By Bill Finley
With a victory in Friday's GI Clark H. at Churchill Downs now on his resume, Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), is no doubt a viable contender for the inaugural GI Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream, but owner Ron Winchell is in no hurry to commit to the race. He told the TDN Monday his chances of running in the $12-million event are 50-50.
Winchell does not own a starting spot, which costs $1 million, for the Pegasus, but landing one does not figure to be a problem as several stakeholders do not own horses that belong at that level.
“The race is not on my list so far as races you have to run in like the Derby or the Breeders' Cup, but if the opportunity were right we would run in it,” Winchell said. “We're going to prepare him like it is an option to run.”
Like most who are on the fence so far as the Pegasus goes, Winchell has been doing the math. The winner will earn $7 million, but if California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) and Arrogate (Unbridled's Song) both run, all other starters will be longshots. The “break even” point is third, which pays $1 million. That does not include a cut the participants will get from the wagering on the race.
“It's rather complicated so far as the deal structures that are in place and so far as selling the 12 slots,” Winchell said. “With Arrogate and Chrome possibly going, it makes for a pretty tough race. You get $1 million for finishing third. To enter into a deal with someone holding a slot, you'll be doing a deal with someone who has spent $1 million and they obviously want their $1 million back first. If I were that person that would be priority Number One. What does that mean for somebody like me? You're running for nothing unless you get first or second. I don't really like those odds. With that said, if I owned a slot and were looking for a horse, Gun Runner would be one of my top picks because he is so consistent. He shows up every time.”
The connections of GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Arrogate have not committed to the race, but Winchell is under the assumption they will run. In their lone meeting, Arrogate beat Gun Runner by 15 lengths in the GI Travers. Gun Runner was third.
“I'm going to assume that Arrogate is running and that California Chrome is running,” Winchell said. “I don't know why Arrogate wouldn't go. If you put yourself in their position why would you not go? And that's a scary prospect. For the horsemen and those of us considering running, it would be a lot better if he didn't run, but I understand that the fans want to see a California Chrome–Arrogate rematch.”
Winchell said he has already touched base with a handful of people who own slots.
“Yes, I have talked to some people,” he said. “I think if you give it another 30 days everybody is really going to sort things out. I think everybody is trying to figure out in what direction they're going. My intention wouldn't be to buy one for $1 million, it would be to do a deal with someone who already owns one.”
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