Flightline continues progress toward Met Mile start

ARCADIA, Calif. - Quick workouts have become customary for the undefeated 4-year-old Flightline, who is approaching his 2022 debut in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Mile Handicap at Belmont Park on June 11.

On Sunday at Santa Anita, Flightline worked five furlongs in 59.20 seconds, much quicker than his clocking of 1:01.20 at the same distance on May 1.

“He’s going through his paces in good shape,” trainer John Sadler said.

Sadler timed Flightine in 59.60 seconds, with a gallop out time of six furlongs in “1:12 and change.”

Flightline has led throughout his three starts, prevailing by a combined 37 1/2 lengths. In the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs on Dec. 26, Flightline won by 11 1/2 lengths.

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Flightline’s speed has proved to be a tremendous asset, but Sadler said the colt has not been too eager in recent workouts.

“He’s more settled now,” Sadler said. “He’s had some extra time.”

Flightline was briefly out of training earlier this year with a strained hock. Sunday’s workout was the fifth for Flightline since he resumed serious training.

The Sadler-trained Bran finished second in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Turf Sprint at 5 1/2 furlongs on Friday and will be pointed to the Del Mar summer season.

Turf races such as the restricted Wickerr Stakes at a mile on July 24 and the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on Sept. 3 will be considered.

“He’ll have a chance to stretch out,” Sadler said.

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