Locked, a horse trained by Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, had a remarkable sophomore season. In Saturday's Grade 2 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, he emerged victorious with a 1 1/2-length score. This victory came after an abbreviated 2024 campaign due to an early-year injury. Locked made up for lost time with two strong wins at Aqueduct this fall. In October, he won a seven-furlong allowance sprint against elders by 7 1/2 lengths. Then, he followed it up with a rallying coup in the Cigar Mile, overtaking Grade 1 winner Mullikin in the final sixteenth.

Adaptability and Talent

Pletcher praised Locked's adaptability, as he has shown strength in both prominent and stalking races. "Super happy with his effort," Pletcher said. "He's a little more tactical as a 3-year-old and hopefully that will continue. He's got all the physical attributes, and his super mind goes along with his talent." Locked was awarded a career-best 101 Beyer Speed Figure for his performance.

Next Steps

Pletcher said Locked will head south to Palm Beach Downs on Tuesday. The connections are deciding where he will race next. Potential targets include the Pegasus World Cup (G1) on Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park and Group 1 events in the Middle East like the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup. "He'll leave Belmont on Tuesday and arrive at Palm Beach Downs on Wednesday morning," Pletcher said. "I've got to talk to Aron (Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners) and come up with a firm game plan."

Jockey Success

In this victory, Pletcher secured a record-extending seventh Cigar Mile win, and jockey John Velazquez equaled Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey's jockey record of five. Velazquez has won the last three Cigar Miles. "It's been a terrific, mutually beneficial relationship for a long, long time," Pletcher said. "Johnny's ability to continue to ride at the highest level is remarkable. He gave Locked the perfect trip and knew when to pedal and settle."

KimDon Racing's Tizzy in the Sky

Pletcher also had a breakthrough victory with KimDon Racing's Tizzy in the Sky in the one-mile Go for Wand (G3) at Aqueduct. After a six-month layoff, she rated in second 1 1/2 lengths off the pace set by Rachel's Rock and took command through the turn. She held off strong challenges from favored Occult and Movie Moxy to win by a half-length, garnering an 89 Beyer. "She came back well and that was a great win," Pletcher said. "She's a filly that has always trained exceptionally well and has Grade 1 ability." Tizzy in the Sky will remain at Belmont Park to train for the nine-furlong Ladies on Jan. 11.

Julia Shining's Comeback

Another possible contender for Pletcher is recent allowance-level winner Julia Shining. After a seven-month layoff and a stumble at the start on Dec. 1, she won a local one-mile route by 3 1/4 lengths. She improved her position at every call under Dylan Davis and showed a sustained run. "That was a good comeback," Pletcher said. "She overcame a stumble and put in a good effort. She's a candidate for the Ladies, and we'll see how things go."

Carmen's Candy Jar's Performance

Pletcher's other Saturday runner, Carmen's Candy Jar, finished even fifth in the Grade 2 Demoiselle won by Muhimma. A New York homebred for Repole Stable, she has placed in three state-bred stakes this year. "She's doing well, and she tried hard," Pletcher said. "She just needs to drop back into New York company. If we can find some longer races against New York-breds, she should be competitive."