Post by Millie Daveys on May 13, 2009 12:55:50 GMT -5
Precocious ridden by Millie Daveys
Cocio stepped delicately out onto the freshly mowed turf track. It was good to have Cocio back at Oak Hill after her being at Akita Rose for a few months. I was hoping to get her back into some good racing after a while of training. I urged Cocio forwards into a canter as we entered the course. She willingly lept into canter and I directed her down the inner rail, anti-clockwise. I rode her solidly down the back straight, before bringing her back to walk for a breather before our gallop. Reluctantly Cocio slowed to walk. I patted her shoulder and kept her in an active walk down the rail. After walking half a furlong we were ready to go! I urged her forwards into a trot and slowly built Cocio up to a canter and then I asked for the gallop. Cocio shot off like a bullet down the straight. She pulled on the bit and raised her head up high. I gave a tug on the reins and a few seconds later Cocio reacted and lowered her head to a decent position. I galloped her solidly down the back straight and Cocio was doing great getting back into her excercising routine. We aproached the bend still going solidly at an apropriate speed. I slowed Cocio up a bit as we began to bend around the corner. Cocio was very pleasent with the corner and took it nicely; she was always very careful. We came to the four furlong marker as we came off the turn; we had two furlongs left to run. I lowered my position and urged Cocio on. Though she had had a break from racing, she still know what to do. I let her have more rein, as she reach out with her head and neck, bounding forward toward the wire. I gave a flick of my whip and nudged her sides. She again reacted and tore up the ground between her and the wire. Soon we galloped smoothly under the wire, completing our six furlong gallop. I lent back and took the seat. Cocio slowed to a canter,trot and then walk. I let her on a long rein, allowing her to make her own way down the track as she cooled off. I patted her neck rewardingly after our great workout. I dismounted at the side of the track and led Cocio off, where she would be rewarded for her efforts.