Lock And Key Is Seeking Her First Victory in the U.S.

Lock And Key, who arrived well regarded from Europe earlier this year, will seek her first win in five starts in this country when she takes on six other fillies and mares in the seventh race today at Del Mar.

The 4-year-old Irish-bred daughter of Key Of Luck finished second in two sprints at Santa Anita before running fifth twice in Grade III stakes races in Kentucky and Texas.

In the WinStar Distaff Handicap on May 29 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, Lock And Key, who won two of 11 overseas, seemed uncomfortable on the yielding course and wound up 5 1/4 lengths behind winner Sweet Talker.

Jockey Brice Blanc, who hasn’t ridden regularly on the local circuit in about four years, has the call on Lock And Key. Blanc is scheduled to ride here through the rest of the meet.

The filly to beat in the $73,000 optional claimer at one mile on the turf is Charm The Giant. The 4-year-old daughter of Giant’s Causeway has won three of six on the grass and has been second or third in her three defeats. She will break from the inside post under regular rider Alex Solis. Charm The Giant won an optional claimer by two lengths at Del Mar on Aug. 29.

Race of the day: High Enough, who broke her maiden in her debut at Colonial Downs on June 25, will try for a repeat in the seventh race today. Jonathan Joyce will ride the 5-year-old Peaks And Valleys mare in the $24,500 allowance at one mile on turf.

One for the road: Charging is a shipper from Idaho who arrives sharp in California for the seventh race today at Solano. Apprentice Luis Martinez will ride the 4-year-old General Gem filly, who won by nearly six lengths June 20 at Boise in the $5,000 claimer at one mile.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Two Turn Halo in the second, Blake’s Passion and Nonsensical in the third and Eastern Sand, Florida Keys, Grafton and Epic Power in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/12. Money: (previous day/meet total): $15.80/$58. Total money bet: $88.