Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Three Chimneys Farm's Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}) took another step toward a start in the May 7 GI Kentucky Derby with a bullet five-furlong breeze in 1:00 flat [1/16] over the main track at Churchill Downs Monday morning. With regular pilot Florent Geroux aboard, Gun Runner clicked off eighth-mile splits of :12.80, :24.40, :36.40 and :48 flat en-route to galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.20. The GII Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby winner worked in company with stablemate Gold Hawk (Empire Maker), who covered the distance in 1:00.60.
“I thought he breezed very well this morning and has settled into Churchill very nicely,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “I thought that he handled the racetrack very well and I'm obviously very excited about our opportunities. He's a tremendous individual as far as conformation and pedigree-wise, and he's got a great attitude. He's very energetic as far as training goes. He's always been very effortless over the racetrack.”
Monday's work was Gun Runner's third since capturing the Louisiana Derby. He breezed four furlongs Apr. 4 and five furlongs Apr. 11. Asmussen said that the colt, who also won the GII Veterans Ford Risen Star S. Feb. 20, will likely be asked for a bit more in next week's work.
“I'm going to need more of a blow with him next week,” Asmussen said. “I think today had a lot to do with what I want to do with next week's work and what adjustments I need to make, and talking to Florent before we've worked him in the past.”
Asmussen also worked two of his prospects for the May 6 GI Longines Kentucky Oaks Monday, with GIII Fantasy S. winner Terra Promessa (Curlin) and GII Gazelle S. runner-up Royal Obsession (Tapit) breezing half-miles in :52.20 and :51.40, respectively. Additionally, 3-year-old fillies Stageplay (Curlin) and Adore (Big Brown) also worked five furlongs in company in 1:00 flat [1/16] in preparation for starts in the GII Eight Belles S. on the Oaks undercard.
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