Gun Runner’s Brant, who sold for a record $3 million at the OBS March Sale, lived up to his price tag in his debut Saturday at Del Mar with an electrifying 5 ¼-length maiden special weight win at 5 ½-furlongs.
The gray/roan colt is the 20th lifetime TDN Rising Star for Gun Runner and arguably one of his most impressive. After breaking with the leaders, Brant settled nicely in third with the top pair well within sight. With three furlongs to go, he began a three-wide move that took him to the lead at the top of the stretch. He powered away from the field as he extended his margin with every stride to finish in 1:02.63, less than a second off the track record.
Brant is trained by Bob Baffert for Zedan Racing Stables, Inc. His sale price broke the previous record of $2.45 million. Bred by PTK, LLC, Brant is the first foal out of Tynan, whose siblings include Best Pal S. (G2) winner Pappacap and With Anticipation S. (G3) winner Boppy O.
