Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm’s Gun Runner didn’t disappoint in his much-anticipated 2017 debut, rolling by 5 3/4-lengths in the $500,000 Razorback H. (G3) on Presidents’ Day at Oaklawn Park.
Making his first start since winning the Clark H. (G1) in front-running style last November, Gun Runner used similar tactics to overwhelm his Razorback competition. After a quarter-mile in :23.18, the 4-year-old son of Candy Ride (ARG) had a 1 1/2-length lead and never let his foes any closer. He wrapped up the 1 1/16-miles in 1:40.97, about a half-second off the track record.
“This horse just gets better and better,” Gun Runner’s regular ride Florent Geroux said. “He was in every fight last year and he feels even better this year. I’m hoping the sky’s the limit for him.”
With the $300,000 payday, Gun Runner upped his earnings to $2,337,800, with anticipation of a big year in 2017.
“Last year we learned to let Gun Runner just be Gun Runner and the success has come to him,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “I’m very thankful to Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys for the opportunity to race this horse again this year. With his pedigree and his Grade 1 win last year, it’s very sporting of them to give us another year.
“He’s a fast horse. We’re very happy to get this race done. We’ve always been confident that this horse would get better with time.”
Gun Runner has now won five graded stakes in his career, as well as placing in last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). His record stands 7-2-2 in 13 starts.
