Gunite Caps Grade I Double For Gun Runner in Hopeful

[Wandering Eyes]

GUNITE (c, 2, Gun Runner–Simple Surprise, by Cowbow Cal) completed a remarkable Grade I double for his sire (by Candy Ride {Arg}), coming away in the final furlong to defeat slow-starting 'TDN Rising Star' Wit (Practical Joke) by about four lengths in Monday's GI Hopeful S. at Saratoga. Kevin's Folly (Distorted Humor) rallied for third. Soundly defeated into second by the re-opposing High Oak (Gormley) in the GII Saratoga Special S. Aug. 14, the 11-1 gamble wasn't the quickest away, but took advantage of an opening at the fence and zoomed up to argue the pace underneath impressive Delaware Park maiden winner Defend (American Freedom) prior to the turn. Beginning to assert entering the final 2 1/2 furlongs, the dark bay turned for home with a clear advantage and proved not for catching in the final furlong to build on the success of Gun Runner's 'Rising Star' daughter Echo Zulu in Sunday's GI Spinaway S. Favored at 3-5 to add to his victory in the GIII Sanford S. in July, Wit bobbled badly at the start, but began to pick off horses down the backstretch. He sustained a bid into contention on the turn and looked to have aim on Gunite in upper stretch, but could not go with the winner late and was forced to settle for second. Lifetime Record: 5-2-2-1. O/B-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Steve Asmussen.

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