Horses
Bred: Nikolaus Bock (Fl.)
Sire: Flatter
Dam: Cresta Lil, by Cresta Rider
Flat Out had a star-crossed first three seasons plagued by injuries until his breakthrough campaign in 2011. The Florida-bred son of Flatter flashed his brilliance early by winning the 2009 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park in just his third career start, but he was sidelined for more than a year with feet problems shortly after an unplaced finish in the 2009 Arkansas Derby (G1). He would not start again December 2010, when he won an allowance race at Fair Grounds and then again was sidelined for a few months.
With his injuries behind him thanks to the patience of previous trainer Scooter Dickey, Flat Out went from being an unheralded member of the handicap division in May 2011 to the 7-to-2 favorite for that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) , in which he finished fifth. Earning him the favorite’s role were dominant victories in the Suburban Handicap (G2) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1).
Now, in the hands of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, Flat Out continues to be a force at age 6. He secured a repeat victiory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup in September at Belmont to set up another Classic bid.
