Epicenter dominates for Gun Runner connections; North County takes Untapable
Dec 27, 2021 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com
Sunday’s inaugural running of the $98,000 Gun Runner S. was going to be a memorable occasion for connections of the race’s namesake, the 2017 Horse of the Year who is now a record-breaking freshman sire. But the result turned out to be especially satisfying for Gun Runner's co-owner, Winchell Thoroughbreds, and trainer Steve Asmussen, after they sent out Epicenter to a resounding victory.
Epicenter was also completing a points-race double at Fair Grounds for his young sire, Not This Time. While Epicenter banked 10 points toward the Kentucky Derby (G1), the filly North County – a daughter of Not This Time – earned 10 Kentucky Oaks (G1) points in the companion Untapable S.
Epicenter, an impressive maiden winner Nov. 13 at Churchill Downs, improved his record to 3-2-0-0, $130,639. The dark bay was sixth in his Sept. 18 unveiling beneath the Twin Spires. In hindsight, Asmussen didn’t believe he was fit enough for that seven-furlong sprint. Epicenter showed speed before retreating that day, but he was relentless over a mile next time, and easily passed his two-turn (and stakes) test here.
But North County, who had been in striking range, began to wind up on the outside and finished with a flourish. Fannie and Freddie had to settle for four points as the runner-up. Cocktail Moments, the 3-5 favorite after a scintillating debut at Churchill Downs, churned on for third, good for two points. Shotgun Hottie took home one point in fourth.
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