Gun Runner opts for Risen Star next

After Gun Runner’s timed workout Jan. 18 at Fair Grounds, trainer Steve Asmussen said the colt would make his 3-year-old debut in either the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park or the Risen Star at Fair Grounds, but following Gun Runner’s work on Monday, Asmussen said Gun Runner will start Feb. 20 in the Risen Star.

The decision came in part because Gun Runner’s in-company, five-furlong drill in 1:00.20 on Monday so impressed Asmussen.

“He was impressive,” Asmussen said of Gun Runner’s fourth breeze at Fair Grounds since shipping to New Orleans late last year. “I feel really good about the Risen Star as good as he’s been going over this racetrack.”

Gun Runner, by Candy Ride and out of a Giant’s Causeway mare, won his debut over one mile at Churchill and a first-level allowance race over 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland before finishing fourth in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes to wrap up a condensed 2-year-old campaign. Gun Runner actually had the lead at the stretch call in the Kentucky Jockey Club, which already has been a very productive race. Its third-place finisher, Mo Tom, won the Lecomte at Fair Grounds and will be among Gun Runner’s rivals in the Risen Star.

Also working Monday for Asmussen was Stageplay, who went an easy half-mile in her first work since winning the Silverbulletday Stakes and remains on target for the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra on Feb. 20. On Saturday, another Asmussen-trained 3-year-old filly, Royal Obsession, ran her career mark to 2 for 2 with a narrow win in a first-level, one-mile dirt optional claimer. Racing wide and behind a slow pace, Royal Obsession, a daughter of Tapit, earned a 73 Beyer Speed Figure. Asmussen said plans for Royal Obsession are up in the air right now.