Call It Magic

Three dirt horses would be running in the week to come, all running over similar distances. In fact, two of them would be going head to head come race day. Candid Silver, a beautiful grey two year old, and Shot Of Mocha, the last of the previous year's maidens to take a win, would be racing in the Back In Black Maiden. It was hoped that one of them would take the win, though it was more likely to be Ellie. She wielded the experience that Silvi lacked and had placed in her last race. The jump from a place to a win wasn't all that huge, especially against a relatively inexperienced field. But Alana was not exactly one to give in easily. Hugely competetive, if she could get Silvi running well she might well give Jacob a run for his money. Aztareal was the most experienced of the trio, however. With eight races under his belt, including two wins and a place in the Breeder's Cup he had only ever placed out of the top three once. Alexia intended to keep it that way, and she was sure her dear Aztec felt the same.

As the trio walked down toward the track none spoke. Not even a single word was muttered. Aztec was busy lavishing affection on Alexia, who had been around him for his whole life while Silvi tried to drag Alana toward the track and Ellie seemed to be prancing around Jacob. Always full of energy, if Aztec had not been busy giving and recieving affection him and Ellie would probably have been driving them mad. But Alexia was sensing a change in her boy. Over the last few weeks he had become less awkward. Though still energetic he was not prancing or pulling for the track anymore. It was almost as if he was growing up, but Alexia was sure she was imagining that. Of course, it would not be unusual for a colt to hit their peak in the autumn of their third year though, so perhaps he really was just getting more mature.

They reached the track and mounted while handlers took control of the thoroughbreds. Now, without the attention of Alexia, Aztec started to throw his head slightly and was not any less ready to race than the others. The first of the three to be gated was inexperienced Silvi. But she boxed well and waited calmly for the others to be ready. Next was Ellie, which was always a bunch of laughs. The bay filly, with all her energy, knew that the box meant being still and, well... Ellie and still did not really go together. She fought it, but eventually she was boxed and the attention was switched onto the beautiful chestnut sabino, Aztec. Not that it took much - a slight push and a little encouragement from Alexia and he was in, ready to run.

With the three in the gates they were ready to go. Aztec and Silvi were calm and patient while Ellie appeared agitated in the gates. When they did open none were particularly quick to break though Aztec and Candid broke at around the same pace and seemed to be battling to be behind the other - bother were pack horses and didn't particularly want to be at the front of the group. Ellie broke more slowly and dropped in behind the pair as they finally settled, with Aztec only slightly ahead of Silvi. They moved down the track well. Aztec started to pull ahead slightly while the other remained in about the same positions until reaching the corner when all three horses started to speed up. As they came out of the corner Aztec was ahead of the others who were neck and neck. Whips crack and they pushed hard. Aztec took advantage of his lead as he sped down the track. Ellie, with more experience, was able to pass Silvi who was starting to struggle and start to advance on Aztec and was only a nose behind him when they passed the post.