Flat Out goes long at Churchill Downs, turning in a mile work for the Breeders’ Cup Classic
Preston Stables owned 5-year-old gelding Flat Out, gave his lungs dome air when he was sent out by trainer Charles “Scooter” Dickey at Churchill Downs 23 October, 2011, to turn in a strong gallop in preparation of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The son of Flatter, out of Cresta Lil by Cresta Rider, Flat Out is coming off a successful run in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park under jockey Alex Solis at about 1 ¼ miles on 1 October, 2011.
Alex Solis has turned Flat Out’s season around, after taking the gelding’s jockeying responsibility in his last 4 runs in which Flat Out hasn’t finished worse than second and has landed two races and finished as a runner up twice.
In Churchill Downs, clockers timed the Florida bred runner Flat Out when he was credited for a mile work in 1 minute and 43 3/5 seconds.
Alex Solis reserved for the race, exercise jockey Greta Kuntzweiler was up Flat Out and the pair carved impressive fractions to finally go out a mile and eighth in 1 minute and 58 2/5 seconds.
After a long absence due to injury, Flat Out entered 2011 fresh and kicked off his season in the Grade 3 Long Star Handicap and finished second behind Awesome Gem at Lone Star Park on 30 May.
Under jockey M Berry, Flat Out raced only once and in his next race Corey Lanerie was aboard Flatter’s son, in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs on 18 June over at 1 1/8 miles.
The pair finished a distant 6th and never looked like making in impact in the race, and that is when Scooter Dickey decided to make a permanent switch. In cam Alex Solis and the decision couldn’t have been more timely and accurate.
Flat Out also won Grade 2 Suburban Handicap under Alex Solis, which was held at Belmont Park on 2 July over at a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
The pair topped the distance in 1 minute and 46.64 seconds, defeating Hymn Book and Rodman who finished second and third, respectively.
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