Always the Underdog

[Sam]

Was it just me or did almost every horse that came from this place an underdog at atleast one point in their life? And I don't mean the new maidens, I'm talking about the Grade Five horses that go against the Grade Ones and don't even get glanced at until they actually are making headway on the stretch towards home. Either way, I wasn't sure how Keegan would do against such big competition.

Stormy gray pelt twitched as I gently patted the always distracted colt. Can never pay attention, huh? I chuckled. He just flicked an ear at me before staring off at something; at this point I stop trying to see whatever it is. With a small cluck, I got him moving and soon we were trotting around the track.

It seemed that not only was he the long shot, but I was as well. I've never raced in a big race before. I half wondered why Sam let me stay on the colt instead of hopping on herself. Maybe she saw something in us? Or more likely she doesn't want to waste her time... Either way, my bundle of nerves in the pit of my stomach was not helping anything.

I set my thoughts aside and let Keegan trot half way around the track, I let him go into a smooth canter. His ears stayed pricked almost the entire time, barely paying a lick of attention to me. Are his ears just stuck like that? I half way wondered if he even knew who was even on his back today.

I shook my head, I needed to stop comparing thinking and just doing. Thought wouldn't win a race, action would. And sure as hell, Keegan's got action.

We cantered slowly along the railing, waiting until we got to the back stretch. His ears slowly began to weave their way back to me, as if he suddenly remembered what his job was. As we came around the turn to the back stretch, the colt's mouth suddenly began to pull on the bit. Just a yank or a grab at the bit, just a steady pull as if to show he was paying attention now.

I waited a moment until the track level straight then I leaned forwards and shortened my reins. I flashed my whip out to give him a look at it. He didn't hesitate to drive forwards.

At first, the colt's gait was quick and fast, but slowly it lengthened out. He slowly started to relax under me, his stride becoming so long and airy it felt as if he should be traveling slower than we were. His long legs ate up the ground with no effort at all, bunching back up under him before stretching out again

I moved with him, though I kept his speed in check as we raced down the back stretch. Keegan's strides stayed consistent. He appeared to be putting barely any effort into it though we were traveling at a decent pace. Certainly enough to keep up even with a fast pack.

The track started to turn before us, and Keegan followed the rail, his stride keeping it's length despite the turn. He swung slightly from it, which didn't bother me one bit as he kept up the pace very easily.

As I helped navigate him around the corner, I felt his head perk up. He practically exploded from under me. His legs dashed in and out so fast, you'd think there was a bear on a motercycle chasing him.

His hind end pounded at the ground, striking with such force it was practically all I could hear. His shoulder heaved to drag him even faster towards the stretch. I barely had to encourage and rather just tried to stay out of his way. Ever now and then I flicked out my whip and gave him a tap on the flank, but he was gunning it already.

Depsite the speed, he still managed to make his stride incredibly long but his bobbing head showed he was putting all he had into each stride. It was a full on blow out.

His mane brushed my face, tickling my nose, as I followed with my hands at the freightening pace. Atta boy, I cried over the thundering hooves. The colt didn't skip a beat as he charged on towards the wire.

I think the most amazing thing was that his ears were actually against his neck. Not pinned, mind you, but back as if he meant complete buisness and not even a bear on a motorcylce could distract him at this point. If anything, that showed he was really putting his all in.

Moments later, I stood up in the saddle. The colt slowed a stride later, realizing the pressure was off. His ears pricked forwards again. I ran my hand down his neck. That's it boy, I breathed out, exhausted but exhilorated at the same time.

Maybe the underdog could do it again.