2017 plans for Gun Runner uncertain

Gun Runner, who won his first Grade 1 race Nov. 25 in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs, is in steady training at Fair Grounds, trainer Steve Asmussen said, but his connections have not settled on a winter racing schedule, though Gun Runner is definitely slated to remain in training at age 4.

“We just gave him a little freshening off winning the Clark before deciding what to do with him next,” Asmussen said.

Gun Runner’s owners, Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm, do not own an entry for the $12 million Pegasus Cup at Gulfstream Park next month. Twelve such spots were purchased for $1 million earlier this year and can be sold by their owners.

Gun Runner raced twice early this year at Fair Grounds, winning the Risen Star Stakes and the Louisiana Derby. He finished third in the Kentucky Derby, third in the Travers, second in the Pennsylvania Derby, and second in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile before breaking through in the Clark.

Racing club forms

Fair Grounds, following programs launched at other venues, including Churchill Downs, has formed a racing club that will campaign two horses this winter.

The pair of 2-year-olds by Into Mischief were bred and previously owned by Wayne Hughes. They’re based at Fair Grounds and being trained by Al Stall. Fair Grounds is selling 200 racing club memberships at $500 each, a one-time fee entitling purchasers to a virtual ownership experience. The club is organized as a 501 (c) (7) Not For Profit Social Club, and any purse earnings the horses generate will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles Cancer Center. Stall will make decisions regarding the horses’ campaigns, and Gary Palmisano Jr. is the club’s director.

Stidham’s promising juveniles

Trainer Mike Stidham unveiled two promising 2-year-olds in recent weeks at Fair Grounds. Bobby the Brain, a Pioneerof the Nile gelding, led all the way debuting in a two-turn dirt maiden race on Dec. 3. He won by two lengths in a performance that produced an 80 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He’s a smallish horse but very athletic, and he has dangerous speed,” said Stidham, who will enter Bobby the Brain in the next first-level, two-turn dirt allowance race that comes up at Fair Grounds.

Stallion Heiress debuted Dec. 8 in a turf sprint, fought for the lead from an inside post, drew clear at the top of the stretch, and went on to an easy four-length win with a strong gallop-out. Stallion Heiress is an Ontario-bred filly by Exchange Rate and out of a Smart Strike mare, and Stidham believes she can race effectively over longer distances.

“The owners turned down some offers,” Stidham said. “She’s worked well on dirt, and I think we’ve got to explore that.”