Runninsonofagun got his nose in front at exactly the right time to win Saturday’s $200,000 Bold Ruler S. (G3) by the narrowest of margins over Eastern Bay.
The victory over older horses was the first stakes win for the 3-year-old son of Gun Runner, who now has eight graded winners overall this year. Gun Runner, along with Curlin, have the most Breeders’ Cup pre-entries, with seven. Post positions for the Breeders’ Cup will be drawn on Halloween.
After placing in four straight graded stakes dating back to early July, Runninsonofagun found the winner’s circle Saturday, with a thrilling stretch run. He was mid-pack for the backstretch run, then began his advance on the turn. Four wide turning for home, Runninsonofagun took the lead after turning for home. Eastern Bay came running late and took the lead with less than a sixteenth to go, but Runninsonofagun made one last push to get to the wire first.
“It’s gratifying. We finally got the right race for him and he came through,” said trainer John Toscano, Jr. “He’s by Gun Runner and it’s unbelievable how good the first crop is.”
The final time for the six furlongs on a fast track was 1:10.07.
The victory upped the winner’s earnings to $369,700 for the Estate of Scott Zimmerman.
Bred by Dattt Farm LLC, Runninsonofagun is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner My Conquestadory.
