Asmussen finding success with Gun Runner's first crop

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – There have been a handful of 2-year-olds by the young stallion Gun Runner to have raced, and Steve Asmussen, who trained the Horse of the Year, had saddled two of the stallion’s winners through Tuesday.

Both were for Winchell Thoroughbreds, who in partnership raced the $15 million earner.

“The first crop of Gun Runner, they’re performing extremely well,” Asmussen said. “It’s been very exciting.”

Wicked Halo won her debut June 5 at Lone Star Park, in a maiden special weight over five furlongs. The Beyer Speed Figure of 81 that she earned is tied for the top number put up by a 2-year-old filly so far in 2021.

“She’s a very nice homebred for Winchell,” Asmussen said.

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Asmussen said Wicked Halo could run next in either the $125,000 Debutante on June 26 at Churchill Downs or the Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville on July 15 at Saratoga.

Asmussen has entered a Gun Runner colt for Friday at Lone Star. Hern goes in the fourth race, a maiden special weight over five furlongs. He will start from the rail under jockey Stewart Elliott, who has the mount for L & N Racing.

“It’s fun to have them,” Asmussen said of the offspring of Gun Runner. “We have several that we’re very excited about.”

Asmussen is the current leading trainer at Lone Star.

Super Stock eyes Iowa Derby

Grade 1 winner Super Stock could be headed to Iowa.

Asmussen said Tuesday that the horse will likely make his next start in the $250,000 Iowa Derby on July 2 at Prairie Meadows.

Super Stock is coming off a fourth-place finish in the $300,000 Texas Derby on May 31 at Lone Star. He broke from post 10 in the 1 1/16-mile race and was beaten 3 1/2 lengths in his first start on a wet track. Earlier this year, Super Stock won the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby.

“I’ve moved him to Churchill,” Asmussen said. “I believe the Iowa Derby most likely will be his next run.”

Asmussen trains the horse for his father, Keith Asmussen, and Erv Woolsey.