STRIDER DAN - A Racehorse's Point of View - Part 3

Strider Dan didn’t need to have a smart-assed, wanna-be-jockey on his back; he knew how much energy and effort was needed to expend and rate himself properly.  He wasn't about to run himself into the ground; he would make sure that he had plenty of energy left for today's race; he just wanted to be as fit as he could be.  The upcoming race was a mile long and he ran a mile this morning without a rider but he held himself in check, even though it felt wonderful to be free and able to run as fast as he was able to move his long legs.  But hey, a stud farm filled with fancy fillies was enough to make Strider Dan a good boy this early morning.  Both the trainer, Jimmy and the disgruntled rider were startled to see Strider Dan pull himself up and then casually walk right over to them.

Strider Dan was puffing of course, billows of steam blowing out his flared nostrils and his body was slightly sweating as he pranced back to the stables; Jimmy leading him by the reins.  The trainer was relieved that Strider Dan hadn’t hurt himself but he was more than a little bit concerned, because he hadn’t intended to work the horse quite so rigorously and definitely not for a mile.

When Strider Dan told his friend Molten Mercury what had happened to the rider, he began to laugh as only racehorses can laugh.  He laughed so hard, his belly ached.

The thing Strider Dan hated about racing wasn’t the actual racing; what he hated most was that they took away his hay and water before the race – as if I’d eat or drink too much today.  This could be the big turning point in my life, he thought.

Molten Mercury wished Strider Dan the best of luck as Jimmy led him off to the paddock.  His head was bowed and his coat gleamed like a shiny bullet and as Strider Dan caught a glimpse of himself in a truck’s mirror he thought, you handsome devil you – I just know the fillies are going to love getting mounted by you.

When Strider Dan reached the paddock, most of his racing opponents were already walking in a wide circle around the paddock for the bettor’s appraisals.  The little jockeys soon appeared dressed in brilliant coloured silks as they carried their saddles to the tiny stalls situated at the back of the paddock.  As they chatted with the trainers getting their final instructions, Strider Dan, still being led around the paddock by Jimmy, checked out his rivals.  Royal Standard and Laurel Wreath were both champing at the bit; flecks of foam splattering on their chests and on the ground, whereas Buckshot Billy seemed to just be taking his time, nonchalantly strolling around with his groom.  Hmm, thought Strider Dan, he’s the one to beat – isn’t it the quiet ones you have to watch out for? 

When the Track Steward announced, “Riders up!”  The trainers, almost in unison, gave their jockeys a leg up and when they were all tucked into the stirrups and had a good grip on the reins, the grooms led them out onto the racetrack, where they paraded in front of the grandstand and the punters yelling last minute wishes to the horses they were going to bet on.  While Strider Dan trotted by the Pari-Mutuel board, he checked out his odds; 3-1 – they were higher than he had anticipated and he hoped that Jimmy had bet his wad. 

Some of the horses were just calmly walking and others, their jockey’s standing up in the stirrups and pulling on the reins, trying to keep their mounts under control, were trotting back and forth on the backstretch.  Loosening up a horse's muscles and joints, much like any athlete, was often a standard procedure before they reached the starting gate. 

When Royal Standard trotted alongside Strider Dan, the two jockeys talking to one another, he egotistically nickered, “I see the screaming fans have it right – my odds are 1-1.  You’re going to eat my dust!”

“That may well be,” whinnied Strider Dan but we’ll see who’s nose reaches the finish line first.”  He still had his eye on Buckshot Billy sauntering alongside the rail a few horses ahead of him; there was just something about that big black stud horse; he knew he’d really have to hustle his hooves if he was going to win this race.
  
Which horse do you think is going to win; Royal Standard, Laurel Wreath, Strider Dan or the dark horse Buckshot Billy? I know which one I'm betting on but then I have some inside info - place your bets - let me know which one you think will win! - Cheers -eh!

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Daryll K:  I'll pick Buckshot Billy just cuz I likes da name...