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Locked produced a commanding performance to land Saturday's Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, continuing his perfect comeback after injury for trainer Todd Pletcher. The 3YO colt, partnered by John Velazquez, powered to a one-and-a-half length victory over Mullikin in a high-class renewal of the Grade Two contest.
The Gun Runner chestnut, who had previously captured last year's Gr.1 Breeders' Futurity, showed his adaptability by racing in sixth before launching a sustained challenge in the straight. Under a perfectly-timed ride from Velazquez, he swept past his rivals in the final furlong to stop the clock at 1:34.52.
The triumph marked Pletcher's seventh success in the race, whilst Velazquez equalled Jerry Bailey's record of five wins. Notable previous winners of the Cigar Mile include Sharp Azteca (2017), Maximum Security (2019), and last year's victor Hoist the Gold.
"He's doing excellent and came out of the race in great order," Pletcher said. "He's always been a highly talented colt. Physically, he's made a nice progression from 2 to 3. He's got all the physical attributes, and what's great about him is he's also got a super mind to go along with all the talent."
The Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm-owned colt demonstrated his class against older horses, including three Group One winners and four millionaires in the field. Pletcher praised the colt's versatility, noting, "Super happy with his effort. He's a little more tactical as a 3YO and hopefully that will continue, and he'll appreciate added distance."
Looking ahead, Locked is being aimed at the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park on January 25, with international Group One events in Saudi Arabia and Dubai also under consideration.
"He'll leave Belmont on Tuesday and arrive at Palm Beach Downs on Wednesday morning," Pletcher confirmed. "We've certainly talked about the Pegasus being the likely next goal, but we'll have to have a discussion about Saudi and Dubai and if we're interested in those."
The connections will be eyeing the US$3 million Pegasus World Cup purse as they plot their campaign for this progressive colt, who has now won both starts in an abbreviated sophomore season.