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Thriving Thoroughbreds: A Look at Thursday's Works at Belmont and Beyond

2024-11-14

On Thursday morning at Belmont Park, a flurry of activity among graded-stakes winners took place. Locked, the 3-year-old Gun Runner colt who won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity last year and placed third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, was back in training. After a break due to a knee injury, he breezed four furlongs in 50.42 seconds, showing his continued progress. Trainer Todd Pletcher has his sights set on the Cigar Mile (G2) next, with the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) on Jan. 25 also in the mix. This isn't the only star in action. Express Train (Union Rags), a Grade 1 winner in the 2022 Santa Anita Handicap, worked five furlongs at Del Mar in 59.4 seconds, the fastest of three works at that distance. His recent form includes a third-place finish in the San Diego Handicap (G2).

Locked's Training and Recent Wins

Locked's journey back to the track is a testament to his resilience. After his successful year in 2023 with the Breeders’ Futurity win, he took time off to recover. Now, with his works at Belmont, he's gearing up for more significant races. In his last start, he won an allowance race going seven furlongs on the main track at Belmont, demonstrating his versatility and ability to perform on different tracks.

Other Notable Works

Get Smokin (Get Stormy), a three-time Grade 2 winner, worked four furlongs at Woodbine in 50.0 seconds, showing his continued strength. Crupi (Curlin), a Grade 2 winner, also had a solid work at Belmont, while Dicey Mo Chara (Adaay), Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief), Seal Team (War Front), Jaxon Traveler (Munnings), Runninsonofagun (Gun Runner), Cupid’s Claws (Kitten’s Joy), and Like the King (Palace Malice) all had their own impressive works at various tracks. Each horse is bringing something unique to the table and adding to the excitement in the world of thoroughbred racing.

Wednesday's Works as Well

Wednesday wasn't any less eventful, with three graded-stakes winners working. Chi Town Lady (Verrazano), a Grade 1 winner, worked five furlongs at Keeneland, while Red Route One (Gun Runner) and Life’s an Audible (Audible) also had their workouts at different tracks. These horses are all vying for their place in the spotlight and adding to the rich tapestry of thoroughbred racing.