Through The Dirt and Fame (major revisions)

Chapter Fourty-Four

-1 Month Later, Woodward Stakes Day-

After 6 months Emily would be returning in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes against older males. It was a strong field today. Seven other males faced her. Those being:

1. Tomy Lea 5/1

2. Smarty Maniac 17/1

3. Spectacular Slew 11/1

4. Flashy Art 2/1

5. Count Title 3/1

6. Emily The First 6/1

7. Stay Silent 7/1

8. Tiz Tomorrow 4/1

Emily was not the favorite whatsoever. She has been doubted since her performance in the Santa Anita Handicap and since we releases the news her pulling a muscle. Many said Emily wasn't interested anymore, but I knew she was well interested in the sport, her work outs have proved that.

"15 minutes to the post in the Woodward."

I looked at Nicole, she was watching Emily with a smile on her face.

"Nicole, she is in perfect condition today. I new you to give her a good start and place her behind Flashy Art and Count Title. Then when you're close to the turn, let her go. She'll perform like a champ today, I know it." I said and she nodded.

"Got it boss." She said and slightly laughed.

Over the months Jack had been in Europe with Alex, Diane and See The Giants. Alex and Diane had won plenty of times along with See The Giants who has dominated over the turf, he had won the Juddmonte International, Sussex Stakes and Arc. He was now one of the favorites for the Breeders Cup Turf. He would be going back the Europe next year, then retire.

Emily was calm and observant in the paddock, she knew who she was facing.

Anna Rose Napravnick-Sharp was riding Smarty Maniac. She won the Oaks on Fast Annalise, the Belmont on Hope In Time, Hopeful on Prime Prospect, and Saratoga Special on Myluck, and other notable races. She was now looking for the Woodward. With a son of Smarty Jones, who had won the Kentucky Derby, placed second in the Preakness and third in Belmont.

Anna had ridden our Derby runner, Stormin' Lucky, who placed a closing fourth, won the Preakness with Mike Smith and then placed seventh in the Belmont. He won the Travers this year with Anna back up and won by a length over My Lucky Pulpit. She was a well known rider for us, loves Stormin' Lucky and our two year old filly who hasn't started, Loving Soul, who's by Golden Soul out of Love The Chass.

I studied Smarty Maniac, who had a energetic bounce in his step, a impatient swish of his tail, eager toss of the head and a healthy shining coat. He may be the long shot, but he is going to run a big one today.

I compared Smarty Maniac to Emily. Emily had a nice relaxed walk as she circled the paddock, a dappled shining coat, and excitement and eagerness in her eyes.

These two were going to run big.

Other horses who looked worth to watch were Tomy Lea and Stay Silent. Who's coats were well dappled, they were well muscled, calm and had the racing spirit in their eyes.

I turned back to Nicole.

"Tomy Lea, Stay Alert and Smarty Maniac. Watch them." I said she nodded.

"Riders up!" Michael stopped Emily in front of us and I gave Nicole a leg up.

"Remember my instructions?" I asked, she nodded.

"Got it." She said and winked and followed the other horses to the track.

I went up to the box seats in the stands and sat down in them. I looked to my left and smiled.

"We got this Nate don't worry."

"I don't need that Jack, I know she's going to win." Jack smiled and pat my back.

"You trained her good my friend. You done good!" He laughed, I could tell he was excited to see his girl race against the boys.

-Nicole's POV-

We walked next to the lead pony, who held Emily through all the warm ups.

"How does she feel Nicole?" He asked.

"Oh man, she feels like she's got plenty of horse in her." I said and pat her neck.

"She's been through a lot. Think they'll retire her earlier than they said?"

I hadn't thought of that. Emily has only raced once this year, about to make her second. "I don't know. I know I don't want her to leave, but that's being selfish. I don't want to be selfish." I said lightly laughing.

"Well, we'll see at Breeders Cup then." He said and smiled at me as he left us in front of the gates.

I sat on Emily as we waited, she didn't make a fuss as we stood there watching Flashy Art, Tiz Tomorrow and Spectacular Slew load in, then a gate worker grabbed Emily's bridle and lead her in. The gate worker held her head forward in the gates, she didn't move or cause trouble she just stood there waiting. Count Title and Stay Silent loaded in at the same time, then Tomy Lea an then finally Smarty Maniac. Before we could start the race, Flashy Art banged around the gates but calmed down after his tiny tantrum. I leaned close to Emily's neck, and waited for the famous sound of the bell to signal the start of the race.

...Ring!

The gates clashed together and a field of horses exited their tiny stalls.

Emily smoothly exited the gates and quickly fell in behind the leader Count Title. I felt, Emily's movements with every stride she took as we entered the first bend. I lightly loosened the grip on the reins and Emily didn't make move, usually she would. She seemed more mature in the race. I looked behind us and saw Stay Silent and Flashy Alert behind us, and Smarty Maniac behind them. I put my attention a head as we entered the backstretch. Emily let Flashy Alert get passed her on the rail, and then Stay Silent on the outside. This left us in fourth, in front of Smarty Maniac. I loosened my grip more and Emily picked up a bit. Emily had Smarty Maniac right behind her as she started to make her way to the lead as we made it half way down the backstretch. I had almost no more twin to give Emily as we closed on the turn and finally I gave her all control as we entered and she made her way around the leaders and took the lead as we exited. I slid my hands up and Emily knew it was time to put it in to gear. She seemed to drop, extend and speed up as we hit the start of the stretch. She left a challenging Smarty Maniac behind and flew full flight to the wire. I never showed Emily the whip I just moved with her, until we crossed the wire.

"It's Emily The First and she's back and better than ever! She won the Woodward by 5 on the wire!"

I pulled Emily to a canter and then a trot and made our way back to the stands. I stopped in front of Jack, who kissed Emily's nose and pet her neck.

"That's my girl! You two did it! First to do it since Havre De Grace in 2011. Breeders Cup here we come."

Michael gave me a high five and we took the winning photo I walked back to the jockeys room giving high fives and signing autographs. Our girl, is a champion for sure. Don't doubt her.