By Ben Massam
Arnold Zetcher's Firing Line (Line of David) came within a hard-fought length of upsetting American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) in the 2015 GI Kentucky Derby and was subsequently eased over a rain-drenched strip in the GI Preakness S. two weeks later. Tuesday morning–just a few days shy of the one-year anniversary of the latter debacle–the bay returned to the worktab for the first time since with a measured three-furlong breeze in :37 2/5 at Santa Anita Park.
Reached by phone Tuesday afternoon, trainer Simon Callaghan explained that the 4-year-old's workout was a useful precursor to more substantial training sessions on the horizon.
“It was exactly what we wanted to see,” said Callaghan. “He breezed three-eighths in :37 2/5 and I was really happy with it. He switched leads on cue, and moved great–really within himself. He came back after the work full of himself and really happy. It's nice to have him back on the worktab.”
Assuming Firing Line progresses as expected, Callaghan said his immediate goal could be a start in the GI Pacific Classic at Del Mar Aug. 20. While the colt would likely make at least one appearance before that fixture, the young trainer is taking a wait-and-see approach before determining a specific return spot.
“I suppose our first main goal is probably the Pacific Classic, and then we'll work out what prep races we use when we get a bit further down the road with him,” Callaghan continued. “We'll know a lot more in four to six weeks.”
If Firing Line's performance in the Derby was a highlight of Callaghan's 2015 season, fellow stable star Taris (Flatter) ensured that 2016 would be similarly memorable with a win in last Saturday's GI Humana Distaff S. on the Derby undercard. Three days after drawing off to score by a widening 5 3/4 lengths over Stonetastic (Mizzen Mast), the Tabor, Smith and Magnier colorbearer had returned to the Golden State in fine condition.
“She's really kept her weight, and she looks fantastic,” the conditioner remarked. “She flew back to California the day after the race. I saw her [Tuesday] morning and she was really feeling happy, and we can be happy with the way she's come out of it.”
Callaghan said that Taris will likely stretch out for her next start in either Santa Anita's GI Vanity Mile June 4 or Belmont's GI Ogden Phipps S. June 11, with her long-term goal being the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita in November.
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