TAPIT’s Flightline set the racing world abuzz Saturday night when he turned in what Thoroughbred Daily News called “one of the more impressive debut performances in recent memory” while giving the colt Rising Star status for his maiden victory.
Trained by John Sadler, the colt broke well under Flavien Prat in the six furlong Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita. Prat sent his mount straight to the lead and that was the beginning of the end for the rest of the field’s chances. By the time they entered the turn, Flightline was starting to pull away with no encouragement from Prat.
It was obvious the race was over by the top of the stretch as Prat sat quietly on the colt and he continued to extend even when geared down to win by 13 ¼ lengths.
It was just another feather in Flightline’s cap after the colt brought $1-million at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Sale from Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, and West Point Thoroughbreds with breeder Summer Wind Equine also retaining a piece.
That $1 million tag tied for the second most expensive purchase of the sale.
The colt is the second winner and runner for his Grade winning and multiple Grade 1-placed dam Feathered. That mare is a daughter of stakes-placed Receipt, a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner Finder’s Fee. The family continues to find massive success throughout the generations with Flightline’s Grade 1 winning fourth dam Fantastic Find also the granddam of multiple graded stakes winner Optimizer and Grade 2 winner T.D. Vance among others.
Flightline is the 46th TDN Rising Star for TAPIT and second one in just over a month for the leading stallion.