Flightline had people buzzing when he won his debut on April 24 at Santa Anita by 13 1/4 lengths and earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure. On Sunday at Del Mar, the $1-million Tapit colt did himself one better, defeating an allowance/optional claiming field by 12 3/4 lengths with jockey Flavien Prat sitting like a statue in the irons at the seaside course north of San Diego, Calif.
This victory earned the John Sadler trainee a 114 Beyer Speed Figure, co-highest assigned to any runner this year.
Flightline covered six furlongs in 1:08.05, which according to Daily Racing Form's Brad Free is the fastest time at the distance at Del Mar since Lord Nelson won the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes in 1:07.65 in 2016.
Bred in Kentucky by Jane Lyon's Summer Wind Farm, Flightline was produced from the Indian Charlie mare, Feathered, a $2.35 million purchase by Lyon while in foal to War Front in 2016.
Consigned by Lane's End, Flightline brought $1 million at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale. He was purchased by Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds, who put together a partnership of owners that includes Summer Wind, along with Hronis Racing, Siena Farm and Woodford Racing.
Sadler backed off on Flightline following his April debut, waiting until June 9 for his first timed breeze after the win. He came into Sunday's race off a solid string at breezes over the Del Mar main track, including a best of morning five furlongs in :58.40 on Aug. 24.
Sadler did not indicate immediately after the race where Flightline might surface next. During the colt's hiatus earlier this summer, the trainer told Thoroughbred Daily News, “We are not going to be in a hurry.”
Flightline romps to a second straight victory, going six furlongs at Del Mar in 1:08.05
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