Gun Runner’s $3 million colt Brant captured the Del Mar Futurity (G1) to become his sire’s 11th Grade 1 winner.
Brant seized the lead right from the start, leading the field through fractions of :21.88 and :44.53. Desert Gate moved into second just outside the quarter pole to confront the pacesetter. Brant dug in gamely down the lane to hold off Desert Gate to finish in 1:21.92 over a fast track.
“It started off a little anxious there,” said assistant Trainer Jimmy Barnes. “He broke inward but he recovered quickly. Being pushed down toward the rail you have to be placed forward. He’s a really talented horse. Actually, they all are. We’re very happy.”
Brant, who sold for a record $3 million at the OBS March 2-year-old sale to his owner Amr Zedan, has won both of his starts and earned $228,000. The gray juvenile was bred in Kentucky by PTK, LLC and is the first foal out of Tynan, whose siblings include graded winners Pappacap and Boppy O.
Gun Runner now has a total of 30 lifetime graded stakes winners and is currently third on the 2025 General Sire list.
