Look for Firing Line's return in San Diego Handicap

ARCADIA, Calif. - Firing Line, second in the 2015 Kentucky Derby, is likely to make his 2016 debut in the $200,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on July 20.

Trainer Simon Callaghan has targeted the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at 1 1/16 miles as the launch of a campaign through the second half of the year designed to have Firing Line in races such as the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 20, and the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 5.

“It’s a matter of getting a start,” Callaghan said. “It will probably be the San Diego. Our goal has always been the second half of the year. We’re moving forward and figuring out where to go with him.”

Sunday at Santa Anita, Firing Line worked five furlongs in 1:00.20. Callaghan timed Firing Line galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.80.

Owned by Arnold Zetcher, Firing Line has won 2 of 7 starts and has earned $974,800. Firing Line has not raced since finishing seventh in the 2015 Preakness Stakes. He emerged from the race with a bone chip in an ankle that required surgery.