Flightline sends birthday wishes to Leyva

ARCADIA, Calif. - Flightline, the brilliant 4-year-old colt, gave assistant trainer Juan Leyva a unique birthday present at Santa Anita on Sunday – a smooth half-mile workout in 48 seconds in preparation for the Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes on March 5.

Leyva, who turned 38 on Sunday, has been a regular work rider for Flightline, who is unbeaten in three starts for trainer John Sadler. On Dec. 26, Flightline won his stakes debut in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes at seven furlongs for 3-year-olds by 11 1/2 lengths. The $200,000 San Carlos is also run at seven furlongs.

Leyva, who retired as a jockey in 2017, timed Flightline in 47.40 seconds on his wristwatch, with a gallop-out time of 1:14 for six furlongs.

Leyva described Flightline’s acceleration as “Like a sports car. When he’s on the track, it’s game time,” Leyva said.

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Flightline has never been challenged, winning three races by a combined 37 1/2 lengths. Sunday’s workout was his second since the Malibu. Three more workouts are schedule before the San Carlos, with jockey Flavien Prat expected to be aboard for one in mid-February.

Sadler said the key to preparing Flightline is to keep the 4-year-old active within reason.

“All the training has been focused on not letting him do too much,” Sadler said. “It’s been about keeping him under control.”

Owned by the partnership of Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Equine, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Woodford Racing, Flightline has earned $259,800.

The San Carlos is one of six stakes on the March 5 program, which includes three Grade 1 races – the $650,000 Santa Anita Handicap, $500,000 Beholder Mile for fillies and mares, and $500,000 Frank Kilroe Mile on turf. Add the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds, a $400,000 race at 1 1/16 miles, and the program has depth in several divisions.

The San Carlos may not have as hefty of a purse as those races, but will certainly draw an inordinate amount of attention with the presence of Flightline.

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