Gun Runner professional in five-furlong work

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As the final days leading up to the Kentucky Derby began to tick down, trainer Steve Asmussen said that next week will be the time to tighten the screws on his Louisiana Derby winner Gun Runner.

On Monday, Gun Runner worked an easy five furlongs in 1:00, earning the day’s bullet move for the distance at Churchill Downs. Gun Runner, with Florent Geroux aboard, broke off about a length behind workmate Gold Hawk and ticked off splits of 12.80 seconds, 24.40, 36.40, and 48. He hit the wire two lengths in front and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.20.

“He goes over the racetrack really well,” Asmussen said, adding that Gun Runner has “a great attitude” that benefits his training.

“He accepts what he’s doing,” Asmussen said. “He’s always been very energetic as far as training, very effortless. Just like his work this morning – goes around there in a minute and does it very kindly.

“A lot of today’s work had to do with how I want to go in next week’s work, as far as what adjustments I need to make. I thought he cooled out very easily today. Next week, we’re going to have to stretch him a bit between now and the Derby.”

Gun Runner is one of two major Kentucky Derby prep winners this spring for Asmussen, with stablemate Creator having rallied strongly to win the Arkansas Derby last Saturday at Oaklawn Park. Asmussen said Creator emerged from the race in good order and was to arrive at Churchill Downs later on Monday.

Also on Monday, Asmussen worked his trio of fillies who are under consideration for the Kentucky Oaks, led by Terra Promessa, who went a half-mile in 52.20. Terra Promessa has won four consecutive races, most recently the Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn.

His two other fillies under consideration for the May 6 Oaks are Royal Obsession (51.40 for a half-mile), second in the Grade 2 Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct, and Taxable (51.80 for a half-mile), who was second in the Fantasy. All three won at Churchill Downs last year.

“It’s a great comfort coming back for the Oaks and the Derby with horses that have been here before,” Asmussen said. “I think they settle in so much easier and just fall right back into rhythm.”

◗ Mohaymen galloped for the first time at Churchill Downs on Monday morning after having arrived Sunday. A four-time Grade 2 winner, Mohaymen is coming off his first loss, a fourth to Nyquist in the Florida Derby.