In what will be his second recorded breeze since winning the $1 million Pacific Classic by 19 ¼ lengths Sept. 3, undefeated Flightline will continue his march to the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic this Saturday at 6:30 a.m., according to trainer John Sadler.
Although Flightline is likely to work either a half mile or five furlongs, Sadler is undecided at the moment.
“We won't decide upon the distance until Saturday morning,” he said in a text message late Thursday morning.
Under Sadler assistant and former jockey Juan Leyva, Flightline, who earned a stratospheric Beyer Speed Figure of 126 in the Pacific Classic, breezed a half mile this past Saturday in 48.40 seconds, a move that Sadler described as “very nice.”
Unbeaten in five starts by a combined 62 ¾ lengths, Flightline, a $1 million purchase, has been described by part-owner Kosta Hronis as “America's horse.” The likely favorite in the Classic at Keeneland Nov. 5, Flightline's future at stud is undetermined, as his connections have not yet announced if he'll race at age five or be retired at year's end to a career at stud at Lane's End Farm in Lexington.
Owned by California-based Hronis Racing, LLC, Siena Farm, LLC, Summer Wind Equine, LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds and Woodford Racing, LLC, Flightline, a 4-year-old colt by Tapit out of the Indian Charlie mare Feathered, has run twice at Santa Anita, his most recent appearance being an 11 ½ length romp in the Grade I Malibu Stakes at seven furlongs Dec. 26.
Santa Anita's 18-day Autumn Meet will open on Friday with first post time at 1 p.m. With 10 stakes on tap, this Saturday and Sunday is Breeders' Cup Challenge Weekend. Six stakes will be offered Saturday, with first post time at 12:30 p.m.
First post time on Sunday is set for 1 p.m.
For additional information regarding Santa Anita's upcoming Autumn Meet, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.
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