Gun Runner goes half-mile in final Pegasus prep

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – He broke no watches in the final official workout of his outstanding career, but Gun Runner was eye-catching nonetheless, turning in a maintenance half-mile breeze in 49.14 seconds Monday morning at Gulfstream Park as the expected odds-on favorite in Saturday’s $16 million Pegasus World Cup.

With exercise rider Angel Garcia aboard, Gun Runner was permitted to train before the rest of the local population immediately after the 7-7:30 a.m. renovation break, and had the track to himself.

Gun Runner bided his time, walking from the quarter pole the length of the stretch alongside assistant trainer Scott Blasi, who was astride the stable pony. He finally broke away from the pony on the clubhouse turn, posting splits of 12.53 and 24.81 while well held by Garcia, and galloping-out five-eighths in 1:02.11.

“He always looks like he’s crawling,” Blasi said afterward. “I loved how he did it. Angel was really happy with him, said he never asked him to do anything. I’m really proud of the boys, what a great job they’ve done with him. Angel’s been so clutch with him all year long.”

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Blasi said Gun Runner has been special to him and the entire barn.

“He continues to do exactly what you want him to do, which is kind of unheard of,” Blasi said. “He just does stuff so effortlessly. You think he’s not going anywhere and you look down at your watch and you’re like, ‘Wow.’ Especially this year, I’m just really happy with how he got over the ground. He’s cooling out great. He’s ready for Saturday.”

Blasi said trainer Steve Asmussen was scheduled to arrive in town Wednesday evening.

Gun Runner, the overwhelming favorite to be named Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Award ceremonies at Gulfstream on Thursday night, was one of only two confirmed Pegasus starters on the grounds Monday afternoon. Pegasus runner Toast of New York turned in another easy gallop over the main track shortly after 10 a.m. Monday. Toast of New York remains under quarantine after arriving in the U.S. last week and must wait to train until after the track closes at 9:45 a.m.

Sharp Azteca, War Story, and Stellar Wind were scheduled to ship in to Gulfstream on Tuesday, while Collected, West Coast, Seeking the Soul, Fear the Cowboy, Giant Expectations, and Gunnevera are to arrive Wednesday.

The 12th and final horse in the Pegasus lineup, which will take the slot that belongs to track owner Frank Stronach, remained undecided as of Monday. A spokesman for Stronach said three horses who could fill the final vacancy are Singing Bullet, Giuseppe the Great, or J Boys Echo.

Entries for the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus World Cup will be drawn at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

– additional reporting by Marty McGee