In my last post I profiled two unraced 3 year old colts we (Woodford Racing) had been bringing along patiently since getting hurt as 2 year olds. We were cautiously optimistic both colts would run well but you never know until the starting gate opens. On Saturday both First Captain and Flightline were unveiled at Belmont Park and Santa Anita Park respectively. It looks like our patience was rewarded.
Facing a field of six opponents, First Captain raced near the inside early in the race. At the top of the stretch jockey Jose Ortiz took First Captain off the rail and took dead aim at the leader. With an eighth of a mile to go, First Captain accelerated to win by a length. The final time of 1 minute and 23 seconds for seven furlongs was very respectable. It’s clear First Captain will benefit as his races get longer.
Click here for replay of First Captain race.
Thoroughbred Daily News article on First Captain race.
Horse Racing Nation article on First Captain race.
Later in the day our attention shifted to the West Coast as Flightline would also face six opponents. As the starting gate opened, Flightline quickly went to the front and never looked back. In what was a sparkling performance, he won by 13 1/2 lengths in 1 minute and 8 seconds for 6 furlongs (3/4’s of a mile). As Flightline effortlessly went around the track, jockey Flavien Prat was simply along for the ride.
Click here for replay of Flightline race.
Horse Racing Nation article on Flightline race.
It was extremely rewarding to see both horses run well. Winning a maiden special weight race at Belmont Park or Santa Anita Park against a quality field does happen. Winning two maiden special weight races at Belmont Park and Santa Anita Park against quality fields on the same day, doesn’t happen very often!
Thoroughbred Daily News article on Woodford Racing ownership of First Captain and Flightline.