Gun Runner got his second graded winner in as many days at Aqueduct on Sunday when Locked overtook Phileas Fogg in deep stretch to win the Woodward S. (G2) by three-quarters of a length.
The victory punched Locked’s ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 1 at Del Mar. Gun Runner could have a formidable 1-2 punch in the $7 million race, with last year’s winner Sierra Leone also pointing that direction.
When the Woodward field scratched down to just three runners, Locked had to contend with the speedy Phileas Fogg, who indeed did go right to the lead and led comfortably through six furlongs in 1:12.03. Turning into the homestretch, Phileas Fogg was still securely in front, with Locked two lengths back on the rail. Inside the final furlong, Locked switched to the outside, and began to cut into the lead, ultimately getting by with about 50 yards to run.
“He’s a horse that you need to ride him,” jockey John Velazquez said. “He’s not going to give you anything easy. You’ve got to ride him, ride him, and keep him as close as you can to the other horse, and then when I pulled him out, he responded nicely.”
Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm, Locked has been a model of consistency throughout his career. Off the board only once in 11 career starts, the 4-year-old won the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at two, the Cigar Mile (G2) at three, and the Santa Anita H. (G1) by a record 8 ½-lengths in March. His earnings now stand at $1,911.825.
Locked by was bred in Kentucky by Rosa Colasanti.
