Horse Racing Odds: “Locked” Shines in Cigar Mile

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Locked Shines in Cigar Mile, Pletcher Eyes Next Move  

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher capped off an impressive weekend with Locked, who secured a resounding victory in the Grade 2 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct.

 The 3-year-old colt delivered a career-best performance, showcasing his talent with a 1 1/2-length triumph over a competitive field of older horses. Locked’s victory was his second win of an abbreviated 2024 campaign and solidified his position as a horse to watch for the upcoming season in offtrack betting. 

In the Cigar Mile, Locked demonstrated adaptability by stalking the pace early before launching a sustained rally down the stretch. Guided by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, he overcame top-tier competition, including Grade 1 winner Mullikin, to stop the clock at an impressive 1:34.52. 

The effort earned Locked a career-high 101 Beyer Speed Figure. The win was particularly significant as the field included four millionaires and three Grade 1 winners, making this one of the most substantial editions of the Cigar Mile in recent memory.

Pletcher praised Locked for his versatility and ability to deliver under various race conditions. The colt has proven his capacity to excel as a front-runner and closer. 

Pletcher noted that the victory provided confidence in Locked’s ability to handle longer distances and compete at the highest level. Discussions about his next race are underway, with potential targets including the Pegasus World Cup, Saudi Cup, and Dubai World Cup. For bettors keeping an eye on horse racing odds, Locked’s upward trajectory is worth noting as he transitions into his 4-year-old season.

Tizzy in the Sky Makes the Grade in Go for Wand  

Pletcher celebrated another win on the same card as Tizzy in the Sky captured her first graded stakes victory in the one-mile Go for Wand (G3). Returning from a six-month layoff, the 5-year-old mare showed endurance, holding off late challengers to win by half a length. 

Under Flavien Prat, Tizzy in the Sky took control through the turn and dug deep in the stretch to fend off the fast-finishing Occult and Movie Moxy.

Pletcher expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting how rewarding it was for the ownership group to secure this elusive graded win. Consistent efforts, including a victory in the Top Flight Invitational and a second-place finish last year, have marked Tizzy in the Sky’s career. She has now amassed over $498,000 in earnings. She will likely target the nine-furlong Ladies Stakes in January, a race that suits her preference for Aqueduct’s surface.  

Julia Shining Eyes a Comeback  

Another star in Pletcher’s barn, Julia Shining, returned to action in a December 1 allowance race at Aqueduct, marking her first start in seven months. The 4-year-old daughter of Curlin rebounded from a stumble at the beginning to win by 3 1/4 lengths, showing the kind of late-closing kick that has defined her career. 

Julia Shining, a full sister to dual champion Malathaat, is also a candidate for the Ladies Stakes. Her trainer noted her potential to improve with additional starts, making her an exciting prospect for Saratoga betting enthusiasts and those tracking key stakes races.

Locked’s Stellar Year Sets the Tone for 2025  

Locked’s success capped a record-breaking seventh Cigar Mile win for Pletcher and equaled Velazquez’s record of five wins in the race. Pletcher attributed much of their success to a long-standing partnership built on trust and consistency. With Locked poised for an international campaign and horses like Tizzy in the Sky and Julia Shining rounding into form, Pletcher’s barn is primed for a strong showing in 2025.