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IS FLIGHTLINE THE GREATEST THOROUGHBRED SINCE SECRETARIAT?

11-05-2022

The 4-year-old colt is undefeated in five races, winning by an average of more than 10 lengths. The Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday will be his first big moment in the spotlight.

As far as great horse racing debates go, this one is civil and wholly welcome. Is Flightline one of the sport’s all-time greats? Should he be regarded alongside Secretariat, Man o’ War and a couple of dozen others who have captured the public’s imagination throughout the years?

Those who don’t love or play the horses may answer with the question, “Who is Flightline?” Fair enough. He is among the fastest horses in history, and certainly one most of the sporting public has never heard of.

Flightline, a 4-year-old colt, is undefeated in his five races, running away from his opponents by a combined margin of 62 ¾ lengths at distances starting at a six-furlong sprint and reaching a mile and a quarter, which is considered the classic distance for American thoroughbreds.

It was after Flightline’s most recent race, in the Pacific Classic, however, when talk of his greatness began sizzling.

In less than two minutes at Del Mar in Southern California, Flightline ran away from five accomplished challengers, seizing an early 10-length lead before stretching it to 19 and a quarter lengths at the wire even as his rider, Flavien Prat, powered him down to an easy lope well before the finish line.

Even the most cynical horseplayers wondered if Pegasus had just escaped Greek mythology and streaked across their television screens.

Calamity soon followed. Flightline suffered a bone bruise in a hock that delayed his return to the races until June, when he won the Metropolitan Mile at Belmont Park in dominating fashion.

“There have been some setbacks and John has done the right thing and let the horse tell him when he was ready to run,” Finley said. “There is no arguing about his talent when he has gotten to the racetrack.”

Sadler’s rivals are impressed. The Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who will saddle Life is Good and Happy Saver in the Classic, said he has treated Flightline’s previous races as appointment television.

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