Gun Runner’s top female sprinter Society turned in a sparkling performance to win Saturday’s $500,000 Ballerina S. (G1) by 3 ¼-lengths over Scylla. Gun Runner’s Vahva checked in a close third in the seven-furlong race that serves as a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint S. (G1) this fall at Del Mar.
Society made her presence felt from the outset of Saturday’s contest as she pressed pacesetter Munny’s Gold down the backstretch. Society ranged up and took the lead under a hand ride just outside the quarter pole. Scylla and Vahva tried their best to make up ground in the stretch, but Society was too good and widened her lead late to finish up in 1:22 flat on a fast track.
“[We’ve] been very direct with what races we are going to run her in, and I think that gives her just a little bit more confidence,” said Society’s trainer Steve Asmussen. “I think age and patience and stuff [has improved her], she’s just a beautiful filly that we are very fortunate to have to race.
“We wanted the Breeders’ Cup to be her third race, with these three races in mind [Chicago, Ballerina, Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint] and felt like that is why she is in training.”
Society, a Peter Blum Thoroughbreds homebred, is now 8-0-2 in 15 starts and has earned $1,611,535. The 5-year-old’s previous graded wins came in the Cotilion S. (G1), Charles Town Oaks (G3) and Chicago S. (G3).
Pedigree notes from the TDN
Society is one of 10 Grade I winners for her superstar young sire Gun Runner. The very successful Gun Runner x Tapit cross is also responsible for GSWs Disarm, Il Miracolo, Red Route One and Wicked Halo. Society hails from the extended female family of Sovereign Award and Queen’s Plate winner Holy Helena. Society’s dam Etiquette is also responsible for a yearling filly by Gun Runner and was bred to him for 2025.
Another one of Gun Runner’s progeny was successful on Saturday as Grade 2 winner GUN SONG won the $200,000 Cathryn Sophia Stakes at Parx on 8/24/24.
