In August 2019, we (Woodford Racing) bought several promising yearlings at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale in Saratoga Springs, New York. As is the case at many yearling and 2 Year Old in Training Sales, multiple buyers zero in on the horses that “stand out” and the purchase price escalates quickly. Your choices are to walk away or find partners in the horses and own a piece rather than the whole. That was the case with two colts that received a lot of attention in September 2019.
The first colt was a Tapit colt (Hip 80) that sold for $1 million. The colt is named Flightline and is trained by John Sadler. Injured as a 2 year old, Flightline has been patiently developed in California and is scheduled to make his debut as a 3 year old going 6 furlongs at Santa Anita Park on April 24. Flightline’s ownership is West Point Thoroughbreds and the Hronis Brothers in addition to Woodford Racing. Flightline is a big striding colt who moves over the track effortlessly. It will be great to see his upcoming maiden voyage.
The second colt was a Curlin colt (Hip 174) that sold for $1.5 million. The colt is named First Captain and is trained by Shug McGaughey. Like Flightline, First Captain was also injured as a 2 year old and will be making his first start as a 3 year old. First Captain had been training in Florida at Payson Park Training Center before recently shipping to Belmont Park in New York for his debut. There is a chance he will also run on April 24 which could make for an interesting afternoon of East Coast/West Coast excitement. The race on April 24 is 7 furlongs. First Captain is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Woodford Racing and Siena, Valdes, Singleton, Sandbrook and Freeman.
It’s difficult for horses to win the first time they run as they often are facing horses that have started previously and racing experience is valuable. With that said, Flightline and First Captain are regally bred colts and have been training well. Hopefully both colts run well and continue to develop. The long wait is almost over, I can’t wait for April 24!