Dogma was a new face at the stable. A strapping, muscular chestnut colt from the War Admiral line he had the potential to be a star, if only given that chance. His career so far had seen him lightly worked and he was still a grade five as he neared the end of his three year old season - but Alexia knew not to judge him on that. It was his spirit that set him apart. Like many from the War Admiral line this boy was full of it, and the way he held himself as he was led onto the track just screamed of a desire to race. But that wasn't all that mattered, and the trainer knew she needed to build on that potential - not just rely on it.

Some might have said that letting new jockey Thomas Young ride was a mistake. A horse like this needed a rider with experience, right? But Thomas had a good background - riding from a young age, showing from the age of five, and top grades at the local jockey school. All he needed was his chance, and that's what he was getting. An apprenticeship at the newly formed Briar Grove, and a chance to help this new stable build their own future. Thomas had researched the colt, and knew what to expect. To a degree. But he knew that some things you only learnt from experience, and the colt was sure to be one of those. He rocked back on his heels as he watched the colt warmed up and Alexia smiled at him.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't put you on him if I didn't think you could handle it." She tried to reassure the youngster, who just nodded before ducking under the rail. Here went nothing, right?

The first thing he did on reaching the colt was run his hands over the colt's whithers.
"Dogma, or Digs, you ready for this?" The colt turned his head, nuzzling him, and the jockey just grinned. "You're right, I should just get on with it." The groom helped the youngster mount, and the jockey gathered his reins.
"So, you've had a rest and are ready to race. We need to freshen you up, ensure you are fit and ready to go." He was more talking to himself than the horse, even if it sounded otherwise. It just helped him to focus, although the colt seemed impatient beneath him. Of course, Digs knew what the exercise track was and with a rider on his back he just wanted to get started. There wasn't time to mess. Thomas looked up the track, prepared himself, and then urged the colt forwards.

It wasn't the quickest movement. The colt seemed rather relaxed as the moved forwards and in no rush to go anywhere. This was not the spirited action that Thomas had expected, and he was a little aken aback. But he stuck with it, urging the colt forwards a little. Still, they didn't seem to be going quickly and the jockey found himself questioning what was going on. Why was the colt not flying?

But the speed built, slowly at first and then quicker and quicker. It was like a continuous surge, a growing wave, and soon enough they were going at huge speeds.
Woah The jockey hadn't expected such a feeling as Dogma fought onwards, stride after stride bringing them closer and closer to the end of their run. It was a wonderful feeling, he didn't want it to end and it seemed the colt didn't either. In unity, the pair allowed themselves to enjoy the workout and when it ended the young jockey was disappointed that he had to get off. Alexia was smiling.

"Impressive. How'd you find him?"
"He's interesting but... I think you are right about him."