Couldn’t, less this one got one of three
He was desperate
More than that
Out of place
Had no business here
In this high-class stake
Meant for major circuit boys trying to qualify one
Not locals like him
His one left to run
Was new — never loosed
Under his colors
In workout or trial
Belonged to a new customer
New to him and the game
A mystery man
From out west he said
The dog too
Was a mystery
A gift to a Vet and by Vet to the customer
By a widow recent
Her husband had died
While working the dog
Heart attack unexpected
Left her no instructions
As he and his scout
Rode up to the breakaway
Dog on scout’s check cord
He made a quick silent plea for grace
He’d go as a bye
The gallery full
To hear the results
Expected when his entry got lifted — likely soon all suspected
The dog was a setter
Tall, lean, and tricolor
A stranger to all
“Let him go”
What followed amazed
Everyone riding
He broke fast for the front
Flag straight up and whipping
Out of sight for five minutes
All thought he was lost
But low and behold
Scout found him pointed
Not off course
But six feet into cover
With a big covey before him
When they flushed he stayed, high and tight
Now gallery rode
To watch the mystery setter
Not to hear stake’s results
And they were rewarded
Twice more in his hour
Scout found him pointed
Each time he had birds — well handled
Fruit of hunting the front and dug in
No one riding was surprised
When they placed him first
Now, before you Dear Reader ask
Yes, this is fiction!