Is he Secretariat? Is he Pegasus? Flightline faces toughest test in hot Classic
The hottest favourite at this Breeders' Cup came good on Friday morning when the New York Times published a story under the headline: 'Is Flightline the greatest thoroughbred since Secretariat?'
Big Red, as Secretariat was known during his extraordinary, record-breaking career half a century ago, has become a regular comparator in recent weeks as reporters have sought to explain how good Flightline might be ahead of his sternest test in tonight's Classic.
It's slightly surprising to see the name of Secretariat, once sacred in the US, being tossed around so freely. Perhaps the manner of Flightline's latest success made it inevitable, as he pulled almost 20 lengths clear of quality rivals in the Pacific Classic in a manner somewhat reminiscent of Secretariat's romp in the Belmont.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inGrand National festival
Last updated
- Grand National 2025: date, preview and best bets
- 'I'd love to have a crack at the Grand National' - Flooring Porter team weigh up Aintree following Listowel heroics
- 'They had no chance and kept others out' - Davy Russell believes qualifying races for the Grand National should be introduced
- Bookmakers report Grand National turnover as 'flat' compared with last year
- 'It's a different feeling, it's unique, it's the Grand National' - Aintree hero I Am Maximus gets a huge homecoming welcome
- Grand National 2025: date, preview and best bets
- 'I'd love to have a crack at the Grand National' - Flooring Porter team weigh up Aintree following Listowel heroics
- 'They had no chance and kept others out' - Davy Russell believes qualifying races for the Grand National should be introduced
- Bookmakers report Grand National turnover as 'flat' compared with last year
- 'It's a different feeling, it's unique, it's the Grand National' - Aintree hero I Am Maximus gets a huge homecoming welcome