Multiple graded stakes winner Gunite towered over his foes from a class perspective in Saturday’s $275,000 Harrods Creek S. and came away a comfortable three-length winner in the seven-furlong contest at Churchill Downs (WATCH RACE).
The 3-year-old was one of a phenomenal five stakes winners on the day for Gun Runner, who easily tops the 2022 Second-Crop sire list and currently ranks sixth on the General Sire list with just over $11 million in progeny earnings.
Gunite broke well in the Harrods Creek and tracked within a length of the speedy Conagher as the field made its way up the backstretch. Gunite narrowed the leader’s margin around the turn and the duo were side-by-side coming into the stretch. Conagher fought back briefly, but Gunite put him away in the final furlong to stop the timer in 1:21.95 on a fast track.
His Beyer Speed Figure of 100 was his third straight triple-digit number, the previous two coming in graded stakes.
“He’s run extremely well his last three races,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “He’s had a very good season so far for us. He’s a nice horse to have for the Winchells. Being a son of Gun Runner makes it even more special.”
The winner’s share of $166,710 increased Gunite’s earnings to $814,809 with a record of 5-4-1 in 11 starts for owner/breeder Winchell Thoroughbreds. Gunite won the Hopeful S. (G1) at two and the Amsterdam S. (G2) this year.
