Flightline, the undefeated colt who has dominated his first three starts by an astonishing combined 37 ½ lengths, is set to face his most significant challenge yet in the Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park. Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds, a principal owner, described the colt as “a gift not just to the partners but the entire industry,” highlighting his immense potential. West Point Thoroughbreds has assembled a strong ownership group that includes Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Equine, and Woodford Racing. Fans will have the opportunity to witness this phenom in action on Saturday, as part of a compelling Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets undercard.
The Met Mile, a race steeped in tradition and known for its stallion-making prestige, has the potential to overshadow the day’s main event. Flightline, making his highly anticipated season debut, will face formidable competition. Among his rivals are Speaker’s Corner, who is undefeated in three starts at the one-turn mile distance, and Aloha West, the tenacious winner of the Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint last November. The Met Mile serves as a crucial “Win and You’re In” qualifying race for the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, scheduled for November at Keeneland Race Course.
Trainer John Sadler emphasized the importance of this race for Flightline’s career. “It’s very important. It’s a chance for him to showcase himself on the East Coast,” Sadler stated. “I think the industry likes to see him run over there, so it’s important.” This marks Flightline’s first venture outside of California, a move designed to expose him to a wider audience and gauge his performance against top East Coast talent.
Flightline’s journey to the racetrack has been one of patience and strategic management. Initially purchased for $1 million at Fasig-Tipton’s Saratoga Yearling Sale, his impressive pedigree, a combination of Tapit and the Indian Charlie mare Feathered, convinced Finley of his racing potential. Finley noted, “There aren’t many horses that have pedigrees that have absolutely zero question marks. Flightline is one of them.” His owners believe he possesses the complete package: speed, size, pedigree, personality, and exceptional intelligence.
Despite his undeniable talent, Flightline’s career has been punctuated by setbacks, primarily due to soundness issues. Fans eagerly awaited his debut, which was delayed by a significant hip wound sustained in a paddock accident. When he finally debuted as a 3-year-old on April 24, he announced his arrival with a commanding 13 ¼ length victory. A subsequent foot abscess kept him sidelined until September 5, when he returned to win an allowance optional claiming race by 12 ¾ lengths. This performance set the stage for an overwhelming victory in the Runhappy Malibu Stakes on December 26, where he won by 11 ½ lengths despite a poor start, earning a remarkable 118 Beyer Speed Figure, the highest of the previous year.
Another setback occurred when Flightline missed an intended start in the San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita due to a strained hock. Trainer John Sadler, however, remains focused on the present and future. “No doubt we have [encountered setbacks]. I try not to focus on that. I try to do my job to the best of my abilities, which is to make wise decisions and take care of the little problems and look forward,” he remarked. Finley echoed this sentiment, praising Sadler’s management: “I think it’s shown and we’ll continue to see right decision after right decision that John Sadler has made with this horse.”
To prepare for the Met Mile, Sadler has meticulously managed Flightline’s training regimen, including nine workouts at his Santa Anita base. His final pre-race workout saw him cover four furlongs in an impressive 46.80 seconds, the fastest of 79 workers at the distance. “He’s 100 percent ready,” Sadler confirmed. “The question marks are ‘How does he ship? How does he adapt to new surroundings relatively quickly?’” This will be Flightline’s first foray at a mile, and he will break from the rail under his regular rider, Flavien Prat. Finley believes Flightline’s stamina is not in question, noting his ability to accelerate after the wire in his workouts.
Flightline’s rivals, Speaker’s Corner and Aloha West, bring their own impressive credentials to the Met Mile. Speaker’s Corner, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, boasts three wins in three starts this year, including a decisive victory in the Carter Handicap. Aloha West, a 5-year-old, finished third in the Churchill Downs Stakes in his first start since his narrow win in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
The breeding industry has already taken notice of Flightline’s exceptional talent, with offers reportedly in the nine-figure range. Fans and breeders alike will be keenly observing his performance in the Met Mile, not only to assess his racing prowess but also to see how he emerges from what is anticipated to be the most challenging race of his career. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of this extraordinary equine athlete.
