Gun Runner takes down Breeders' Cup Classic with dominant performance
A repeat victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic was simply not to be.
Entering the race, Arrogate - the surprise winner in 2016's race - was seen as the heavy favorite. Heading up to post time, the gap narrowed. Eventual winner Gun Runner was listed as co-favorite at 2-1.
Gun Runner's trainer Steve Asmussen was confident in the horse's chances before the race, but admitted it wouldn't be easy.
"I think it will take a career best to win this race," he said.
Winning by more than two lengths in 2:01.29, it's safe to say his mission was accomplished.
Related: Breeders' Cup Day 2 Recap: Long shots and underdogs rule the roost
| Post | Horse | Win | Place | Show |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Gun Runner | $6.80 | $4.40 | $3.20 |
| 11 | Collected | $5.60 | $4.00 | |
| 4 | West Coast | $3.60 |
$2.00 Exacta: 5-11 pays $34.00
$1.00 Trifecta: 5-11-4 pays $64.50
$1.00 Superfecta: 5-11-8-4 pays $1,433.50
REPLAY: Watch Gun Runner win the $6M Breeders’ Cup Classic in spectacular fashion!! #BC17 pic.twitter.com/WwjJ8w0AlL
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 5, 2017
Both Collected and West Coast appeared to make a race of the $6 million Classic, but Gun Runner reached back into his reserves and jockey Florent Geroux pushed him into overdrive.
"I was very confident," owner Ron Winchell said before adding that his confidence eroded in favor of nerves as the day went on.
This was Gun Runner's 18th career start, and 11th win.
The team led by Asmussen, who cheered Gun Runner on from the stands, went home happy, though maybe a little hoarse.
Epic. #BC17 #GunRunner pic.twitter.com/1E1mIois0x
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 5, 2017