Leading up to what was an unforgettable Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar on Saturday (US time), Flightline’s trainer, John Sadler, said the now-megastar’s greatest value would be as a sire.
But in a relief to racing fans, he said there’s still more to come regarding the four-year-old’s career on the racetrack – and that is set to be on the world stage.
This was, of course, after producing the best performance in Pacific Classic Stakes history – and probably the best run ever at the picturesque beachside venue.
Following his breathtaking 19 ¼-length victory in 1 minute 59.28 seconds – 17-hundredths shy of the track record in the USD $1 million feature over 1 ¼ miles (2012m) – Flightline could also reach those dizzying heights in the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup.
“I’m thinking next race. We’ll deal with that at an appropriate time. But there’ll also be options for next year,” Sadler said when HorseBetting.com.au asked if he was thinking about next year’s showpiece global event.
To put in perspective what Flightline is also capable of doing in the USD $12 million Dubai World Cup – set for March 25 next year – Country Grammer won the event last year.
But the five-year-old’s trainer, Bob Baffert, could only sit back and applaud Flightline and acknowledge history unfolding before his eyes.
That was because his star horse finished almost 20 lengths behind as the runner-up on Saturday.
It was still seven lengths ahead of third-placed Royal Ship.
Sadler confirmed Flightline’s next start will be the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland, Kentucky, on November 5.
And despite his inevitable value as a sire, the California conditioner said he’d love the world to witness the once-in-a-generation colt’s talent at the Dubai World Cup next year.
There are also the mind-blowing riches of the USD $31.5 million Saudi Cup in late February next year to ponder, with the richest race in the world now on the radar of the Sadler stable.
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Also before Saturday, Sadler compared Flightline to LeBron James, who many feel is the greatest basketball player of his generation.
His analysis was spot-on after the incredible stayer left everyone at Del Mar shaking their heads in disbelief with a performance which might not ever be matched again.
“He really is (the LeBron James of horse racing) – he’s just an extra-special horse. He’s one of those rare shooting stars, or something,” Sadler said.
Westpoint Thoroughbreds CEO Terry Finley also had big predictions for Flightline before Saturday, saying he could be a horse talked about 100 years from now.
He, too, saw greatness early in the four-year-old.
And at this stage, Finley would also like to see the colt dominate at world level.
“Yes, I would think so (that Flightline will contest next year’s Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup). As they say – everything is on the table,” he said.
“The next stage is the world stage (Breeders’ Cup), and I’d like to think he’s sent a clear message.”
In an industry often maligned by animal welfare activists who want to see the sport shut down, Finley said Flightline’s amazing performance was the boost that horse racing needed.
“I don’t think I’ll ever see another horse like this in my lifetime,” he said.
“It’s not about me. I look at the industry and I think what it does is – it sends a signal to the industry on why we love this business so much.
“I don’t think those other horses were embarrassed because we just saw a performance that we’ll be talking about for 100 years.”
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