9 Furlongs on Dirt Turf Workout
Gallant Pup (Pops) - Abigail Fortunata
Amun-Ra (Pharaoh) - David Rittenhouse
Fantasia - Isabelle

The two newest racehorses of NDM were saddled up for their last workout before their first races. Gallant Pup was eagerly wanted by many of the staff, being half-brother to retired Gallant Knight, we also snagged another Underdog foal with him. Abigail was the most nostalgic (second to Isabelle), having ridden Gallant Knight for his later career seasons. Pops has proven to be unlike his brother in personality, being fiery and willful, his two-year old season was marked with a small roster that NDM is hoping to expand on for his classic year. Being a bit older now with one win under him, he's being pegged for some grade five racing to get him going forward. Although he is able to do some sprinting range racing, Abigail and Isabelle feel he'll most shine around the mile and early router range.

Amun-Ra was one of those "gotta have" horses that Isabelle bid on at the sale. Out of new bloodlines for REI, something about this colt had Isabelle eyeing off her competition at the sales ring. The opposite of Gallant Pup, Pharaoh has been showing an easy going and obedient nature. He was the easy choice to put first as the pair of colts warmed up along the back stretch, cantering easily to get their muscles in motion. Isabelle was joining the group for today, as the two colts were both closers, she felt it best to toss in a workout pony to take the lead and give the boys their favored practice spot.

Pharaoh loaded well, ears forward. David was calm handed and steady, enjoying the positive start he had with the colt for the start of his juvenile year. Fantasia trotted gaily into the second chute, happy to be working. Pops balked for a minute, but did go into the third gate without too much of a tantrum. With the flash of the bell, Isabelle rushed Fantasia out to the lead, and the filly was fast and eager for a good run. Pharaoh steadied on the rail, with Pops settling beside him. Although much smaller than his younger competition, Pops was not giving the other colt an inch of space, keeping evenly with him as the workout went on. Pharaoh was listening to David, his mouth quiet as he got some more experience running.

Isabelle galloped Fantasia until the last furlong, when she eased her down to slow her pace, giving the two colts ample and clear directive now was the time to run. Abigail and David both urged their colts on, and Pops shot off around the outside of Fantasia, racing for the wire. Pharaoh took a second to process and also jumped forward, bypassing the palomino filly to charge after the near runaway Underdog son.