Flightline has solid workout for Breeders' Cup Classic

ARCADIA, Calif. – The only thing that was out of the ordinary for Flightline early Saturday morning at Santa Anita was the light mist falling from the sky.

Otherwise, it was business as usual, in virtual darkness, for the undefeated colt who is expected to start as the odds-on favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 5 at Keeneland.

Flightline was the first worker after the 6:30 a.m. track renovation Saturday. His official work time for six furlongs under exercise rider Juan Leyva was 1:11.80. Flightline galloped out a mile in 1:38.60 on trainer John Sadler’s watch. Sadler and co-owner Kosta Hronis watched from the grandstand stairs.

“Look at that rhythm,” Sadler said as Flightline flashed past the finish wire. “This is nice.”

Flightline broke off by himself at the five-furlong pole; he worked a furlong past the wire and galloped out willingly. At least, he appeared to. It was mostly dark when Flightline worked over the fast track on the misty morning. Leyva wore a light on his helmet that allowed Sadler, Hronis and a host of trackside observers to follow his progress on the racetrack.

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As for the colt’s overall preparation toward the BC Classic, Sadler said, “it’s been delightfully routine. It’s been a nice, boring week, which is just what we want.”

The Saturday workout by Flightline was similar to his workout the previous Saturday, and Sadler expects the 5-for-5 colt to follow the same routine the week ahead – walk Sunday, jog Monday, and gallop Tuesday through Friday before his final Santa Anita workout scheduled for Oct. 22.

Flightline will ship Oct. 23 to Kentucky and post his final BC Classic workout over the Keeneland racetrack.

One change Sadler could make for his final Santa Anita workout next Saturday is to go at 7:45 a.m. instead of 6:30 due to the darkness.

Sadler’s BC Turf Sprint candidate Bran worked a half-mile in 49 seconds on Friday. BC Filly and Mare Sprint candidate Edgeway is scheduled to work on Monday.

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