Gun Runner Works, 'Guilherme' Impresses

Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm's GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero and likely 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}) continued his preparations for an expected start in the Jan. 27 $16-million GI Pegasus World Cup Inv., breezing five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 Sunday morning at the Fair Grounds. According to the Fair Grounds' clockers, Gun Runner started off with a first furlong in :13 1/5 and a quarter-mile in :25 2/5. After a half in :49 2/5, he covered his final furlong in :11 2/5 with a six-furlong gallop-out in 1:14 3/5 under exercise rider Angel Garcia.

“Like expected, he is picking it up nicely,” Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen said by phone. “Angel said he felt wonderful and was happy with him…I think the gallop-out will pick up because of company, because of competition. I actually don't think next week's work will be faster than today. The difference will be [that he has] company, and we're right on schedule.”

Three Chimneys and Asmussen appear to have another nice prospect on their hands in 2-year-old 'TDN Rising Star' Principe Guilherme (Tapit), who ran his record to two-for-two with an 11 3/4-length allowance victory at the Fair Grounds Saturday. The colt was making his first start around two turns Saturday on the heels of a first-out maiden win at Churchill Downs Nov. 10.

“He came out of the race in good shape,” said Asmussen's chief assistant Scott Blasi. “It's nice to see him run two great races back to back. He really improved going two turns which is a good sign. This early on, it's better to just stay calm.”

 

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