by Mike Rogers
After the Pacific Classic, the main Lucero string moved headquarters to Belmont Park. That year, the Breeder's Cup could be held at Churchill, so he decided just to bring the horses east.
My first major riding engagement would be aboard Gambit in the Saratoga Handicap. After the debacle in the Suburban, Gambit hadn't made it back to the track to race. Hoof bruises and pulled muscles kept setting him back. But, now it seemed he was finally one hundred percent. After talking to Harry, if Gambit ran well in this race, he'd run against Longshot in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. A little voice in the back of my mind said that Gambit just might beat Longshot. Refusing to let myself worry about it, I pushed the issue to the back of my mind.
Over the week, I worked Gambit, Longshot, Cage Fighter, the Countdown, and Rodney. Talk about an all-star cast! One morning, Lucero asked me to meet him in his office after workouts.
Not surprisingly, as Lucero was still checking horses, I beat him into the office. Nosy as I was, I started to shuffle through his papers.
Bills, bills, board payments, training payments, and….ahhhh….This one looks interesting. The return address read that it was from England. It must be an update about his horses. ripping open the envelope, I skimmed the contents.
Hmmm….He had been fairly successful. One of the horses won a Group One, and another a Group Three. There were also several group placings and the usual clunkers. And the horses had arrived a couple of weeks ago, and would be getting out of quarantine today. Today! Lucero didn't know because he never opened the letter!
Shaking my head, I decided to tell him when he came in. Continuing to shuffle through the papers, I happened across an interesting letter. Well, and interesting paragraph in the letter.
Big bro, you really need to get a hold of yourself. Either explain your feelings or leave the poor girl alone. Women may be intuitive, but when it comes to men's feelings…Oh, I'm coming to visit while you're at Belmont. There's no shoving me out of the way this time.
See you then!
Love,
Chrissy.
So…Lucero's sister was coming for a visit. I'd never gotten a chance to meet her before. This was going to be exciting, especially if Lucero didn't want her to come. I'll make sure to be really nice to her. Just then, I heard Lucero's voice from down the aisle. I hastily put the letter back where I found it, piling other papers on top before placing the letter from Europe on last. Then, I took the seat across the desk.
Entering the room, he looked suspiciously at me. I guess he thought I was too quiet or something. I smiled benignly at him and asked, "So, how are the horses?"
"The ones that concern you are doing perfectly fine. Others, I'm not so sure about." Glancing down at his desk, he spotted the letter from Europe. Jumping up, he ran out without a word to me and spoke hastily with a couple grooms. One of them happened to be that snooty little priss who irritated me so when I got the job with Lucero. Ever since those first weeks, she hadn't given me any major problems. Only death glares from down the stable aisle. She was one problem I didn't let bother me.
Glancing in, she spotted me and smirked. I guess she thought I was in trouble or she got a special job over me. Whatever! Rolling my eyes, I barely acknowledged her smirk, much less her presence.
Shortly after, Lucero entered the office again. Taking a seat, he said, "Sorry about that," before digging around his desk for something else. After placing aside several items, one being his sister's letter, he produced an entries book.
"Ok," he started, "I know Longshot is going in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at the beginning of October, but we need to discuss all your other rides." Flipping through, he paused, "How about…the Saratoga Handicap the second to last week in September for Gambit. I know it's not as competitive a race, but I just want this to be a prep for the Classic. He's run well off a light schedule before." He glanced up to see if I approved even though, in my opinion, my opinion didn't really matter.
"Hmmm…Whatever," I said shrugging my shoulders.
Apparently, that's not the answer he was looking for. Gritting his teeth, he bit back some sort of retort. At least that's what I figured.
Turning back to his book, he flipped through a couple more pages. "Ok. Cage Fighter…let's see…He's needed a little break so that moves him to October…The Champagne seems in the absolute best spot. He gets a little break, but it's close enough to the Juvenile that he won't act totally green for that race." Again he glanced up at me.
"That seems fine." Still he wasn't quite happy with my response.
"Rodney is definitely running in the Super Derby, but I've ruled out the Classic. He—"
"Matt's riding him, right?" I interrupted because I wouldn't be riding him so there was no need to discuss him.
"If you think that would be best," Lucero answered looking bemused, "I had first thought of you, but—"
"Are you nuts!" I reprimanded him, "You saw how well Matt and Rodney got along! You agreed with me!"
"I—" he started.
"And that's not all of my opinion!" I said standing and leaning on his desk for emphasis, "I think you need to try Rodney on the turf. Especially if you aren't running him in the Classic. I think the Hollywood Derby in December should definitely be in the plans with an allowance grass prep sometime in November."
When I sat down, he thought I was finished, but then I added, "Besides, he's got the motion and pedigree o love the turn. His broodmare sire was a grade one winner on the turf you know."
Smiling a bit to smugly, Lucero said, "Thank you, Sarah, for that advice. I'll keep it in mind…Now, I think that's al—"
"Bobby!" came a shriek from the doorway.
A young bleach blonde girl streaked past and enveloped Lucero in a hug.
"Bobby, my sweet big brother, how are you?" Kissing him on the cheek, she sat on the desk and then looked towards me. "And who is this beautiful young woman?" She glanced pointedly at her brother.
When Lucero didn't answer right away, I said, "Sarah Randall. And you are?"
"Chrissy, Lucero's baby sister." Although she gave me a bright genuine smile, I thought I detected a bit of sneakiness about her. Like she was planning something. Now I wasn't so sure about getting into her good graces. But on e look at Lucero's irritated face and I couldn't resist.
Returning her smile, I said, "Would you like me to show you around?"
Leaping up she said excitedly, "Oooo! I would love to hear about all of Bobby's horses!" Glancing slyly at her brother, "And learning all about you too."
Once I had Chrissy to myself, she seemed to turn into a totally different person. She appeared much more intelligent and much less blonde. Plus, she had a lot of horse sense! I learned that this stemmed from her interaction with horses from the age of three.
Going down the aisle, I introduced her to each horse, whom she scrutinized intently, ending in either a nod or frown. Usually, she hit it right on the ball to the horse's success on the racetrack.
When we came up to Longshot's stall, his head hot out accompanied by a nicker. Then, his sleek chestnut head turned to inspect the new visitor. Flaring his nostrils, he tentatively stretched his nose towards Chrissy.
Immediately, she smiled, gently patting his nose and looking at him more carefully.
"Is this Longshot?"
"The one and only," I said smiling proudly, patting his neck. Looking in, she tried to inspect him more closely.
"Oh! Let me bring him out for you!" Chrissy started to protest, but I shushed her.
Longshot walked serenely out of his stall, fully aware that he was going to be admired. Again, amid Chrissy's protests, I led Longshot out into the sun so she saw him in the best light. Standing back, Chrissy analyzed every inch of him.
Nodding, she said, "Wow! He is such a different horse from a couple of years ago. What a stud!"
I laughed at her little pun. "Yeah, I know."
Looking at me she said, "Has Bobby ever mentioned me to you? At any time that you've known him?"
&nb
sp; Allowing Longshot to graze, I said, perplexed, "No, never."
"Well, let me tell you about myself…I'm seven years younger that Bobby. I guess I was sort of an unexpected baby. Bobby and I have always been close, contrary to his attitude today.
"You see, I own a breeding farm…Well, not yet it's not. I'm just getting it up and running. Bobby thinks I'm taking on too much!" Her face crinkled into a smile, "He just such a worry wart!"
Laughing with her, I sympathized saying, "I know what you mean. I get the same exact feeling! He thinks I'm so helpless sometimes."
After a couple more minutes of laughing, Chrissy continued, "Well, I want to start out big!" Giving Longshot a fond pat, she said, "Part of the reason for my visit is to talk to the Rogers. What a more perfect way to start my breeding farm than with a horse like Longshot. With his accomplishments and success throughout his career will really excite people in Kentucky. I want to get to the Rogers before they get any other offers."
Smiling enthusiastically, I said, "That would be so fantastic! I'm sure the Rogers would love the idea, you being Lucero's sister and all…"
"Well," she said frowning, "I hope that's not all they consider. I want to earn this you know."
Taking a step towards her, I murmured, "I wouldn't worry about that. The Rogers are very conscientious and caring people. They'll make sure your place is the best for Longshot. If not, you know what happens."
Looking more reassured, Chrissy smiled, nodded her thanks and follow Longshot and me down he shed row as I put him away.
One thing I learned leading up to the Saratoga Handicap, was that as along as Chrissy was with me, Lucero was one hundred times nicer! But then he always trod lightly around his sister. Like…the day Chrissy asked to ride some horses in the morning workouts. I could have sworn he would argue, but instead he swallowed his response and put her on Gambit's workmate for a five-furlong workout.
Studying her, I noticed Chrissy was an excellent rider. I didn't allow myself to analyze further, instead concentrating on Gambit.
This workout was his final tune up the race. In the warm-up, he was strong, ready to work. Both horses accelerated into a slow gallop nearing the five-furlong pole.
Then, Gambit and his workmate broke into the breeze together. Sitting chilly, I allowed Gambit to set his own pace. Surprisingly, he was very willing to just run head to head with the other horse. Nearing the stretch, I gave Gambit a slight nudge. Immediately responding to me, a half-length now separated Gambit from his workmate. But it didn't take long before the horses were even once again. By the end of the work, the horses were still even. It was a good solid work even though I hadn't asked Gambit for his best.
When the Saratoga Handicap rolled around, the Lucero camp was extremely confident. Gambit had done nothing to disappoint. Plus, the field was competitive, but not too overwhelming for Gambit's first start back. Basically, a couple of newcomers and Longshot's castoffs from the West Coast.
In the paddock, Gambit looked full of energy and ready to run. He could barely stand still for want to get to the track. Walking up to him, I gave him a little pat before turning to Lucero. "Plans?" I asked.
"I want him in a stalking position, " Lucero began, "but not on the lead. He may act a little fresh so just try to find some common ground." Within seconds, I was boosted up and taken toward the track.
In the warm-up, he did seem a little fresh. Gambit bit at the lead pony and tried to gallop away a couple times. But, we still made it to the gate in one piece.
Waiting for the start, Gambit stood quietly in his own personal slot, slightly fidgeting from impatience. The wait wouldn't be long though.
"Brrrrinnngg!" The gates slammed open and Gambit lunged forward. Immediately glancing to the inside, I maneuvered my way to the three path in fourth place before we reached the turn.
Gambit wasn't rank. He was just…strong. Trying to pull my arms out to be more precise. Now, don't get me wrong. He wasn't fighting, just leaning as hard as he could.
So…we're going around the clubhouse turn. Nothing has really changed which is worrying me. The lead horse was out all by himself. The jockey had slowed the pace down; a lot.
Taking the initiative, I gave Gambit some rein. Easily, he cruised into second and started cutting the four-length lead. The jockey didn't notice me until we had already cut the lead by half, about halfway down the backstretch.
By then, Gambit and I were in perfect position to apply the pressure. Slowly, we continued to approach. It was now crunch time fro my fellow jockey. Should he or should he not ask his horse for more speed. Deciding on the former, the horse tried to make a spring away.
Giving Gambit a bit more rein, I encouraged him to continue in pursuit. No problem on his part. All the way around the turn, we continued to apply pressure. Looking under my arm, I watched the rest of the field approaching, ready for a fight.
By now, the lead horse was visibly beginning to tire. Within two strides, Gambit swallowed him whole. Striding out, Gambit flowed with huge strong strides toward the stretch. At the quarter pole, I adjusted my reins and tapped him on the shoulder.
Exploding, Gambit lengthened his lead, easily demolishing the field of top class horses behind. Gliding under the wire, he was seven lengths in front and increasing.
In the winner's circle, there were the usual happiness and congratulations. But on reporter asked a stupid question.
"From this race, who is better, Longshot or Gambit?"
"You'll just have to find out."
Chapter Fourteen
Gambit's dominating performance and my ambiguous answer seemed to convince the handicappers and such that Gambit was better than Longshot. I wasn't upset about it or anything. Longshot would prove them wrong, just like every other year.
So, back at the barn, there were still several weeks before the Super Derby, Champagne, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. All three horses were training well so everything was peaceful, even Lucero and me.
But does it ever last?
"Sarah!" a voice called from behind me. Turning, I found Noelle waving her arms frantically.
Smiling broadly, I returned her wave and walked over. "Hey! How's it goin'?"
"I should be asking you that," Noelle said, happy demeanor gone. "Are you fully recovered?"
Ok. In case you forgot who this was…She's my bestest trainer friend, Noelle, who gave me rides during the yearling sale. You know the one where I fell off?
"Noelle, it wasn't your fault and I'm just fine. On a different note, how are your horses?"
Turning immediately brighter, "Oh, Sarah, that's what I wanted to talk to you about! Remember that two-year-old filly you rode? Well, her name is Graceful Minuette and she's been doing fantastic! Running out of her skin! I ran her in two allowances, one six furlongs, another six and one-half and she demolished the competition.
"Here's where it gets a little interesting. I want to run her in the Frizette…and I'd like you to ride her…"
Noelle looked so hopeful, so…what was I going to do? Obviously, Lucero would be totally against it, but I so wanted to do it. Ummmm…
"I'll get back to you in an hour."
"Oh, I hate you!" I screamed vehemently at Lucero, clenching my fist, resisting the urge to throw the chair across the room.
"I've said it once and I'll say it again. Her horses aren't safe. Look what happened the last time." He didn't yell, but was practically snarling.
Taking a step towards him, "It was one incident you imbecile! Accidents happen! Arrggghhh!" When he opened his mouth, "Don't you say it! Don't you dare say it!"
He made the mistake. He said it. Leaping forward, my hands encircled his throat, cutting off any sound. Reaching up, he managed to wrench my hands away. Pushing me, he backed me up against a bookshelf.
Then, the door opened. Chrissy poked her head in, assessed the situation, smirked, and said, "You know, you two make a great couple." Turning around, she made a move to close the door, but stopped. "Especially when you ar
gue."
The second the door closed, Lucero let go of my hands like they burned him. "You ride Noelle's horse," Lucero said gruffly, hastily walking out the door. Sighing, I picked up the phone and called Noelle with the good news.
For the rest of the day, I purposefully avoided Chrissy. I was liable to blow up in her face. But the feeling was bittersweet. It was her intervention that won me the ride on Grace. So, nothing really happened around the shed row, believe it or not, until a couple days later. The press was swarming around the barn to cover the workouts of Hear, Cage Fighter, and Rodney. Matt couldn't make it out to ride his cold so I got the honors.
First up was Cage Fighter. He always performed better as early in the morning as possible. As he approached me, I marveled at how much he had grown it eh past months. Cage Fighter didn't look as weedy as he used to. Over the summer, he muscled up and gained ground on his growing body. After I was boosted up, I could tell he was a couple of inches taker. Plus, his coat had a new gleam of health.
