Gun Runner

Gun Runner Race History 

One of the newest additions to the Road to the Kentucky Derby series is the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds, which was inaugurated in 2021. Held in December shortly before Christmas, the Gun Runner is the first in a series of four Kentucky Derby (G1) preps at the New Orleans track. It is followed later in the winter meet by the Lecomte (G3), Risen Star (G2), and Louisiana Derby (G2).

The Gun Runner got off to a fast start when its inaugural was won by Epicenter. Owned by Ron Winchell and trained by Steve Asmussen (the connections also behind the race’s namesake), Epicenter would go on to win the Risen Star, Louisiana Derby, Jim Dandy (G2), and Travers (G1) at three. He also finished second in the Lecomte, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness (G1), thus making him an overwhelming choice as champion three-year-old colt.

Sons of Quality Road won the next two renewals of the Gun Runner, including the Asmussen-trained Track Phantom in 2023.

The Gun Runner awards Kentucky Derby qualifying points of 10-5-3-2-1 to the respective top five finishers.

By TwinSpires Staff/TwinSpires.com