Grounded Flightline Returns to Action at Del Mar
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Flightline cruises in his debut at Santa Anita Park
Flightline —who sizzled six furlongs at Santa Anita Park in 1:08.75 in defeating maidens by 13 1/4 lengths April 24—will make an eagerly-awaited return Sept. 5 at Del Mar in the eighth race, a first-level allowance optional claimer.
The 3-year-old son of Tapit out of the multiple grade 1-placed, grade 3-winning mare Feathered (Indian Charlie ) was in the headlines even before starting. In 2019, he sold for $1 million to West Point Thoroughbreds from the Lane's End consignment to The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton's selected yearlings sale in New York. The price was the highest on the opening day of that sale.
Bred by Summer Wind Equine in Kentucky and owned by West Point, Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Woodford Racing, and his breeder, Flightline has been working quickly in California for trainer John Sadler. He drilled a bullet five furlongs in :58 2/5 at Del Mar Aug. 24 before a :59 3/5 move over the same distance Aug. 30.
Work of the Day from @DelMarRacing, @westpointtbred's Flightline worked 5 Furlongs in 59.60 at Del Mar on August 30th, 2021, for trainer John Sadler. @1stbet pic.twitter.com/jK9JMjvSAf
— XBTV (@WatchXBTV) August 30, 2021
Under Del Mar leading rider Flavien Prat, Flightline will break from the outside post vs. seven foes in a race over six furlongs. He is the 4-5 morning-line favorite.
The opposition is headed by Freedom Fighter , second in the San Vicente Stakes (G2) earlier this year and recently fifth in an allowance optional claiming race following a layoff; Escape Route , a winner of two of three starts against lesser competition; and Notre Dame , second in a similar race Aug. 7 at Del Mar.