far turn, Ami still confidently carrying the lead. Ghost and Val were both very much the types of horses that did better with a horse to chase after, even if it was for different reasons. Given that, they wouldn't make their moves until late. They stayed steady and strong through the backstretch and through the turn. That was when they all turned the gas on. Ami lengthened his strides on the front, wildly fighting the pressure he could already feel from behind and fighting it well. Valine had a beautiful turn of foot and while she might have a bit of an edge as far as speed, she loved a fight and she didn't pull away from Ghost as they chased after Ami. However, she did eventually edge out the grey and move up on Ami. However, Baciami had a fair bit of speed as well, and he rallied when she drew alongside. Ami had the upper hand wand was actually starting to pull away when they crossed the wire, Ghost hot on their heels. Ami was hot as they pulled up, and had obviously put some real effort in against the sprinter. He didn't look the worse for wear, though, just a little tired, though the fire in his eyes and movements showed that he'd be ready for another round if asked. Cole was smiling when the horses were handed off to hotwalkers - if that wasn't a good sign for the start of their seasons, he didn't know what was.
God on the Wall.
Jericho & Tigris Greenfire
Passionate God & Halexia Suhail
Passionate God & Halexia Suhail
"No, I'm serious, bring him this way," Hal said through laughter, wrangling her heady bay colt with seeming ease. Tigris looked at her like she was crazy - two colts near each other was generally not a good situation, even if Jericho was very easygoing. After a moment, though, he took a few steps forward and brought Jer with him - Hal would put her friend in danger easily enough, but she wouldn't do it to the horses. When they were relatively close, Nate thrust his head out toward Jericho aggressively, ears pinned. Jericho threw his head up with a squeal, legs rigid. The noise made Nate pause, and Jericho now put his nose out - just before they touched, Jericho squealed again, flagging his tail and dancing a few steps. Nate was watching the other colt, bewildered. Tigris couldn't help but laugh as they continued their way to the track, more distance between them now. "He can't tell why Jer doesn't smell like a mare when he's acting like one." You'd think Jericho was a mare in heat, just listening to him out in the pasture. He was always squealing and making all kinds of noise, drawing the attention that he loved. Ah, well. It was endearing, really.
Jericho had had a... well, a strange juvenile season, and it had amounted to fewer starts. He'd been very consistent, pulling four thirds, a broken maiden, and one out-of-money finish in a HOTY race. He'd definitely proven to be a horse that needed to grow into his bulk, and he was much closer to that now - his muscles were solid, and he'd filled out a lot in the last few months. They hoped this would bring him more high finishes, and he definitely looked more like a horse to get it done now. He had the pedigree, and now he had the strength. They were excited to see where he'd go.
Passionate God was similar, though his record was more common for a Valkyrie horse obtained late in the season - he was incredibly consistent, but like Jericho, he'd needed the time to grow to become champion material. His record was very similar to his half-brother Mourning Passion's juvenile year. Seven starts, one win, and nothing out of the money - just the sort of springboard season that Cole loved going into a new year. It was a lot to expect Passionate God to have the sort of success that Mourn had had, but it wasn't impossible by any means.
Cole got the two riders up quickly, since Nate was not the sort of horse to do well waiting around. Hal gathered the reins, but not too tightly - if he was under too tight a hold, he would just fight all the harder. This way he was a little less in her control, but much more calm and manageable. The colt was already moving forward and she simply steered him onto the turf. She kept him under enough of a hold to stop him from cantering off too early, but it was a delicate balance. If she increased the pressure on the bit when he started going too fast, he'd just lean on the bit. If she relaxed, he'd be more likely to slow. Or he'd just go headlong. It was hard saying. For now he behaved himself, likely because of Jericho's presence. He seemed to get along pretty well with the other bay, and was willing to stay in company while they warmed up. Finally they split off, Jericho dropping back two lengths behind the miler. They were going five furlongs, and broke off at the 5/8ths pole. Nate was as aggressive as always, but settled when he realized Jericho wasn't going to push him. They swung around the turn at a moderate pace, Tigris holding Jericho back until they moved onto the stretch. With a furlong and a half left, Jericho kicked in first. Let loose, the bay colt accelerated quickly onward, chasing after the Tempered Passion son with gusto. Nate felt him coming, and Hal let Nate go as well. Jericho was charging up behind, long strides having him gaining - but there just wasn't enough time, not at this distance. Nate crossed a length ahead of a gaining Jericho in a very strong finish for both.
Jericho had had a... well, a strange juvenile season, and it had amounted to fewer starts. He'd been very consistent, pulling four thirds, a broken maiden, and one out-of-money finish in a HOTY race. He'd definitely proven to be a horse that needed to grow into his bulk, and he was much closer to that now - his muscles were solid, and he'd filled out a lot in the last few months. They hoped this would bring him more high finishes, and he definitely looked more like a horse to get it done now. He had the pedigree, and now he had the strength. They were excited to see where he'd go.
Passionate God was similar, though his record was more common for a Valkyrie horse obtained late in the season - he was incredibly consistent, but like Jericho, he'd needed the time to grow to become champion material. His record was very similar to his half-brother Mourning Passion's juvenile year. Seven starts, one win, and nothing out of the money - just the sort of springboard season that Cole loved going into a new year. It was a lot to expect Passionate God to have the sort of success that Mourn had had, but it wasn't impossible by any means.
Cole got the two riders up quickly, since Nate was not the sort of horse to do well waiting around. Hal gathered the reins, but not too tightly - if he was under too tight a hold, he would just fight all the harder. This way he was a little less in her control, but much more calm and manageable. The colt was already moving forward and she simply steered him onto the turf. She kept him under enough of a hold to stop him from cantering off too early, but it was a delicate balance. If she increased the pressure on the bit when he started going too fast, he'd just lean on the bit. If she relaxed, he'd be more likely to slow. Or he'd just go headlong. It was hard saying. For now he behaved himself, likely because of Jericho's presence. He seemed to get along pretty well with the other bay, and was willing to stay in company while they warmed up. Finally they split off, Jericho dropping back two lengths behind the miler. They were going five furlongs, and broke off at the 5/8ths pole. Nate was as aggressive as always, but settled when he realized Jericho wasn't going to push him. They swung around the turn at a moderate pace, Tigris holding Jericho back until they moved onto the stretch. With a furlong and a half left, Jericho kicked in first. Let loose, the bay colt accelerated quickly onward, chasing after the Tempered Passion son with gusto. Nate felt him coming, and Hal let Nate go as well. Jericho was charging up behind, long strides having him gaining - but there just wasn't enough time, not at this distance. Nate crossed a length ahead of a gaining Jericho in a very strong finish for both.