spitting image

[Snowflake]

Wow, she's beautiful. I murmurred, gazing at the gorgeous grey with wide eyes. Impressive Catch stood squarely, her neck arched and ears pricked, watching us intelligently as we checked her out.
I'll say. Spitting image of Bank On Silver. Sarah said, sounding wistful. I eyed the filly's deep chest and powerful hind quarters, then her long, delicate yet strong legs and well shaped hooves.
Who'll be her rider? I asked tentatively. What wouldn't I give for such a beauty?

Sarah sighed. I would ride her myself, but she's a turfer, like Striking Motion. Marissa was next in line, but she has Simply A Flyer. Not to mention our tonnes of other horses.. She grimaced a little, but playfully. Davo would ride her, but he says she seems to be too delicate and lady like for him. He likes the big boys like Fly, and the clowns like Split. She turned to smile at me. Mimi and Jake aren't experienced enough.. so, I was actually hoping you would like to take her on, Vicks. My mouth dropped open. Me? I regained my composure and grinned from ear to ear. Wow, Sarah! Thankyou! I would love to! I gushed. Sarah grinned back.

I stepped forward and stroked the filly's shiny, dappled neck. Darn, you're so beautiful. Tears of joy pricked my eyes, and the filly nuzzled my pockets gently. I grinned as I slipped her a sugar lump. She's a good prospect for races between five and ten furlongs. She won the Goldenrod Cup and the Wannabeastar Stakes last year. Sarah said from behind me, sounding impressed. I swung around. She beat Split. Sarah was grinning with such radiance, I felt hideous next to her. Yep. And one of our foals, Silver Edition. Out of Silver Excaliber, by Gold Edition. I hadn't been here when Silver Edition was around, but I knew his lines. And they were great.

Wow. I mused. She must have talent.
Yeah, well, we'll soon see that for ourselves. I want you to work her bright and early at five thirty tomorrow morning. Give her a grooming now, and tomorrow to so she gets used to you. Sarah rattled on about how it was important to at least make friends with a horse before you ride it, and I tuned out, instead dreaming of winning the Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Turf on Impressive Catch later on this year. Wouldn't that be nice..

I suddenly realised that Sarah was looking at me expectantly. Sorry, what? Sarah shook her head and laughed. I was sure she knew what I had been dreaming about. Go. She shooed us. Go make friends. I untied the filly and lead her into the barn to her new stall, surprised at her impeccable manners.