Stealing the Night

Chapter 21|0 to 100|

It was Classic day and one of the famous Breeder's Cup blanket of flowers was placed on the back of Cigar's statue in front of the paddock. It had been placed there yesterday, but today when I came in, it was my first time noticing. I paced the stable with pure nervousness. After what I said about Chelsea, I felt bad. Maybe I was a little intoxicated. Who knows. At least Cameron is patient with me or he probably would have kicked us to the curb and refused to be Mud Pie's trainer. He also loved Mud Pie to much to just up and leave.

Mud Pie was very relaxed in his stall. I was worried about how relaxed he was.

The day dragged on and more cheers and excitements rang through the park. I refused to leave Mud Pie. I fell asleep sitting on a hay bale outside of his stall sometime after lunch, but was shaken awake sometime later by Cameron.

"Get up! It's time."

I jump up and help everyone get ready to lead the colt to the saddling paddock. Fans would get a glimpse at each runner as they are lead by there grooms and team from the backside, onto the track, and into the indoor saddling paddock where they are lead around until it is time to tack them up. After they are tacked up, they are lead to the outdoor paddock where they circle the beautiful water fountain in the middle. After a few times around, they are lead to the potted bush with there number. In front of that, their grooms walk them in tiny circles until it's time for rider's up.

We lead Mud Pie behind his other contenders to the saddling paddock. Dark Intentions was extremely hyper. He half pulled his groom to the paddock.

"Big competitor. Big one." Odi says nodding his head towards the colt.

He was right. Dark Intentions was the one to beat.

Cameron and I stood in Mud Pie's saddling stall as we watched him being lead around in circles. After a few times around Odi lead him into the stall and held him under a tight hold. Cameron placed the purple Breeder's Cup saddle cloth on Mud Pie's back. It had the big number 6 on it along with his name underneath and the famous Breeder's Cup logo.

We all filed out of the saddling paddock to the outdoor paddock. As Mud Pie entered the outdoor world,the crowd surrounding the paddock cheered. Many cheered when Dark Intentions filed out as well. Constant clicking of cameras was going off around us, and I had to force myself to focus on Mud Pie. Dark Intentions passed us prancing, but Mud Pie looked lazy, tired.

I lean over to Cam, "I'm very worried about him."

"Ah, don't worry. He is just faking. Trust me."

I nod my head. Odi leads Mud Pie in front of us where he does a series of small circles. Then Madison walked up next to us.

"That's my boy. Faking like a king."

She too could tell. Why couldn't I? Must be nerves.

"Riders up!"

Odi started walking Mud Pie again. Cameron and Madison walked fast next to Mud Pie. As soon as the jockey in front of them mounted onto Dubai Story, Cameron gave Madison a leg up onto Mud Pie. Cameron walked back over and stood next to me. They went one more time around the paddock. Then, they were led out of the paddock and through the saddling paddock. Right outside the saddling paddock in the breezeway to the track, track ponies where awaiting the colts. One by one the colts were paired up with a track pony. They then followed a outrider onto the track in numerical order. A second out rider would take up behind.