The son of superstar Gun Runner was simply dominant, drawing off to an emphatic 8 1/2-length victory over Express Train under José Ortiz
ARCADIA, CA (Special for Thoroughbred Daily News) – If there were any lingering doubts about Locked’s place among the top older horses of 2025 in the U.S., his resounding victory in the historic Santa Anita Handicap (G1, 1 1/4 miles, dirt, $300,000) on Saturday at the iconic Santa Anita Park put them to rest.
A Grade 1 winner at two, the son of Gun Runner—the standout heir to the sire line of Argentine champion Candy Ride—was coming off a runner-up finish behind White Abarrio (Race Day) in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park, where a slow start left him with too much to do. This time, there were no such setbacks. Breaking cleanly, Locked settled into an outside stalking position, avoiding trouble, and when asked to quicken, he was simply unstoppable.
With Mirahmadi (Into Mischief) setting a modest early tempo, the race began to unfold at the half-mile pole. Héctor Berríos sent Express Train (Union Rags) to the front along the rail, while José Ortiz moved Locked into contention on the outside.
Once he hit full stride, there was no stopping the favorite. Taking command at the top of the stretch, he powered clear with authority, widening his margin with every stride. Express Train finished second, 8 1/2 lengths back, while Hit Show (Candy Ride) rounded out the trifecta another 3 3/4 lengths behind. The final time was 2:01.71.
“He wore blinkers today. I spoke to Todd (Pletcher, the trainer), and he told me to be aggressive from the break, get him into a forward position, and let him do the rest. He has an incredible stride—when he gets rolling, he covers so much ground. Winning a race like this with a horse like Locked is just extraordinary. I’ve admired him since he was two years old, and I’m thrilled for the owners and for Todd. I’m grateful for the opportunity to ride him again today,” said a jubilant José Ortiz.
Aron Wellman, of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, who owns Locked in partnership with WinStar Farm, added: "It’s an incredible honor to be here with a horse like Locked. I grew up coming to Santa Anita with my parents, and winning a race like the ‘Big Cap’ is a dream come true. It’s been a monumental day for Eclipse Thoroughbred and our partners. I also want to thank Walmac Farm and Gainesway Farm. José won a Grade 1 on this horse as a two-year-old, and we felt like the 2023 Breeders’ Cup left us with unfinished business. Now, we’ve come back to win this race."
Out of Luna Rosa (Malibu Moon), Locked was a $425,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase and has now amassed $1,661,650 in earnings. With health issues behind him and everything finally falling into place, the chestnut colt looks primed to reach the pinnacle of his division.
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