Immovable vs Unstoppable

who will win?

(no I couldn't help it, Maxi demanded another match up )

The weeks rolled on after Maxi’s unbelievable race in the Ladies’ Classic, the press had been all over it from the second the two great fillies crossed the line. Each filly had been followed relentlessly, questions being fired at any staff member in sight. Copacabana jumped from retired to come back numerous times, her owners and trainer being completely undecided. While she took her big sister’s shoes and raced sound and undefeated for three years, her owners kept her well away from the boys – a fact the press wouldn’t ignore. And of course they were hungry for another match up with Anticlimax – the public divided into teams, one sure the Copacabana would beat the Awry filly again and others claiming Anticlimax would cream the grey (as long as her behaviour didn’t explode) like they claimed she would’ve had she not stalled in the gate.

Ignoring that hype we focused on our own superstar, silently in half-minds ourselves about retirement we kept Maxi in light training through December. Then the announcement came: the Jones’ would bring Copacabana back to racing only if Maxi would be there to take up the challenge.

Well, who were we to deny?

Discussions were held, meetings organized and various tracks made offers to increases purses to make the race come to pass.

The spotlight eventually fell on the Santa Anita Handicap. A race we’d won the year before and which sent the press into an uproar. The undefeated grey was not only going to meet with the only filly that could run with her but would be up against the top colts and geldings as well. No matter the outcome or who else would show up, the Santa Anita was already being heralded as the race of the year.

Maxi slipped back into full training with a purpose, seeming to know the importance of her first start. Her antics were put on hold and the chestnut put her all into every breeze she had. This attitude change gave us confidence when the big day finally arrived.

The team worked in silence, each knowing the importance of the race ahead. Bobby knew what he had to do, tactics had been discussed from all angles since the final field was announced. Copacabana was the big danger but certainly not the only one, last years Derby winner, Gold Medallion, was there with the Belmont and Woodward winner, Sharp Force… all horses that had defeated our filly before.

As she stepped into the parade ring, Maxi stopped dead, raising her head to eye the grey filly who returned the look. The photographer who caught the moment would go on to win a couple of prestigious awards for the shot. Maxi let out the air in her lungs noisily, ears flicking back slightly as she was led into the ring. Copacabana shook her head and walk off in apparent ignorance of the challenge, confident in her talent.

No one could deny the grey filly looked magnificent, she’d greyed out almost completely since the Breeders’ Cup but her mane and tail had remained dark. Cheers rose from the crowds as the favourites cantered down to the start – supportive flags, posters, caps, pins and pretty much anything else identified the supporters of each horse. A buzz filled the stands as the field started loading and then silence when it was time for the eagerly awaited call.

“Aaaand they’re off!”

The crowds erupted once more, drowning out the rest of the commentary.

Sharp Force was fastest off the mark, easing up to let the pace setters do their job. Copacabana took up her usual spot midpack alongside Gold Medallion. Maxi settled at the back, not lagging behind but making sure she didn’t fall victim to the suicidal pace being set. The race only really began when the two pace setters fell back and the dark bay form of Sharp Force dove into the lead. In fact the main contenders made their move at roughly the same moment. Gold and silver forms mowed down Sharp Force’s lead and it had become a three horse race in a matter of seconds.

The stands exploded into a riot of noise and manic waving of supporting items as Copacabana fought her way to the lead and wasn’t letting any of the colts take it away. Poetic synonyms were coming out the announcer’s box, so entranced was he by the fluid and confident stride of the grey mare who looked assured of another victory to maintain her perfect score. Her jockey didn’t bother extending her to pull away, keeping her within a length and a bit of the bay and chestnut colts to play to the hype of the crowds.

Suddenly a new wave of cheers rose when a white face appeared out of nowhere to run at the grey’s side. The splashed dark chestnut filly galloped alongside her rival for a few strides before kicking into another a gear and pulling ahead. The announcer fumbled for words, the phrase ‘Where the hell did she come from?’ was the only one clearly heard before he composed himself once more.

This time when the wire flashed overhead Maxi was all alone… she had defeated the unbeatable force of Zenyatta’s baby sister.

Replays showed Maxi’s run to be in the realm of Mine That Bird’s Kentucky Derby win. She’d been sandwiched between the rail and a big bay colt for most of the trip who wouldn’t budge from his place so the only way for her to escape was through one of the narrow gaps which occasionally opened up in front of her. After the first, Bobby took chance after impossible chance darting through gaps no sane horse and rider would dare go through. The overhead shots showed the field looking like they were standing still compared to Maxi’s endless speed.

The race of the year indeed.

that should make GAQ happy

Foal Pic
2yo Season
3yo Season
4yo Season

ref'd from www.horsephotos.com