Flightline returns to work tab with three-furlong drill

ARCADIA, Calif. – Flightline, the undefeated winner of the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes in December, worked three furlongs in 37 seconds on Sunday, his first timed exercise since returning to training in March after a brief rest caused by a training setback.

Trained by John Sadler, Flightline is expected to have his next start in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Mile Handicap on June 11 at Belmont Park. A three-time winner, Flightline has not raced since an easy win in the Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs.

Beyond Brilliant, winner of the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar in November, worked five furlongs in 1:01.60 on Sunday. Trainer John Shirreffs said Beyond Brilliant will start in the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf on April 30. Shirreffs had considered Friday’s Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland, but said he prefers the distance of the $225,000 Whittingham Stakes.

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“I debated the Maker’s Mark,” he said. “It’s just a mile and you don’t know what weather you’ll run into.”

The April 30 program at Santa Anita has four stakes, including the Grade 2 Californian Stakes at 1 1/8 miles. Shirreffs will have the favorite for the $200,000 Californian with Express Train, winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap on March 5. Sunday, Express Train worked five furlongs in 1:01.20 under jockey Victor Espinoza, who said the 5-year-old was “just cruising.”