It was Wednsday, and the day of the Kentucky Derby post draw. The way they ran it, horses would first be chosen randomly and placed up on a list. Then the first owner would select a post position, and so on. It was an exciting day, gearing everyone up for the Derby.

" Number one, Watchful" The steward’s voice rang out among the crowd of whispering owners, trainers and jockeys.

" Two, Laugh It Off." Ashleigh looked more worried with each callout. " Three, Pride’s Prince."

By now, the six, ten and fifteen post positions were taken. Ashleigh had been hoping for something from ten to fifteen for Patriot, so there was still hope. Minutes ticked by, and Given Chance, Galaxy Crossing, and Hazy Image were called, taking the fifth, thirteenth and seventh posts.

" Number six, American Glory."

Ashleigh stood up thankfully, holding the placard bearing the likeness of Whitebrook’s silks. She carefully hung it on the eleventh hook, and walked swiftly back.

" Now he’ll really be unbeatable!" Ashleigh whispered excitedly.

" Umm, yeah." Samantha said, not wanting to argue.

Touch N’ Go was called next. Dohmnall Carroll placed the sky blue and yellow silks on the fourteen post.

" Good, he wont be too close." Ashleigh muttered under her breath, so quietly Samantha wasn’t sure she heard right.

Early One Morning was called later, and his trainer selected the twelve post.

" Oh, great. Now we have that nutcase next to us." Ashleigh said, disgusted.

" He cant be too bad, he passed his gate test." Samantha said.

" Yeah, I guess." Ashleigh said, not looking as if she believed it at all.

After interviews and pictures for the media, Whitebrook’s group left. Now all they had to do was make sure Patriot didn’t get hurt. And if things went the way Ashleigh said, he would win, for sure.

The next day was the running of the Kentucky Oaks, and the last day of workouts for Derby horses. Of course, they were doing easy jogs, but it was still exciting.

" That’s Early One Morning stepping out to the track now, with his regular rider, Cynthia McLean." The announcer called to the early birds sitting in the clubhouse to watch star horses run.

Early seemed to be galloping well for once, not throwing his head at all. Cindy had him well in control, and he moved smoothly. Samantha couldn’t help but hold her breath though, if something spooked him, this easy ride would be over. Fortuanutley, nothing happened. Samantha exhaled in a loud whoosh when Early was trotted off the track.

They saw several other workouts, and then Patriot came out, with Ashleigh aboard. He cantered strongly, and Samantha could hardly believe he was the gangly colt the previous summer. It seemed like yesterday, but in some ways, it seemed years ago. She sighed. Everyone and everything had changed so much! Cindy and Ashleigh didn’t seem to get along too well, and Samantha felt a little left out from the Whitebrook ring.

That’s what happens when you leave a place for eight months. She thought sadly before turning her attention back to the track. Patriot was galloping smoothly, his firm, thin legs hitting the ground in perfect rhythm, and Ashleigh balanced delicatley in the iorns.

Samantha sighed. Patriot did look good. But something about him didn’t click the way Pride or Shining had. Of course. She told herself. Pride and Shining were once-in-a-lifetime horses.

" The field is loaded for the Kentucky Oaks." The announcer cried excitedly. In a split second, the ten spectacular fillies burst from the gate in a powerful rush.

" Furious Silence in the lead, the irish filly Forever True not far behind. Wonderment is in third, Wicked Laughter in fourth. The favorite, Paradise Island is in last, ten lengths off the pace!"

" C’mon Wonderment!" Maggie whispered from beside Samantha. Samantha didn’t say anything. She couldn’t decide who to root for.

" Dashing Girl has sprinted to the lead, and Forever True is making an early move. Paradise Island is picking up, passing Far From It and Mystical."

Without knowing it, Samantha had her fingers crossed for the plucky irish filly, who was galloping her heart out. But now Wonderment was picking up, and she was back in second. But Paradise Island was closing amazingly fast! Wonderment couldn’t hold up, and had to settle for third at the highest. It was down to Forever True and Paradise Island.

" And it’s a head-to-head duel here, folks! The long shot Forever True is putting up a strong battle against the favorite, and flying down to the wire it’s . . . too close to call! A photo finish!"

Maggie sighed. " Wonderment gave it a good shot. It’s too bad she didn’t get it."

" Yeah, but did you see True go? She was amazing!" Samantha enthused.

" She’s a nice horse." Maggie nodded, giving Samantha a curious glance.

" I sure hope she get’s the photo." Samantha said. And as she said it, the loudspeakers squeaked, and the announcer came on.

" The photo has been examined, and the results are official…" He paused to add to the tension.

" Forever True takes the Kentucky Oaks by a nose!"

Samantha grinned excitedly, and made her way to the winner’s circle.

" Congratulations, Mr. Carroll."

" Thank you, Samantha." Mr. Carroll beamed brilliantly, obviously thrilled.

Samantha congratulated Connor, the winning jockey, and True. She then waded through the crowds to the Whitebrook shed row, to see Wonderment.

" Hey Ash!" Samantha sang out.

" Hi." Ashleigh greeted her rather shortly, turning her attention back to Wonderment’s left foreleg.

" Is she okay?" Samantha asked, concerned.

Ashleigh looked up. " She’s fine. She just had a bad trip."

" Really? I didn’t see anything." Maggie said softly.

" Yes, she did." Ashleigh insisted.

" That’s hard luck." Samantha said, sorry for her friend.

" It sure is." Ashleigh stared at her. " And that irish longshot got away with it. She didn’t deserve that win at all."