Flightline to Miss San Carlos After Physical Setback

Runhappy Malibu Stakes (G1) winner Flightline  will miss an intended start in the San Carlos Stakes (G2) March 5 at Santa Anita Park due to a preliminary diagnosis of a strained hock, trainer John Sadler told Daily Racing Form and TVG.

Unraced at age 2, Flightlight blew away opponents in three starts last year at 3, winning a maiden race at Santa Anita April 24, an allowance race at Del Mar Sept. 5, and finally the Malibu by 11 1/2 lengths Dec. 26. The Tapit   colt resumed breezing Jan. 30 at Santa Anita.

This winter, Sadler and owners Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Equine, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Woodford Racing drew up a two-race program for him over the first half of 2022. The Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (G1) on Belmont Stakes Day in June was previously announced as his longer-term goal.

Daily Racing Form first reported his physical setback.

"Good news is the X-rays are negative," Sadler told TVG. "He's not going to work tomorrow. He's not going to run to the San Carlos. But it's not a big thing, but he's a little bit off pattern."

Sadler told TVG that consulting veterinarians would review Flightline's diagnostics before a timeline for Flightline's return is established.

"We think this is a minor issue and we're gonna address it, take care of it, and then go forward," he noted.

.@SadlerRacing provides us with an update on Flightline, who has been sidelined for an undetermined amount of time. @JohnWSadler tells @ChristinaBlackr this is a minor issue however he will not compete in the San Carlos S. on March 5th. We wish Flightline a quick recovery! pic.twitter.com/WsTRMfVzjw

— TVG (@TVG) February 13, 2022