Locked Returns to Victory, Delivers Trainer Todd Pletcher His Sixth Woodward Stakes

The Gun Runner colt stormed late to catch Phileas Fogg, giving Todd Pletcher a return to the winner’s circle in the historic Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park

Locked Returns, Unleashes Full Class / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SOUTH OZONE PARK, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- Locked, racing for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm, returned to the winner’s circle Saturday at Belmont Park, capturing the Woodward Stakes (G2, 1 1/8 miles, dirt, $300,000) by rallying late to edge out the game front-runner Phileas Fogg (Astern).

Under John Velázquez, the Todd Pletcher-trained Gun Runner colt left Post Time (Frosted) third in a compact field of just four runners. The race unfolded simply: Phileas Fogg led with Kendrick Carmouche, Locked tracked inside while Post Time raced three-wide. In the stretch, the leader looked poised for victory, but Velázquez found room on the outside and Locked responded with full authority, taking over in the final strides to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:48.11.

“With only four horses, everything changes. You have to adapt, and he let me do that. Kendrick ran a great race up front, but when I found room for my horse, he responded like always,” Velázquez said.

Locked now boasts two Grade 1 victories, thanks to his 2023 Breeders’ Futurity and the Santa Anita Handicap in March. He also shone in last December’s Cigar Mile (G2). For Pletcher, it was a record-extending sixth Woodward Stakes, joining Lawyer Ron (Langfuhr, 2007), Quality Road (Elusive Quality, 2010), Liam’s Map (Unbridled’s Song, 2015), Life Is Good (Into Mischief, 2022), and Tapit Trice (Tapit, 2024) on his résumé.

“We’re very pleased. We knew he was coming in strong and that this track suits him perfectly. When Johnny got him into the clear, he showed the quality he’s always had,” commented assistant Stu Hampson.

Carmouche admitted frustration but acknowledged, “My horse gave everything; no excuses. Locked never had dirt in his face, and that made the difference.”

Bred in Kentucky by Rosa Colasanti, Locked now has a record of 11-6-1-3 and has surpassed $1 million in earnings. By Gun Runner out of Luna Rosa (Malibu Moon), he was purchased at Keeneland September for $425,000 and is once again a leading figure in the distance division.

Could the Breeders’ Cup be next? That will be a decision for his connections—but the options are plentiful..