Showing some resemblance to his much-heralded sire, FLIGHT COMMAND (c, 2, Flightline–Stonetonic, by Candy Ride {Arg}) never looked anything but a winner in Thursday's fifth race at Aqueduct, becoming the second winner for his freshman sire (by Tapit), the first in North American, and his first 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard'.The 6-5 favorite never gave this field a chance, rocketing out from his rail draw under a confident Manny Franco to set the fractions in this 5 1/2-furlong sprint.Unpressured with only Hurricane Mo (Mo Donegal) in the same zip code off the turn, Flight Command was shaken up to switch leads and opened up at will as Franco took a knowing look over his shoulder at the furlong pole.Geared down into the final sixteenth, the winning margin only continued to grow as Flight Command led in Hurricane Mo by as much as he pleased for the debut win. The final time for the 5 1/2 furlongs was 1:04.11. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0.O-LSU Stables; B-Machmer Hall, Carrie Brogden & Craig Brogden; T-Rudy R. Rodriguez. Sales History: $275,000 2yo '26 OBSMAR. Flightline gets his 1st USA winner with the speedy @MachmerHall Flight Command looking like his Dad out there today This colt was bred like a dream, had great mechanics and the type of colt that had lots of room to grow into himself. Flightline is off to a red hot start https://t.co/YAfxiayESx pic.twitter.com/USuLInoWvg— Save Horse Racing (@SaveHorseRacing) June 25, 2026The post Flightline Gets First North American Winner, First ‘Rising Star’ With Flight Command appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.