Fighting Force Continues Hot Streak For Air Force Blue

It was a second winner in less than 24 hours for Air Force Blue on Saturday when Fighting Force (2c Air Force Blue x No Splits, by Smart Strike) won a Maiden Special Weight at Gulfstream Park over a mile.

Racing on the turf as the race favorite, Fighting Force came out running and quickly took his place right behind the leader. The colt let the leader build nearly a length lead while well in hand under Luis Saez.

As they made their way around the turn, Fighting Force was urged to go for the lead and it didn’t take him long to fulfill his jockey’s wishes. Given an easy trip by Saez once he was in front, Fighting Force won by an easy 2 ½ lengths while never being asked for his best.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for the Coolmore partners, Fighting Force was a $400,000 2-year-old purchase at this year’s OBS Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training from the Wavertree Stables consignment.

The No Splits son was bred by Royal Oak Farm LLC, et. al. and is a half-brother to stakes placed Lucky Jingle. The colt is also a grandson of multiple Grade II winner Great Intentions from the family of Grade I winner Karlovy Vary and her graded stakes winning duo of Mean Mary and Bye Bye Melvin with champion War Pass also in the family.

A top five freshman sire with 15 winners, Air Force Blue is already proving to be an international sire with stakes performers in both the United States and Ireland.