Having ridden Flightline to a staggering 19 ¼-length victory in the USD $1 million Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar on Saturday, Flavien Prat feels the four-year-old's will to win is unmatched.
And Prat would know.
The French jockey, formerly based in California and now in New York, has ridden the megastar colt in all five starts for five wins, including three consecutive Grade 1 titles.
The staggering total margin of victory in those races is 62 ¾ lengths – an average of 12 ½ lengths per win.
“Every time we ask him to do something he just responds,” Prat said.
Prat picked up a very impressive three Grade winners and four overall at Del Mar on Saturday, but there's no doubting the one he will remember the most.
His winning time of 1 minute 59.28 seconds aboard Flightline was 17-hundredths of a second shy of the track record in what was the best performance in Pacific Classic Stakes history.
It was also probably the best-ever triumph at the seaside venue, with 2022 Dubai World Cup winner Country Grammer almost 20 lengths behind in second place.
Indeed, trainer John Sadler said Flightline was racing's version of basketball superstar LeBron James and called the horse “one of those rare shooting stars”.
“When you look back and see all those horses and you put so many lengths on them, it means a lot,” Prat said.
“John Sadler has always had a high opinion of him – he always thought he was the best horse he's ever trained.”
Prat also said winning two Grade races for Phil D'Amato – the Del Mar Stakes and Del Mar Handicap – meant a lot to him.
He achieved those respective victories riding Hong Kong Harry and Gold Phoenix.
“It's been a great day. It's great to be back here, and I always have great support from the trainers and owners,” he said at the conclusion of the 11-race schedule.
“It's been an amazing day.
“He (D'Amato) has always been a huge supporter of my career – since day one when I came here.
“He's always given me great opportunities and it's always a great pleasure to ride for him.”