Sadler trying to keep a lid on the excitement surrounding Flightline

DEL MAR, Calif. – One measure of the brilliance of the upstart colt Flightline is that his two wins in as many races have come by a combined 26 lengths. Another is his Beyer Speed Figures of 105 for his debut and 114 for his win in an allowance race at Del Mar on Sunday.

Flightline ($2.40) was prominent throughout the six-furlong race, pulling clear on the turn and winning by 12 3/4 lengths in 1:08.05. Flightline’s Beyer equals the highest of the year in the nation. At Saratoga on Saturday, Baby Yoda earned a 114 for a win in an allowance race at 6 1/2 furlongs.

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The Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Oct. 2 and the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 6 are logical races for Flightline, but trainer John Sadler is focused on a more long-term goal.

“I want to run in the Malibu,” he said, referring to the Grade 1 race at seven furlongs for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita on Dec. 26.

“I feel like I have a responsibility to manage him well. I’m not going to let hype get ahead of the horse.”

Flightline was purchased for $1 million as a yearling in 2019 and had his first workout this past January. By Tapit, Flightline races for Hronis Racing, Summer Wind Equine, West Point Thoroughbreds, Siena Farm, and Woodford Racing.

Flightline won his debut by 13 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita on April 24, but was hampered by minor issues that postponed his second start.

Flightline led throughout his maiden win, but stalked early pacesetter Notre Dame before taking the lead on Sunday.

“He got a little bit of a schooling,” Sadler said. “He sat off in the first part and got a nice trip.

“In all honesty, he was running against expectations. He didn’t disappoint.”