Tipsheet: 2023 Gun Runner Stakes

A sharp field of eight two-year-old prospects will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Fair Grounds dirt in Saturday’s $100,000 Gun Runner S. The 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will give the top-five finishers qualifying points towards Churchill Downs on May 4 on a 10-5-3-2-1 structure. 

Gun Runner Stakes Picks

• #6 Nash
• #2 Catching Freedom
• #4 Neat
• #7 Snead

Gun Runner Stakes Wagers

• $20 win and place #6 Nash
• $5 exacta key box 6 with 2,4,7
• $2 trifecta key 6 with 2,4,7

Gun Runner Stakes Contenders

#1 NEXT LEVEL (20-1): Grade 1-placed colt graduated on the oval in his latest showing and gets the rail for this encounter. This talented sort from the barn of Keith Desormeaux appreciated the addition of blinkers last time out and could make an exotics push with improvement under David Cohen. 

#2 CATCHING FREEDOM (5-1): First of the Brad Cox duo was a fine maiden winner on debut prior to running an even fourth in his first outing with winners last time out. The $575,000 son of Constitution has trained well leading up to his stakes debut and wouldn’t be a surprise beneath Corey Lanerie. 

#3 RISK IT (5-1): Gun Runner chestnut was runner-up in the Iroquois S. (G3) two back which preceded a fourth-place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) most recently. The Asmussen-trained chestnut, who was a $500,000 yearling purchase, has regressing Brisnet Speed numbers but can be a factor with something resembling his top performance in this spot. Joel Rosario has the call. 

#4 NEAT (12-1): $200,000 yearling purchase has been dominant in a pair of turf wins in succession and intrigues while making his first run on the main oval against this cast. The chestnut son of Constitution has the right running style to handle the surface change and will have Reylu Gutierrez in the silks. 

#5 FOOTPRINT (20-1): Late runner from the McPeek shedrow rallied to be second best in an off-the-turf race at Churchill Downs in his latest venture. The Dialed In colt has posted a pair of solid morning drills on the oval as of late and will be arriving late on the scene with Brian Hernandez, Jr. in the irons. 

#6 NASH (7-5): Top pick for conditioner Brad Cox broke his maiden with emphasis beneath the Twin Spires and rates a big chance despite the class rise on this occasion. The bay son of Medaglia d’Oro has speed combined with a closing punch, and the Godolphin homebred could be a very nice one with further development. Florent Geroux retains the mount. 

#7 SNEAD (6-1): This gray son of Nyquist is two-for-two since being moved to the dirt which included a strong tally on the surface most recently. The Brendan Walsh pupil has improved his Brisnet Speed number with each career engagement to date, and he might pose the main danger to the favorite in the stretch. Jareth Loveberry will be in the stirrups. 

#8 TRACK PHANTOM (7-2): Improving son of Quality Road was a commanding maiden winner in his latest outing and has the early speed to be in the hunt from the break on Saturday. The Asmussen charge has a bright future and will be well placed as the field turns for home with Christian Torres in the silks.