By J.N. Campbell
In the lone GI Kentucky Oaks points race on Sunday, Runnin N Gunnin (Gun Runner) deposited into her account the top prize of 20 points as she took home the Sunland Park Oaks.
Breaking out of the maiden special weight ranks at third asking when the filly owned by Valor Farm's Douglas Scharbauer won by a head at Horseshoe Indy at the end of October, Runnin N Gunnin was well-beaten against optional claimers at Churchill Downs a month later. In her prep for this spot, the Keeneland September grad cleared an allowance condition by 4 1/2 lengths at Sam Houston Jan. 19.
Part of an uncoupled entry for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, Runnin N Gunnin was facing a tough customer in Bob Baffert trainee and 'TDN Rising Star' Maysam (Game Winner) who was the overwhelming favorite on the tote after she debuted a winner at Santa Anita last month.
As a 5-1 shot here, Runnin N Gunnin was unhurried into the first turn, as Maysam endured a challenging trip through the backstretch. Waiting for a fast break, the 3-year-old saved her legs for the far turn and when asked she responded with a sweeping move. The dark bay gained the advantage and at the top of the lane spurted away. Her stablemate Enchanting (Gun Runner) helped to complete the 1-2 finish, while Maysam ended up sixth.
The winner is her dam's last registered foal of record. Charity Belle, who sadly passed away in 2022, has a Peruvian Group stakes winning half-brother in Don't Lose Time (Carpe Diem) and her extended female family includes MGSW Banker's Gold (Forty Niner).
SUNLAND PARK OAKS, $250,000, Sunland, 2-16, 3yo, f, 1m, 1:40.09, ft.
1–RUNNIN N GUNNIN, 121, f, 3, by Gun Runner
1st Dam: Charity Belle (GSW-Fr), by Empire Maker
2nd Dam: Sweet Charity, by A.P. Indy
3rd Dam: Banker's Lady, by Nijinsky II
($250,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Douglas Scharbauer; B-Dixiana Farms LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Alfredo J. Juarez, Jr. $147,000. Lifetime Record: 6-3-0-0, $193,940. *1/2 to Alms (City Zip), MGSW, $623,270 and Hallie Belle (Medaglia d'Oro), MSW & GSP, $210,464.
2–Enchanting, 121, f, 3, Gun Runner–Happy Mesa, by Sky Mesa. 1ST BLACK TYPE. O/B-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $53,900.
3–Stubby, 121, f, 3, War of Will–Treasured Up, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($57,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $30,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR; $23,000 2yo '24 KEENOV). O-Judge Lanier Racing LLC; B-Ashview Farm (KY); T-Dick Cappellucci. $24,500.
Margins: 4 3/4, 4, 2HF. Odds: 5.90, 13.10, 34.60.
Also Ran: Pink Pacific, Rogue Justice, Maysam, Street Colors.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
#2 RUNNIN N GUNNIN ($13.80) circled the field from last to first to easily win the $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks at Sunland Park and earn 20 points towards the Kentucky Oaks. The daughter of Gun Runner was ridden by Alfredo Juarez , Jr. and is trained by Steve Asmussen. pic.twitter.com/gFg5jl1Z9r
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 16, 2025
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