Gun Runner remains sharp in five-furlong workout

Gun Runner, the Risen Star Stakes winner, worked five furlongs in company with the filly Adore on Monday at Fair Grounds, going the distance in 1:01.40. It was Gun Runner’s second five-furlong work since he won the Risen Star by a half-length while making his first start in almost three months.

“It was spot on, and the horse is really doing well,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “We feel great about him coming out of the Risen Star.”

Gun Runner will work again the next two Mondays, but don’t expect anything like the powerful six-furlong works Gun Runner was putting in before his last race.

“I love where he’s at right now,” said Asmussen.

Meanwhile, the Grade 2-winning sprinter Holy Boss is gearing up for his 4-year-old campaign, and on Monday, he had his third work after rejoining Asmussen’s stable following a winter break. Holy Boss won the Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga, finished third there in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop, and was a close fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint to end his 3-year-old season. Expect Holy Boss to make his first start of the year in April at Keeneland.