All eyes were on a shadowy brown son Gun Runner Oct. 22 at Keeneland and the 3-year-old colt with his name Gunite performed as predicted, securing a 3 3/4 victory in the $250,000 Perryville Stakes.
Ridden by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, the stallion easily finished third provocateur And A revolution led the early charge through a quarter in :22.38. These two runners remained 1-2 as the clock struck :45.82 for a half mile.
With the distance race looming, Gunite and Tyler Gaffalione jumped into action, easily overtaking the leaders and gaining ground in 1:10.56. Despite commands from Raise the gold And B Those Neither of them could keep up with the speed of the winner.
Gunite ($3.24) finished seven furlongs on a quick track in 1:23.21, improving his record from 12 starts to 6-4-1. His earnings rose to $965,934 for owner Winchell Thoroughbreds.
Hoist the Gold was second and B Dawk was third. Brendan Walsh intern Pinehurst Winner of the 2021 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity (G1) for former trainer Bob Baffert, was scratched at the gate by stewards on the advice of the racing veterinarian.
Gunite could potentially make a low turn in the Breeders' Cup in either the Huge Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) or the Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), both on November 5. Asmussen intends to evaluate the colt and make a decision by October 24th.
“He was with himself and finished (well). “It's been an excellent time considering the times that have been set here recently and I think that's a great sign because we're definitely thinking about running him in the Breeders' Cup again,” Asmussen said.
“There's no seven-eighths, and that was kind of his specialty, but the way he went through the line, we're going to ask him that question. Monday is pre-registration and we go from there.”
Gunite's connections in the winner's circle
The trainer mentioned that the stallion's running style has only improved in his last few starts, with the Perryville being one of his best performances.
“Today he seemed extremely comfortable with his situation. He waited for Tyler's cue and did his business perfectly…today more than usual,” Asmussen said. “The company and the circumstances, perfect draw, no excessive speed in the race.”
“It's so much fun to ride with him. He's such a professional. He's maintained his highest level over a long period of time and if anything he's only getting better at races… You could see the confidence in him because he wasn't in a rush to get there.
The stallion has not finished worse than second in any of his starts this year, including a win in the Amsterdam Stakes (G2) on July 31 Saratoga Race Track and a second-place finish in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) on August 27, also at Spa.
Last year, at age 2, he won the prestigious Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga.
Gunite was bred by Winchell in Kentucky and is the first foal from the award-winning Cowboy Cal mare Plain surprise who also has a 2 year ancient filly named Surprise attack a yearling Copper bullet filly and a 2022 Carpets Filly. She was bred to Gun Runner again for 2023.
