Still savoring the glory of Creator (Tapit)'s win in the GI Belmont S. Saturday, trainer Steve Asmussen sent out stable stars Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}) and Untapable (Tapit) to half-mile breezes at Churchill Downs Monday morning in preparation for respective engagements in the GIII Matt Winn S. and GII Fleur de Lis H. Saturday night. Gun Runner, winner of the GII Louisiana Derby and a recent third in the GI Kentucky Derby May 7, covered the distance in :50.20, while champion Untapable worked in :50 flat.
“They both went nice and smooth halves,” Asmussen said. “I feel like we're set and on go for Saturday.”
Winner of the GII Risen Star S. in addition to his Louisiana Derby score, Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm's Gun Runner chased the pace and held on stoutly to complete the trifecta in the Derby, finishing well ahead of stablemate Creator (13th) in that Classic. While Creator could be pointed to the GI Travers S. at Saratoga Aug. 27 after some recovery time, Asmussen has said he plans on sending Gun Runner to Monmouth Park's July 31 GI Haskell Invitational should everything go well Saturday night.
“I think he's proven his worth with what he's done this year with the Louisiana Derby win and the third in the Kentucky Derby, and I think that this is a very good bridge for him to get to the Haskell,” Asmussen said.
Untapable, the champion sophomore filly of 2014, has gone winless since a victory in the GI Apple Blosssom H. at Oaklawn in April 2015 and seeks to regain her winning form beneath the Twin Spires, where she boasts a three-for-three record. The Winchell colorbearer was last seen finishing fourth in the 2016 renewal of the Apple Blossom Apr. 15.
“It has been too long since we've won with her and I think we just need to take our best shot at winning,” Asmussen said of the mare's return to Louisville. “I think the significance of [the Fleur de Lis] being a Win And You're In race for the [GI] Breeders Cup Distaff adds to it.”
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