In the world of thoroughbred racing, where champions are forged and legacies are built, a rising star has emerged from the shadows, ready to take center stage. Locked, a 3-year-old colt by the esteemed sire Gun Runner, has captured the attention of the racing community with his impressive comeback victory and his sights set on the prestigious Cigar Mile at Aqueduct Racetrack.

A Promising Colt Poised for Greatness

Overcoming Adversity, Locked Roars Back

Locked, the winner of the Breeders' Futurity (G1) last year, had not raced since finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. The colt was given time off due to a knee injury, but his return to the track has been nothing short of remarkable. In his first start of the year, Locked dominated an optional-claiming allowance race at Aqueduct, beating older company by an impressive 7 1/2 lengths. Trainer Todd Pletcher, known for his meticulous approach, has been thrilled with Locked's progress, stating, "He's doing great. He came back very well. First race back was excellent, and he's been training well since. So hopefully continue moving forward."

The Cigar Mile: A Fitting Challenge

With Locked's comeback victory under his belt, the decision to target the Grade 2 Cigar Mile on December 7th seems like a natural progression. Pletcher believes the stretch out to a mile will suit the colt perfectly, and the timing of the race aligns well with the potential for future engagements, including the prestigious Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) on January 25th. "The Cigar Mile was a good fit after Locked's comeback win," Pletcher explained. "He ran very well at Aqueduct, going seven furlongs. So I think timing-wise, this race made sense. The stretch out to a mile should suit him, and timing is good, moving forward for Pegasus, Saudi and all those other races that hopefully could be possible to participate in."

A Formidable Challenger: Book'em Danno

Locked will not be the only talented 3-year-old vying for the Cigar Mile crown. Book'em Danno, a gelding by Bucchero, has also caught the attention of racing enthusiasts. After finishing second by a neck in the Perryville (G3) and third in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1), Book'em Danno will be looking to make a statement in the Cigar Mile. Trainer Derek Ryan has indicated that after the Cigar Mile, Book'em Danno will be given a brief respite before potentially targeting the Saudi Cup (G1) or the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2).

The Road Ahead: Unlocking Locked's Potential

As the racing world eagerly awaits the Cigar Mile showdown, the focus remains on Locked and his continued development. With the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, the Saudi Cup, and other prestigious races on the horizon, the colt's connections are confident that he has the talent and determination to make a lasting impact on the sport. Pletcher's words echo the sentiment, "It's on the radar for sure. We're focused on the Cigar Mile right now, but I'd say the Pegasus is definitely in play." The stage is set for Locked to cement his status as a rising star, and the racing community is poised to witness the unfolding of a truly captivating story.