Gun Runner’s graded stakes winner Wicked Halo easily bested her foes in the $200,000 Tepin S. July 2 at Churchill Downs, giving the 3-year-old her third career stakes win.
Saturday’s excellent results for Gun Runner, who leads the Second-Crop sire list with more than $6.1 million in progeny earnings, also included Runninsonofagun finishing second in the Dwyer S. (G3), Shotgun Hottie second in the Delaware Oaks (G3), and Red Run placing in the American Derby.
Wicked Halo was never more than a length from the lead in the field of four fillies, pressing through a quick half-mile in :45.57. The gray took the lead midway on the turn, then drew off in the stretch to win by 4 ¾-lengths in 1:36.91 for the mile on the fast main track.
“We were a little aggressive with her as a 2-year-old to get Gun Runner off to a fast start,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “Today she ran the longest race of her career at a mile and handled everything beautifully. She won very professionally and is a very solid filly. We are fortunate to have her.”
Wicked Halo, owned by her breeder Winchell Thoroughbreds, did help Gun Runner top the 2021 First-Crop sire list by winning the Adirondack S. (G2) and place in Churchill’s Debutante S.
