Gun Runner’s Forever Carina turned in a sparkling debut Aug. 22 at Saratoga, coming from about 15 lengths off the lead at the half-way point to score by two lengths in the 6 ½-furlong contest for 2-year-old fillies.
The Three Chimneys Farm LLC homebred had lofty expectations to meet. Both her dam, Always Carina and her full sister Always a Runner, were both TDN Rising Stars. Forever Carina is the 26th ‘Rising Star’ for Gun Runner, who also accounted for the Alabama S. (G1) winner My Gun’s Loaded later on the Saratoga card.
Unhurried away from the gate, the field of mostly first-time starters quickly strung out as Key Colony Beach blazed her way through the first quarter mile in :21.63, with Mysticious continuing to press her through a scorching half-mile of :44.82. Meanwhile, with three furlongs to run Forever Carina began her march for the lead. Weaving through horses down the stretch, she stormed by the pacesetters inside the final furlong to finish full of run.
Ridden by Jose Ortiz for trainer Chad Brown, Forever Carina picked up $63,250 in victory. Her 3-year-old sister Always A Runner won this year’s Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Forever Carina also comes from the family of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner Structor and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) winner More Than Real.
