Gun Runner riding high as he heads toward Haskell

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Steve Asmussen said this week that Gun Runner will breeze once at Churchill before he decides when to ship the colt to Saratoga to train toward his next race, the Haskell at Monmouth Park on July 31.

Gun Runner narrowly missed the track record for 1 1/16 miles when he easily defeated five other 3-year-olds Saturday night in the Matt Winn Stakes, his first race since he finished third in the Kentucky Derby on May 7. The son of Candy Ride finished in 1:41.12, just 0.08 seconds off the 2012 record set by Successful Dan.

“His confidence is right where we want it,” said Asmussen.

The Haskell also is being considered as a possible comeback spot for Derby winner Nyquist, along with the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar or the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga.

◗ Dial Me, the second 2-year-old owned by the Churchill Downs Racing Club, will make her career debut in the sixth race Friday. The club comprises 200 members who paid $500 apiece to become active owners. Dial Me, by Dialed In, breaks from post 4 in a field of nine in the 5 1/2-furlong race.

The first Churchill Downs Racing Club starter, Warrior’s Club, finished fifth in his June 16 debut at 6-1 odds. Both horses are trained by D. Wayne Lukas.

◗ Jockey Jon Court will be sidelined for an indefinite period after fracturing two ribs in a dark-day tubing accident Tuesday on Taylorsville Lake outside of Louisville. Court, 55, won 11 races at the Churchill spring meet and is a six-time leading rider at Ellis Park.

◗ The highlight at Churchill this weekend is the $67,000 Roxelana for filly-and-mare sprinters on Saturday. Twin 2-year-old stakes, the $100,000 Bashford Manor and $100,000 Debutante, will help close out the meet July 2.