Three Chimneys Farm and Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Gun Runner was installed the 9-5 favorite for Saturday’s $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar.
Gun Runner has been unbeatable since finishing a game second to Arrogate in the Dubai World Cup (G1) in March, reeling off wins in the Stephen Foster H. (G1), Whitney (G1) and Woodward S. (G1), all by at least five lengths.
Gun Runner will face Arrogate, the 2-1 second choice, once again on Saturday, along with nine others looking to win the top prize in the richest Breeders’ Cup race. Arrogate drew post 1, while Gun Runner and jockey Florent Geroux will break from post 5 for trainer Steve Asmussen.
“Well, I know whose side I’m on (of the Gun Runner-Arrogate debate) and I feel very good about where we’re at right now,” Asmussen said. “What has happened since the World Cup is surprising to a lot of people. We’re just trying to get to the Classic in the best shape possible and prove where Gun Runner is at.”
Gun Runner, a son of Candy Ride out of the Grade 2 winner Quiet Giant, is 10-3-2 in 17 starts and has earned $5,688,500 to date.
The Classic will be run at 8:35 p.m. ET and seen on NBC-TV.
Carina Mia make repeat appearance in Filly & Mare Sprint
Carina Mia, owned by Three Chimneys Farm, drew post 1 for the $1 million Filly and Mare Sprint (G1), which runs at 4:14 p.m. ET Saturday. The 4-year-old filly has earned more than $1.3 million and is seeking redemption after last year’s Sprint, when a rough start cost her any chance at victory.
Carina Mia’s sterling record includes wins in the Acorn (G1), Golden Rod S. (G2) and Eight Belles S. (G2).
