run for the roses

[Snowflake]

run for the roses
_{Bank On Glory's Kentucky Derby workout.}

The morning was bright and cool. Mist rose slowly from the ground, heading back to the clouds as I strode down to the stables. I was the first one up and about this morning; the rest of the staff wouldn't be up for at least a half hour. I wanted to give Glory a special grooming as a kind of good luck thing - we'd have a good chat too. As I neared the stables, I pulled my keys from my pocket and selected the one I wanted, then unlocked the door. Jazz, one of our dogs, came galloping around the corner, barking and growling until she recognised me. Good girl, Jazzy. I greeted the thingyer spaniel with a smile and an affectionate pat. I'd been hoping to slip into the stables without waking everyone, but the dog had a loud bark, so surely they'd be rising now.

The moment I stepped into view, the horses all whinnied hello. Glory was right at the end of the isle, so I petted each horse as I made my way to him. He stamped a hoof impatiently as I patted Bank On Greatness, his younger brother, who was stalled right next door to him, then let out a low whicker when my hand finally stroked his nose.