Bullard went from last to first in his Sept. 1 Del Mar career debut to win the six-furlong maiden special weight race by 1 ¼-lengths and be named the 15th TDN Rising Star for Gun Runner.
The 2-year-old colt broke well but settled well back of the early speed and was last of seven after the first quarter-mile. Around the turn he quickly passed rivals, threading his way gamely between horses to be second, about four lengths from leader Kalea Bay, as he turned for home.
With huge strides Bullard cut into the margin and easily went by the pacesetter to win going away in 1:10.32 on a fast track.
Bullard, who was a $675,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling sale, was bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys and is owned by his breeder along with St. Elias Stable, Talla Racing LLC and West Point Thoroughbreds. The dark bay colt is one of four winners out of his dam Reve d’Amour, also the dam of two-time stakes winner Mundaye Call.
With just four crops of racing age, Gun Runner is third on the General Sire list with $14.2 million in progeny earnings to date. He leads all sires in 2024 by Grade 1 winners with four.
