Flying Scotsman draws clear in Del Mar's Cecil B. DeMille

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and jockey Flavien Prat swept Del Mar’s stakes action Sunday when Calumet Farm’s homebred Flying Scotsman took off in the Grade 3, $100,000 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes for 2-year-olds on the turf. The win followed Battle of Midway’s victory in the Native Diver (G3) three races earlier.

Flying Scotsman, a son of English Channel, broke his maiden at a mile over Santa Anita’s turf second time out. The win earned him even-money favoritism in the Cecil B. DeMille, where he rated in second before drawing away in the stretch.

"He's done very well since we first started him," Hollendorfer said. "Usually I like to sprint them twice, but he didn't seem to like that, so we put him on grass at a mile the second time out. Since then he's improved and looks like a pretty good prospect."

Vantastic was quick to take the lead and set opening fractions in 23.02 and 46.92. Flying Scotsman was relaxed in second ahead of Sayin Grace, Rijeka and Takeo Squared. The field bunched up after the first half-mile and Prat had Flying Scotsman ready to roll when three-quarters went in 1:11.48.

It was clear sailing in the homestretch for Flying Scotsman, who won by open lengths. He completed the mile in 1:34.44.



Four and a half lengths back, Rijeka rallied for second over Vantastic, Takeo Squared and Sayin Grace.  

"Last time he pulled a little too much, but today he relaxed a little bit more, so maybe he's learning a little bit," Hollendorfer said. "I'd like to thank the Calumet folks. They've been absolutely great to us."

Hollendorfer also credited Prat with the ride. The jockey told Hollendorfer prior to the race he could get Flying Scotsman to rate today, which he proved.

"The horse rated perfectly," the trainer added, "and when he was ready to go, (Prat) let him go, and he won drawing off."