All eyes are on a son of the dark bay of Gunman October 22 at Keeneland and a 3-year-old pony named Gunite perform as predicted — hit the finish line to win 3/4 of the length on the $250,000 Perryville Stakes bet.
Supported by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, the foal smoothly finished third with Provocative and Of a revolution led early charge over the course of a quarter at: 22.38. These two runners come in at 1-2 when the clock hits: 45.82 for the half mile.
With the stage coming up, Gunite and Tyler Gaffalione got in on the action, overtaking the leaders with ease and taking a spot in 1:10.56. Regardless of bids from Gold robbery and B Dawk neither of them can match the winner’s speed.
Gunite ($3.24) hit the rope with seven clamps completed on the fast track in 1 hour 23.21 to improve his record to 6-4-1 from 12 starts. His earnings improved to $965,934 for Winchell Thoroughbreds owner.
Hoist the Gold is second and B Dawk is third. Trainee Brendan Walsh Pinehurst The 2021 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity (G1) winner for previous coach Bob Baffert, was scratched at the gate by managers on the advice of a race vet.
Gunite could potentially enter a short round into the Breeders’ Cup, or into the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) or Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), both on November 5. Asmussen decided to evaluate colt and make a decision by October 24.
“He’s been in himself and accomplished (well.) It’s been a great time considering the times that have been booked here lately, and I think that’s a great sign because we’re sure. definitely considering bringing him back to the Breeders’ Cup,” Asmussen said.
“It’s not seven-eighths, and that’s his specialty, but the way he goes over the wire, we’ll ask him that question. Seconds are the previous entries, and we’ll start from there. .”
Gunite’s connections in the winner’s circle
The trainer mentioned that the pony’s running style only improved in his last few warm-ups, with Perryville being one of his best attempts.
“He seemed extremely comfortable where he was today. He waited for Tyler’s signal and finished his business … more today than usual,” Asmussen said. speak. “Company and circumstances, the perfect draw, not a great pace in the race.
“He’s such a fun horse to run. He’s such a professional. He’s been in top form for a long time and if anything, he’s getting better in the races. race… You can see the confidence in him without having to rush to get there.”
The pony is no worse than second in any of his starts this year, including winning at the Amsterdam Stakes (G2) July 31 at Racecourse Saratoga and finished runner-up at the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Festival (G1) August 27, also at Spa.
Last year at the age of 2, he won the prestigious Hopeful Stakes (G1) in Saratoga.
Raised by Winchell in Kentucky, Gunite was the first of the Cowboy Cal mares to be placed in multiple stakes. Simple surprise who also has a 2 year old child named Surprise attack a longing Bronze bullets dirty, and a 2022 Tapiture dirty. She was bred back to Gun Runner in 2023.
Video: Perryville S. (BT)
