Flightline Imperious In Runhappy Malibu Romp

[Wandering Eyes]

Made the 2-5 favorite while making just the third start of his career in Sunday's GI Runhappy Malibu S. at Santa Anita, 'TDN Rising Star' FLIGHTLINE (c, 3, Tapit–Feathered, by Indian Charlie) did next to nothing wrong, galloping home an unextended winner of the opening day feature at Santa Anita. Off a touch slowly, the bay recovered and clicked off an opening quarter in :22.01 and a half in :44.48 while under an easy hold. Asked to lengthen once heads were turned for home, Flightline continued to widen on the front end without being asked a single question by Flavien Prat and coasted under the line the best part of a dozen lengths clear of Baby Yoda (Prospective). The final time over what was a dull strip during Sunday's program was a spectacular 1:21.37, better than three seconds faster than the time recorded by Kalypso (Brody's Cause) in the GI La Brea S. a couple of races prior. A $1-million graduate of the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, Flightline earned no-doubt 'Rising Star'-dom with a a 13 1/4-length romp on his local debut Apr. 24. Gone for some 4 1/2 months thereafter, Flightline resumed with a 12 3/4-length success in a first-level Del Mar allowance Sept. 5, prompting questions on whether a Breeders' Cup appearance might be in the offing. After some deliberation, connections demurred, opting to train up to Sunday's race, a decision which paid off handsomely. Sales history: $1,000,000 Ylg '19 FTSAUG. O-Hronis Racing LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds, Summer Wind Equine LLC, Siena Farm LLC and Woodford Racing LLC; B-Summer Wind Equine (KY); T-John Sadler.

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