What we learned: Flightline earns label as special horse

Flightline endured the kind of trip in the Pacific Classic that would result in most speed horses folding in the stretch. But because this is a special horse, he finished as if the entire trip had been a breeze from the start.

When the gates opened, Flightline started running with the field and stayed with them for a short while before he started to inch forward under a hold from Flavien Prat. On the inside, Extra Hope also started to separate from the others. Instead of contesting the lead with Extra Hope, Prat guided Flightline wide around the initial turn.

With Flightline running wide on purpose, Extra Hope secured the lead on the rail heading into the far side and set out on a suicide mission to outrun Flightline through fractions of 23.02 and 46.06 seconds. Remember, this is a 10-furlong race. Given the longer distance, those are fast fractions.

Flightline wanted to go and he took Prat to the front by a small margin over Extra Hope, who initially tried to keep up with the eager superstar. Through six furlongs in 1:09.07, Flightline secured a one-length lead over a tiring Extra Hope.

Extra Hope felt the effects of trying to run with Flightline and folded. As Flightline rounded the turn, the son of Tapit suddenly enjoyed a 10-length lead over the Dubai World Cup winner Country Grammer in second. Royal Ship moved into third, but the pair were far behind.

Flightline glided through a mile in 1:34.37. Prat shook the reins a few times, perhaps out of curiosity to feel the power under the hood. Otherwise, Flightline already had the race wrapped up as he moved in a machine-like fashion in the stretch and crossed the wire first by an amazing 19 1/4 lengths over Country Grammer.

Almost everyone has been looking forward to seeing Flightline’s Beyer Speed Figure. Luckily, the number just came in during the writing of this article.

Flightline finished the 1 1/4 miles in 1:59.28, which translated into a career-high 126 Beyer Speed Figure. Yes, Flightline destroyed the 120 barrier and matched the best Beyers from past names such as Formal Gold and Gentlemen. Flightline missed Ghostzapper’s high of 128 by only two points.

Assuming Flightline competes in the Breeders’ Cup Classic as intended, he could possibly move forward off the 126 and reach the 130 territory. Why not? Most trainers peak their horses in the Breeders’ Cup. With such a light schedule, it is in Flightline’s best interests to put on a show at Keeneland and give Eclipse Award voters a memorable performance.

Trainer John Sadler won the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Classic with Accelerate at Churchill Downs. He knows how to ship and find success outside California.

As long as Flightline trains well and travels with no problems, it is hard to imagine him losing the Breeders’ Cup Classic. This is a special horse right in front of our eyes. No other horse in training can post a 120-plus Beyer Speed Figure, and Flightline did just that at Del Mar. Even if Flightline merely matches his Pacific Classic effort, he should win.

Country Grammer in second probably ran a race that wins most “normal” editions of the Pacific Classic. He just had to face a monster this time.

Royal Ship oddly faded in third after taking aim at Country Grammer on the far turn. In all likelihood, this gelding wants nine furlongs or less for his best.

Express Train turned in his usual effort in fourth. Perhaps if he cuts back in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, he could become an interesting long-shot play.

Extra Hope folded to fifth and needs class relief.

Stilleto Boy finished a disappointing sixth and last. He never showed any punch in the lane in 10-furlong races in the past, and Saturday proved again that he needs to cut back in distance. The Dirt Mile would fit this horse too.

Last year, I did not believe in Flightline heading into the Malibu Stakes (G1). But times are different. Now, Flightline is proven with three dominating Grade 1 wins. Without a doubt, this is a historical racehorse whose light schedule remains the only knock against him.

When Flightline does compete, he is in a different stratosphere than the rest of the horses. Enjoy this horse while he lasts with good health.