By Jessica Martini
Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), working towards a rematch with GI Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist (Uncle Mo) in the July 31 GI Betfair.com Haskell Invitational, turned heads at Saratoga Monday morning with a five-furlong work in :59.92. It was the fastest of 10 works at the distance over the Oklahoma training track.
“We're pretty happy with the work; everybody said he worked really well,” said David Fiske, racing manager for co-owner Winchell Thoroughbreds.
Gun Runner opened his sophomore season with wins in the Feb. 20 GII Risen Star S. and Mar. 26 GII Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. He was a gritty third behind Nyquist after contesting the pace in the Derby and opened the second half of his season with a resounding 5 1/4-length tally in the June 18 GIII Matt Winn S.
“He has been getting bigger and stronger throughout the entire year,” Fiske said. “He's feeling great and moving great and apparently worked great this morning.
Fiske continued, “I was able to look at him a lot when he was at Churchill, since I'm in Lexington all the time, but he gets out of my sight from time to time when he is in New Orleans or up at Saratoga. So whenever I see him, I am always a little surprised by how well he looks and how much bigger and more mature he is.”
Of a rematch with the Derby winner in Monmouth Park's signature event, Fiske added, “It's a Grade I–you've got to run against somebody. You can't be the champ unless you beat the champ, that's what they always say in boxing.”
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