Firing Line Has First Work After Sunland Romp
Image:
Description:
Runaway Sunland Derby (gr. III) winner Firing Line put in his first recorded workout since his 14 1/4-length victory, covering four furlongs in an easy :48 the morning of April 3 at Santa Anita Park.
It was the 11th fastest move of 39 at that distance Friday, but trainer Simon Callaghan said it was "conservative".
"It was very good and just to get him out to stretch his legs," Callaghan said. "We're really happy with the way he looked. We didn't feel like we needed go too (fast) after setting the track record (in the Sunland Derby)."
Firing Line led at every point of call in the March 22 Sunland Derby before drawing off through the stretch and lowering the track standard for 1 1/8 miles to 1:47.39.
BALAN: Firing Line Crushes Field in Sunland Derby
Callaghan was happy with how the Arnold Zetcher-owned colt handled his first breeze back.
"He's really relaxed," Callaghan said. "He's almost even a touch lazy, which is actually a good sign for him stretching out (to 1 1/4 miles for the grade I Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands May 2)."
The trainer was also pleased with the rhythm the son of Line of David has settled into. Firing Line's connections have been patient with him, with relatively long layoffs between his classic preps.
"He's run two races where he's had seven weeks (in between) and another where he's had six weeks," Callaghan said. "It's not a concern at all."