California Flag looking to run in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint for the fourth consecutive time
The 7-year-old gelding California Flag eye a fourth consecutive appearance in the Grade 1, $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, and the decision was made easier after his Grade 3 Morvich Stakes for a third time in a row at Santa Anita Park on 10 October, 2011.
Trainer Brian Koriner didn’t fully commit to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, because he wants to see how the 7-year-old gelding reacts building up to the race, and if everything goes smooth California Flag will get the green signal for the 5 November, 2011, Churchill Downs race.
The son of Avenue of Flags, out of Ultrafleet by Afleet, California Flag prior to the Morvich Stakes had not a lot to show this season, as he rolled in an 8th and a 5th position finish in his last two and only two starts this season.
California Flag off the season with a run in the Kerlan Memorial Handicap at Hollywood Park over a distance of 6 furlongs on 3 July, 2011, where he was up against a tough unit.
The experienced gelding rolled in a non threatening 8th, while Gallant Son, Streakin’ Mohican and Don Tito captured the top three positions, respectively with the winning time of 1 minute and 08.81 seconds.
Next up was the Pirate’s Bounty Stakes at Del Mar also a 6 furlong dash, but with a change of jockey, Patrick Valenzuela was aboard the runner.
He couldn’t do much as Mensa Heat didn’t let anyone trouble him in his powerful stretch run to win the race, covering the 6 furlong distance in 1 minute and 08.84 seconds, as California Flag turned in a 5th place finish.
To get into the starting lot for Breeders’ Cup Sprint, California Flag would have to train extremely well and throw himself around and at the moment things are looking good, said trainer Brian Koriner.
In the three Breeders’ Cup appearances, California Flag managed a win in the 2009 edition, winning the 6 ½ furlong dash on the hill side turf course at Santa Anita, and Koriner would be hoping a 2009 repeat from his gelding.
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