Gun Runner, prepping for Pegasus, has final Fair Grounds work

NEW ORLEANS – There were two sides to Gun Runner’s six-furlong workout Sunday at Fair Grounds.

On one end, Gun Runner put in a strong six-furlong drill, breaking off a length behind his regular work-mate Gettysburg, passing him at the quarter-pole and going six furlongs in a fast 1:11. Gun Runner’s splits, on the watch of Fair Grounds clocker Mike Diliberto, were 12.60, 24.20, 36.20, 48.20, and 59.40. Jockey Florent Geroux urged Gun Runner past the wire and out around the clubhouse turn, and Gun Runner galloped out seven furlongs in a strong 1:23.80, then got a mile in 1:37.

Gun Runner worked just after noon Sunday. His connections had arranged the late work with Fair Grounds director of racing Jason Boulet and track superintendent Pedro Zavala because a frozen track was possible Sunday morning.

“I’m greatly appreciative to Pedro and Jason for the condition the racetrack is in, and to allow us to work him under those circumstances,” trainer Steve Asmussen said.

But there also was something poignant about Gun Runner having the Fair Grounds track all to himself early Sunday afternoon, and that gets to the second aspect of the work, the historical significance.

Gun Runner had his first Fair Grounds workout on Jan. 4, 2016, and this was his last work here. He ships Thursday to Gulfstream Park, runs Jan. 27 in the Grade 1 Pegasus, and then goes off to stud in Kentucky.

“I think Gun Runner was deserving of this,” Asmussen said.

Gun Runner was a 5-1 chance when he won the 2016 Risen Star Stakes six weeks after his first Fair Grounds workout. Now he comes off a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, is assumed to be the 2017 Horse of the Year, and will be heavily favored to make the Pegasus his 12th win from 19 starts.

“He’s beautiful - just beautiful,” Asmussen said. “It is very much emotional, but I’m just focused on nothing but the positive. It’s weird how good watching him train makes you feel. He’s an amazing horse.”

Geroux, who rode Gun Runner for the first time in the Risen Star and has been on the horse his last 15 starts, called Sunday’s workout, “perfect.”

“You push the button and he goes, and he goes faster than the horses in the afternoon,” he said. “With him, I don’t even slap him one time on the shoulder. Just put my hands a little low and smooch. I like to make him work, make him go, but I don’t want him to go full-out. I’m glad to know he got a little blow out of it. I think we’re right on target.”

Gun Runner will have one workout at Gulfstream, Asmussen said, mainly to get a feel for the racing surface. That work is tentatively scheduled for next Sunday. Here at Fair Grounds, Gun Runner’s work is done.