The Argentine horse, initially listed as first reserve, almost secures his spot in the upcoming big race, pending official confirmation
The path to the Saudi Cup (G1) seems to be clearing for Argentine-bred Intense for Me. The winner of the most recent Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) was listed as the second alternate among the 18 probable participants. However, with White Abarrio already out of contention and the withdrawal of the U.S.-based Locked (Gun Runner), the son of Fortify should now secure a starting gate, pending official confirmation.
If confirmed, there will be two Argentine-bred horses in the world’s richest horse race. El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) already holds a guaranteed spot and is set to ship to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. Intense for Me is already stabled at the venue.
Aron Wellman, President and Founder of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, the colors represented by Locked, confirmed to Thoroughbred Daily News that the colt will bypass the Saudi Cup and instead focus on a domestic campaign.
The Santa Anita Handicap (G1), scheduled for March 1, appears to be the next target for Locked, who is trained by Todd Pletcher and most recently finished second in the Pegasus World Cup (G1).
