Chasing Storms Sprint

Horse Name: Central Perk
Link to Horse's Reference:  Link
Age (at time of entry)/Gender:  2/Female
Jockey/Driver: Patrick Wright
Trainer: Amanda Murphy
Horse's Stable: Pacific Classic Thoroughbreds
Class Entered:  Chasing Storms Sprint (GI)
Retired or Active class? Active

Photo Reference - My Own Photo

The beach town had reawakened. The crowds couldn’t quite compare to those of the summer months, when spectators came from far and wide dressed to the nines. But racing was back. The Bing Crosby meet brought with it an ironic charm. The weather was colder now, and the crisp fall air lingered through the palm trees overhead.

However, it was a relatively exciting day to be a racing fan. Numerous G1’s littered the racing card, and with that comes the prospect of the next superstar; or at least the promise of a good handicapping opportunity. On the other hand, the true suspense for an owner is having an unproven thoroughbred with every chance to become a great. One wrong move, or one bad step, can destroy a dream and a horse.

As people hustled from their seats to the paddock, a black filly danced beneath the grandstand. Her neck arched and her nostrils flared; almost as if signaling her distaste that no one had bowed before her presence. Central Perk was not an excitable filly by nature. Perhaps winning the Devil’s Down Mile roused her fighting spirit. Or maybe she was simply showing off for the horsemen and trainers that dawdled nearby.

The post parade was mostly uneventful, as was the break from the gate. White Willow Creek’s Coy Crystulls and Davy Jones' Locker assumed the lead as Gold Medal Lady di Salvatore followed closely, with Central Perk reserved another 5 lengths behind. As the far turn approached, the black filly’s stride visibly lengthened. All four horses entered the stretch together, and side by side they bounded towards the finish. This was going to be close.

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