By Steve Sherack
LEXINGTON, KY – DL689 wasn't the only flight taking off shortly after 6:00 a.m. in Lexington on a brisk Wednesday morning.
Just as that Atlanta-bound, Delta aircraft loudly announced its presence across the way at Blue Grass Airport–you really couldn't have scripted it any better–unbeaten superstar Flightline (Tapit) was one of the first horses to train as the Keeneland main track opened for business beneath the lights.
Under a snug hold and plenty eager to do more, the 3-5 GI Breeders' Cup Classic morning-line favorite was every bit as advertised, rolling down the stretch with beautiful strides beneath Juan Leyva before a good-sized and early rising crowd.
More on the sensational job that the former Breeders' Cup winning-jockey turned John Sadler assistant has done getting the record-setting GI Pacific Classic winner to settle during training hours in our loaded Saturday preview edition.
Unbeaten Flightline rolling down the Keeneland stretch #BC22 pic.twitter.com/fieXEc4qin
— Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) November 2, 2022
Fellow contenders for the $6-million centerpiece Life Is Good (Into Mischief) and Olympiad (Speightstown) immediately caught the eye as did the very live GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile-bound Laurel River (Into Mischief) and overwhelming GI Breeders' Cup Sprint favorite Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music).
Both GI Kentucky Derby upsetter Rich Strike (Keen Ice) and GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Secret Oath (Arrogate) were out strutting their stuff in the pre-dawn hours as the mercury hovered in the high 40s. Believe it or not, it's been eight years now since both winners of the two spring Classics at Churchill Downs have lined up in the Breeders' Cup Classic and GI Breeders' Cup Distaff.
Queen's Plate winner Moira (Ghostzapper) toured the purpled-out paddock during the renovation break beneath a dense cloud cover just before daybreak.
Just as he did approaching the first Saturday in May, leading champion 3-year-old candidate Epicenter (Not This Time) couldn't have looked any better during his 1 1/2-mile gallop over the freshly manicured surface just after 8:00 a.m.
With 2020 GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) front and center, the 'Aidan O'Brien Army' of seven marched by the grandstand single file along the outer rail as the boss looked on from the backstretch.
'Aidan's Army' out for training #BC22 pic.twitter.com/bzATHUnwSi
— Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) November 2, 2022
After a gate schooling session broadcasted live on FanDuel TV's terrific onsite 'Breakfast at the Breeders' Cup' coverage, 'Future Stars Friday' headliner Cave Rock (Arrogate)–is he the most-likeliest winner on the weekend?–got down to business with an easy gallop as training hours began to wind down.
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