Spice Runner

Spice Runner: Rising Star with Classic Distance Potential

Trained by Steven Asmussen for Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Spice Runner has quickly established himself as a promising two-year-old with an impressive 2-1-0 record from just four starts and earnings of $293,170. This bay colt by Gun Runner out of Simple Surprise (by Cowboy Cal) is showing the kind of progression that has TwinSpires handicappers taking notice.

His recent victory in the Iroquois Stakes race at Churchill Downs on September 13 demonstrated both talent and determination, as he fought gamely to win by a head while drifting in the stretch. This followed a solid second-place finish in a stakes race at Ellis Park, showing his consistency at the highest juvenile levels.

When considering his potential at the classic 1 1/4 mile distance, Spice Runner's pedigree offers compelling evidence for stamina. His sire Gun Runner, the 2017 Horse of the Year, has an Average Winning Distance (AWD) of 7.4 furlongs with his progeny (offspring), suggesting they typically excel beyond sprint distances. More importantly, Gun Runner has already sired (fathered) several notable route performers, including Epicenter, who won the Gun Runner Stakes before becoming a major classic (1/4 distance) contender.

On the dam's side, Cowboy Cal brings additional stamina influence with an AWD of 7.6 furlongs for his daughters' offspring. This balanced pedigree suggests Spice Runner should handle stretching out to longer distances as he matures.

Key betting angles to consider with Spice Runner include:

-- Trainer Steven Asmussen excels with developing young classic prospects

-- The colt shows tactical versatility, winning both on the lead and from just off the pace

-- His steady progression in workouts at Churchill Downs indicates continued development

-- TwinSpires data shows Gun Runner offspring typically improve significantly at age three

For TwinSpires bettors looking for value in future wagers, Spice Runner represents an intriguing prospect who appears to have only scratched the surface of his potential as he stretches out in distance.