Optionality cruised to a 6 ½-length victory in the $50,000 Zia Park Princess S. on Nov. 23 to become Gun Runner’s sixth stakes winner from his first crop.
The 2-year-old filly was coming off a dominating maiden win by a similar margin on Oct. 26, and had no problems handling the step up in competition in Tuesday’s six-furlong affair. Under a confident ride by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Optionality was fourth early on, sitting behind the pacesetter’s half-mile in :44.45. Ortiz took his mount five-wide into the stretch and took command at will, drawing off through the lane to win easily in a swift 1:09.16 on a fast track.
Optionality is owned and was bred by Gun Runner’s owner Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC. She is the latest foal out of the stakes winner Simplify, who is also the dam of stakes winner Simple Surprise.
Gun Runner’s impressive list of stakes winners is topped by like 2-year-old filly champion Echo Zulu, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). Gun Runner currently leads the First-Crop sire list with $3.6 million in progeny earnings.
