Locked showed incredible determination in turning back The Wine Steward in Saturday’s $600,000 Breeders’ Futurity S. (G1) at Keeneland, winning by a half-length after a scintillating stretch battle.
As part of the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In series, the Futurity earned the 2-year-old Gun Runner colt an automatic berth the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) next month at Santa Anita Park.
Locked was the Futurity favorite coming off a blowout maiden win at Saratoga on Sept. 1. He was several lengths off the lead and in the three path through the first half mile that went in :48.23. He had no choice but to go wide on the final turn and came with a bold move to take the lead coming into the stretch.
The Wine Steward came up the inside and the two of them both had their head in front at different points in the final furlong. Locked, with one last surge, got the lead very close to the finish to stop the timer in 1:45.06 on a fast track.
“He’s a colt that we always felt like the further, the better,” said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. “You like to think it moves them forward. He was hung out very wide on both turns. He didn’t have a real easy trip, but he’s talented enough to overcome it.”
Locked is co-owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm. He has earned $428,400, with two wins and a third in three starts.
The chestnut colt was bred in Kentucky by Rosa Colasanti and is the second foal out of Luna Rosa, who is a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Gabby’s Golden Gal and three-time Grade 2 winner Always a Princess.
Pedigree notes from the TDN
Locked, a $425,000 Keeneland September graduate, becomes the seventh Grade I winner for his leading young sire. Gun Runner was also represented by Saturday’s GII Chandelier S. heroine Chatalas.
