Firing Line Breezes at Santa Anita
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Sunland Derby winner Firing Line continued his workout schedule in preparation for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) with a five furlong breeze in :59 1/5 under jockey Gary Stevens the morning of April 11 at Santa Anita Park.
It was the second timed work for the Arnold Zetcher-owned colt following his track record-setting 14 1/4-length romp at Sunland Park March 22. A week ago, the son of Line of David went four furlongs in :48 flat.
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"He went really good," trainer Simon Callaghan said of the breeze, which was the fifth fastest of 56 moves at the distance Saturday morning at Santa Anita. "We couldn't be happier with this move. It was exactly what we were looking for... He's striding pleasantly at the moment and it was just a nice work. He did it in relaxed fashion and Gary said he felt really good galloping out."
Callaghan said Firing Line will work at the same distance April 18, but will have company.
"This sets up for the main piece of work next Saturday," he added.
Other notable Southern California workouts Saturday came from Tokyo City Cup (gr. III) winner Sky Kingdom (five furlongs, 1:00 3/5) and Illinois Derby (gr. III) hopeful Whiskey Ticket (six furlongs, 1:12 4/5). Both are trained by Bob Baffert.