Shuttershock, "Shocker" jockeyed by Freddy Villeda
Bayahibe, "Bear" jockeyed by Elisabeth Young

    Colby yawned as he leaned against the rail of the dirt track, only half-watching Keegan attempt to shove Shocker into gate beside Bear. Keegan had a firm hold on the lead, yanking the colt into the gate as his jockey, Freddy, sat calmly as if nothing was wrong. The three year-old had only recently come to Nightwatch, and this would be his first work at the stables before making his racing debut at The Wire later this week. He was a temperamental one for sure, and difficult to deal with during one of his "grouchy moments", but could supposedly run like a dream. Colby had never seen him race, but had been told that he was a straightforward ride, and tended to listen to his jockey and hang with the pack for most of the race. He wasn't an eye-catching, stunning racer, quick out of the gate and launching across the finish, but he could get the job done - and do it well, much like his workout partner today. Bear had recently broken his Maiden and placed in his first Grade Five run, despite his unassuming presence and lack of attention from most others. He was a reliable, consistent colt, and always hung just behind the leaders before making a sprint to the front in the last furlongs. Both of the colts' racing styles were better showcased in a large group, so it would be difficult to predict results today. 
    With Shocker finally loaded into the gate, head thrashing and hooves stomping impatiently, the gates shot open, finally sending the horses onto the track. Neither were impressive breakers, and after finally getting up to speed, Bear took the rail with Shocker just beside him. They would be running five furlongs this morning, the short distance meant to preserve them for their races. Both colts were routers, succeeding at the longest of distances, making today's sprint an interesting one. Both colts seemed a bit lost with only each other on the track, not picking up as much speed as they usually would have. Bear, who was used to chasing the leaders, hanging just behind them until the perfect moment, had nobody to stalk with Shocker on his side. Shocker was a mid-packer who liked to keep with the pace, surrounded by the others, but he only had one other to rely on today. The two colts ran consistently, even if a bit slowly, not necessarily nagging at each other but instead running their own quiet races. Colby could easily see it going either way - Shocker had more experience on the track, but Bear had a better attitude and always brought the element of surprise.
    Their breeze was coming to a close, with the two colts still shoulder-by-shoulder, neither showing any side of budging. Bear was the first to make a move, beginning his signature surge ahead, Elisabeth egging him on with the crop, but Shocker caught on quickly. The chestnut shot into action, surpassing Bear and continuing on until the finish pole. Bear was just behind the other colt; he had simply taken action too late. Colby watched the two jockeys pull their mounts to a trot, going for a few more lengths until coming down to the walk, making their way towards the owner. "Not bad," he said, talking to both Freddy and Elisabeth. "I need to see more from these two though. We've seen more from Bear in the past, and Shocker's a grade above him. We need to get them out in a group sometime, maybe with Arrow and one of the track ponies. Just for some extra motivation." He patted each horse on the nose and sent them on their way, ready to cool out the pair and move on to the next workout.