Thanks to everyone who voted on the poll to name my stable of horses for an upcoming book. We had over 2,600 votes over 7 days, and the lead changed 9 times.
Here’s how the race played out –
It’s Taxman out in front by half a length in front of Cruise Junkie. Notadonkey is managing to keep pace with Nekminit and Pushing Daisies close behind. Sotally Tober is looking a bit confused and is caught in the middle a short head in front of Belle’s Magic, Helen’s Courage and Dream Date. Bringing up the rear is Giddyup, Elay Princess, Indienile and the as yet unfired Rocket.
We’ve rounded the final turn and it’s Taxman holding steady, but she’s lost ground to Sotally Tober who’s come screaming up the inside, jumping to second ahead of Notadonkey and Cruise Junkie. A half-length behind is Nekminit and Pushing Daisies, who have fallen off the pace and are followed closely by a late-running Indienile. Helen’s Courage is having a good go at it, neck and neck with Dream Date and Belle’s Magic. Rocket seems to have misfired completely this time out and brings up the rear with Giddyup and Elay Princess.
We’re in the home stretch now and Notadonkey is really showing his credentials, edging ahead of Taxman and Sotally Tober. Nekminit, Cruise Junkie and Pushing Daisies are fighting it out for the final spot while Indienile is pushing hard. Helen’s Courage is showing some ticker, but Giddyup might have left its run too late. Belle’s Magic might still have something up her sleeve, and Rocket seems to have finally lit its fuse, nudging ahead of Elay Princess and Dream Date.
Aaand it’s Belle’s magic defying a slow start to storm home on the outside right at the death ahead of Taxman, with Notadonkey rounding out the top three.
Sotally Tober kept his feet running on into 4th despite a stumble on the first turn, nudging ahead of Nekminit who galloped into 5th.
Cruise Junkie faded late into the middle of the pack along with Pushing Daisies and Indienile. Helen’s Courage ran on late but finished out of the placings.
Closing out the field are Giddyup, Rocket, Elay Princess and Dream date, who all suffered from poor barriers and bad starts and never recovered.
Final Placings
Belle’s Magic
Taxman
Notadonkey
Sotally Tober
Nekminit
Cruise Junkie
Pushing Daisies
Indienile
Helen’s Courage
Giddyup
Rocket
Elay Princess
Dream Date
I’m still working on the first draft of this one and I can’t wait to get it finished. In the meantime, I’ll have another short story coming out in the next week or so.