Watch: Undefeated Flightline works sharply at Santa Anita

Undefeated Flightline, winner of the June 11 Metropolitan Handicap (G1) most recently, worked for the second time since that effort on Saturday when drilling four furlongs in 47.6 seconds at Santa Anita.

Assistant trainer Juan Leyva was aboard for the work, which was the sixth-fastest of 47 moves at the distance. Flightline is gearing up for the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) going 1 1/4 miles at Del Mar on Sept. 3. The  Pacific Classic will be his first time racing beyond a mile and navigating two turns.

“(He’s) doing well and shipping (to Del Mar) Sunday night,” trainer John Sadler told Horse Racing Nation

Del Mar opens its eight-week summer meet on Friday. Other horses known to be eyeing the Pacific Classic include Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Country Grammer, who could prep in the July 30 San Diego (G2) for Bob Baffert; and Grade 1 winners Express Train and There Goes Harvard. 

Flightline improved to 4-for-4 when winning the Metropolitan by six lengths at Belmont Park under regular rider Flavien Prat. Last summer, the 4-year-old colt by Tapit out of the Indian Charlie mare Feathered won an allowance race at Del Mar by 12 3/4 lengths going seven furlongs. He followed with another blowout victory in the Malibu (G1) at Santa Anita going the same distance in late December.

Flightline has banked $794,800 for an extensive ownership group that includes West Point Thoroughbreds, Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Farm and Woodford Racing. He was a $1 million auction purchase as a yearling.