Sam wants Flight. Cindy told Ben that evening as they sat down to dinner. Cindy had learnt a lot about cooking from living alone. Her adoptive mother, Beth, was a big believer in healthy eating and Cindy had been brought up on gourmet meals.
Nearly choking on his chicken, Ben cleared his throat and gulped some iced tea. Youre kidding, right? Has she even seen the horse?
Yeah. I couldnt believe it myself. Flight jumped over that back pasture fencing today and Sam was impressed with his natural style.
Oh, good! We can geld the horse and give him to them. Ben looked positively ecstatic.
Cindy grinned. If Tor likes him. Have you scheduled a race for Poison yet?
They discussed plans for the three fillies. Apparently, The press werent the only people interested in a match race between Bejazzled and Pacific Blue. The other filly had just won another major stakes race and her owners had called Ben.
Well get a lot of money if Bejazzled wins the race. Theyve organized some big sponsors. Ben said. Some other big racing farm in California is looking at racing their filly, Just Jill, as well.
Tapping her fork thoughtfully, Cindy said, Even if Jazz doesnt win, itll still be great for the farm. Ive seen Pacific Blue run and that fillys fast.
Are you saying that you dont have faith in our horse, McLean? Ben teased.
Its more like being realistic. Cindy retorted. Jazz is a great horse, but Pacific Blue is a champion runner.
Ben just laughed at her scepticism.

A few days later, their head trainer, Connie Richmond, returned from a trip to Florida with Played on Ice, a two-year old colt that Ben had bought at the beginning of that year and two new horses Connie had found at an auction.
Wait until you see them. Connie told Cindy and Ben hesitantly as she unclipped the trailers ramp.
Iceman jumped out first, straining against Heinzs hold on the lead.
Taking out a skinny chestnut, Connie spoke soothingly to the terrified colt. His eyes were rimmed with white and he was coated in sweat. Cindy doubted the horse had been treated well. He looked like he expected everything to jump out and eat him.
His names Chasing Fate. Hes three and hasnt done much on the track. Connie glanced at Ben. I know what youre thinking.
Ben just shook his head. I can see why you bought this animal. He looks like hes ill.
His trainer was Dave Mitchell. Can you blame him? Connie sighed.
Cringing for the colt, Cindy knew too well who Dave Mitchell was. He had a bad reputation for being violent, often getting on his horses himself and beating them into running. Hed finally been banned from racing a month ago. Connie must have gone where they were auctioning off his stock.
Continuing, Connie said, Believe it or not, theres nothing wrong with Chase that a little bit of TLC and good food cant fix. He was one of the better horses.
I still dont understand why you chose him. Ben looked the trembling horse over.
Ben, hes a full brother to Unconventional. Connie said.
Unconventional was rapidly becoming the countrys top sprinter. Hed won the Breeders Cup Sprint last year after running longer distances failed to get him placed. His trainer, Tertius Bosman, hadnt failed to hide his feelings for Connie.
And the other one? Cindy peered into the dim horsebox.
With a clang, a stocky blue roan emerged. She had thick legs and big, bulky shoulders. She certainly was no Thoroughbred. At seventeen hands high, the horse looked more suited to eventing.
Oh, Connie! Ben held his head in his hands.
Feeling pretty much the same, Cindy said, She looks like a Warmblood.
Now, heres the thing. I didnt pay for her, so you guys cant yell at me. Connie stroked the roans neck. Actually, I thought Heinz might like her.
Looking up from unwrapping Chases bandages, Heinz had a confused look on his face. Why? Ive got Lukas.
You are looking at Brandenburg Tia Maria. She was bred by the same stud farm as Lukas, so, yes, she is a Warmblood. Heck, for a free horse, I really didnt think she was too bad. Connie grinned sheepishly at Ben. Plus, shes only six. Dave got her from who-knows-where to use to pony his racers.
Ben gave a tolerant sigh.
Looking over Tia, Cindy thought she might just ride the mare herself.

Leaning wither forearms on the rail, Cindy watched carefully as Flight trotted in a large circle in the paddock. Tor Nelson, Sams husband, was riding him. So far, Flight was behaving himself, but Cindy wasnt sure how long that would last.
See? Hes not bad. Sam called.
Looking over at them, Tor nodded. Hes pretty smooth. Obviously, hes weaker on his one side, but thats fixable. We dont have to event him, if you dont think he can do dressage at that level.
Name one person who doesnt event. Sam grinned. A person who doesnt have a horse right now and loves a challenge.
Cindy frowned. She had no idea who Sam could be talking about.
Smiling back, Tor replied, Mandy Jarvis. You think shed like him?
Cindy didnt know that the pretty, black woman has returned to Whisperwood. Mandy had travelled all over the world, riding for the U.S. Olympic show jumping team and competing in big shows with her Thoroughbred, Gemini Rising.
Well take him. Tor turned to Cindy. How much are you asking?
Rolling her eyes, Cindy said, Im not. Just get that darned horse off my farm!

The situation with the Townsends hadnt blown over, as Cindy had hoped. She and Connie were at Keeneland with Bejazzled, Poison and Guenevere. Brad was strutting around, bad mouthing Tall Oaks and spreading rumours about their training methods.
You wont believe what that weasel just said! Connie stormed up to Cindy. He told an official to test our horses for steroids! Can you believe that?
Cindy sighed. She could and it was all her fault too. Why had she started with the Townsends? A little voice in her head said, Because they deserve it.
Hes also running one of his fillies against Poison this Saturday just to annoy us. Connie was fuming. Some unknown called Townsend Desire.
Picking up a Racing Form, Cindy told Connie, Ignore him. Poison might not win, but Im sure shell beat Brads filly. Pierre does well with her.

By the time Saturday rolled around, Cindy was on tenterhooks. With Ben not there to handle the Townsend entourage, Cindy had to deal with it herself. Being tested for all sorts of drugs had unnerved their three fillies totally. Brad was well known, not to mention rich, and the officials took him at his word. Cindy was glad that all their horses were clean, but Poison was bursting with nervous energy the morning of her race.
Pierre Smith cast a weary eye at the filly in the saddling paddock. Whats up with her?
Its been a rocky week. Cindy muttered, glancing at Brad strutting around with his two-bit filly, Townsend Desire.
Not looking like much, Desire was small-boned and prancy. Cindy didnt think that shed even place.
Any advice, chief? Pierre said as Cindy boosted him up on Poison.
Yeah. Dont let that Townsend filly beat you and ride a clean race. Adjusting the saddlecloth, Cindy tapped Poisons rump. Get out there, girl.
Connie joined Cindy by the rail. Shes been a little slack in her workouts and its affected the betting. But, shes so wired today, I have no clue how shell run. Connie pointed up at the tote board were the odds flashed.
At six to one, Bejazzled had mediocre odds while Brads filly was the second favourite with five to two.
Brads hyped that fillys reputation so much, she has better odds that she deserves. Cindy commented.
The eight horses loaded into the gate and the bell clanged.
Thee-r-e off! Taking the early lead is Complicated followed by Daily Planet and Harvard Girl. Its Potent Poison on the outside and Townsend Desire is running strongly in fifth.
Somebody was shouting out Poisons name. Cindy grinned. It was nice to know that your horse had fans.
Go for it, girl! Connie was pounding her program against her palm.
Suddenly, Daily Planet veered across the track and dropped back to last. Harvard Girl was pushing Complicated, the two lead horses setting fast fractions. Poison had moved up to third, but looked like she was out for a leisurely stroll.
For Petes sake, hit her, Pierre! Cindy cried as Poison fell behind Desire.
The Townsends looked like her was pushing the horse for all she was worth. They passed the flagging Complicated and started to challenge Harvard Girl.
It was like someone cracked a bullwhip behind Poison. The filly unexpectedly put on a huge burst of speed. As the field moved into the final turn, Poison was in second with Desire leading them home.
Shes going to do it! Go, Poison! Cindy felt the ground rumble as the Thoroughbreds powered past them to the finish. It was like Desire hit a brick wall. The bay fell back to cross the line in sixth place. To Cindys amazement, Poison managed to keep Harvard behind her and won!