03-16-2018, 12:43 PM
Castile is anxious, his muscles coiling beneath his skin as Nike beckons them forward and informs them of the initial event. Although, not as quick as his lithe sister, Isobell, Castile has power behind him.
When Nike shouts to Go, Castile lurches forward. His wings are clenched tightly to his sides to reduce his drag as much as possible while his strides lengthen. Muscles ripple powerfully and his ears plaster back against his poll with exertion. He sees the others sprinting alongside him, grunting with effort and desperately drinking lungfuls of air.
And then Nike’s voice rings in his head.
Play fair, or don’t.
A chuckle struggles to escape him through his labored breathing. It’s almost like his game of chase with Isobell. As he runs, his tail shifts into that of a dragon’s, balancing behind him evenly until whipping it from one side to the other, willing to either trip anyone, knock them off balance, or force them to take a wide berth. It quickly shifts back once the deed is done.
He considers attempting his first voluntary shift but decides against it as he rounds a turn and reminds himself of the perils the decision would potentially have. With a heavy determination, Castile continues to gallop at full speed until he crosses the checkered finish line.
American Pharoah with jockey, Victor Espinoza in 2015
When Nike shouts to Go, Castile lurches forward. His wings are clenched tightly to his sides to reduce his drag as much as possible while his strides lengthen. Muscles ripple powerfully and his ears plaster back against his poll with exertion. He sees the others sprinting alongside him, grunting with effort and desperately drinking lungfuls of air.
And then Nike’s voice rings in his head.
Play fair, or don’t.
A chuckle struggles to escape him through his labored breathing. It’s almost like his game of chase with Isobell. As he runs, his tail shifts into that of a dragon’s, balancing behind him evenly until whipping it from one side to the other, willing to either trip anyone, knock them off balance, or force them to take a wide berth. It quickly shifts back once the deed is done.
He considers attempting his first voluntary shift but decides against it as he rounds a turn and reminds himself of the perils the decision would potentially have. With a heavy determination, Castile continues to gallop at full speed until he crosses the checkered finish line.
American Pharoah with jockey, Victor Espinoza in 2015