The Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner worked a sharp :48.83 breeze on Aug. 27 at Saratoga, prompting Pletcher to finalize plans for the 1 1/8-mile Woodward. The decision reflects strategic timing considerations as Pletcher noted that Locked “sets him better for the Classic as opposed to others who have been running steadily and could use more time before the Breeders’ Cup.”
Locked has proven affinity for Aqueduct, having captured two victories at the New York track last fall, including the Cigar Mile (G2). This track familiarity played a significant role in Pletcher’s decision to target the Woodward over other potential prep races.
Recent Campaign Review
The Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm-owned colt concluded his 3-year-old season with the Cigar Mile victory before launching his 4-year-old campaign with a runner-up finish in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1). His breakthrough performance came in the March 1 Santa Anita Handicap, where he delivered a commanding 8 1/2-length romp at Santa Anita Park.
However, Locked has encountered challenges in his subsequent starts, finishing fourth in the Alysheba Stakes (G2) and third in Saratoga’s Suburban Stakes (G2) at the Classic distance of 1 1/4 miles.
Pletcher provided context for the recent results, explaining that in the Alysheba, Locked “ran into Fierceness, who set a track record” in a race that “did not set up well for him.” Regarding the Suburban Stakes effort, Pletcher noted the challenging track conditions, describing it as “a deep, demanding track that was hard on closers to make up ground. I just don’t think he cared for the way the track played that day.”
Breeders’ Cup Classic Outlook
The Woodward Stakes represents Locked’s final tune-up before the season-ending Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he’ll face the year’s best older horses and 3-year-olds. His proven ability at classic distances and track record at Aqueduct position him as a legitimate contender for both the Woodward and the season’s ultimate prize at Del Mar.
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In-Article Image Credits
Horse race on track via Pexels by Photo by @coldbeerFeatured Image Credit
Horse race on track via Pexels by Photo by @coldbeer
