The Super Filly

Chapter 12

~ Pimlico Race Track Baltimore, Maryland: Black Eye Susan's ~

I  sit outside of Duchess's stall with my head in my hands listening to the announcer.

" It's a beautiful day at Pimlico, today the Susan's are happening, Duchess Of Winter is looking in keeping a perfect record and defeat Emily The First. Emily The First has a new jockey, Micheal Phipps. 24 minutes to post. " I jumped up when I heard this. What! Why would they ever replace Nicole. Rosie came running down the stable breezeway.

" Did you hear! " She exclaims.

" Yeah, I can't believe they would ever replace Nicole. "

" And I really like Nicole. That ticks me off! " Rosie says stomping her foot. I look down the breezeway to see Nathan, Jack, and Micheal. Nathan and I locked eyes for a split second, but he quickly turned away.

" Easy now. Don't get all worked up about it, and try to keep it down. They are right there. " I say putting a hand on her shoulder. Her face was beat red.

" I don't care if they here me 'cause I'm going to make sure they lose today so they'll put Nicole back on that horse. I mean she loves Emily." I didn't respond. So Rosie kind of made her way down the breezeway again. I saw Nicole peek around the corner.

" Nicole! " I call out to her. She comes over.

" Hey, Caitlyn! " She says smiling. 

" Hey, I'm sorry to hear the news. I would put you on Duchess in a heart beat if I could. You are a truly amazing jokey "

" That means so much you have no idea. I better get back. Today I'll be on Fidelity. "

" Well, good luck! " I say. She smiles and says thank you, then walks away. I found my way back to Duchess's stall. The paper that contained the post positions was sitting on the haybale I was sitting on earlier. I guess I missed the announcement. It read:

1. The Rose Petal 3-1

2. Accusation 30-1 

3. War Light 8-1

4. Fidelity 4-1

5. Red Hot Untapable 5-1

6. Unapologetic 15-1

7. Emily The First 1-2

8. Duchess Of Winter 2-1

Only 8 fillies entered. Most I'm sure backed out because all eyes and attention was on Duchess and Emily.  I thought of Nathan and how I've taken away his dream, and if Duchess won today, he would have to watch as the lilies got placed on Duchess's shoulders. I sigh at this.

" Ready? " I jump at the voice. It was Mike.

I sigh, " Yeah, I guess. " Mike gets Duchess out and we take her to the tack stall. I help tack her up, and after that I lead her around in the paddock. We heard " Riders Up! " and I gave Rosie a leg up.

" This race is going to be epic. " Rosie says. I just smile. " What's wrong? Usually you are pumped and want Duchess to kick butt. "

" I do. I'm just nervous. "

" Ah, I see. Well don't be. We got this. " 

" Your right. " I say with a smile. As usual I hand the lead rope off to Pablo and headed to the owners area with Mike, Casey, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Williams, and Renee who held Casey's hand tight. Nathan and Jack were in front of us and I wanted to say something to Nathan so bad, and I wanted to talk to him, but Jack was there. So I just kept my mouth shut and stared at the ground.