Gun Runner shoots to win at Fair Grounds

NEW ORLEANS — Gun Runner double-punched his ticket for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, pulling away for a 4½-length victory in the Grade II $1 million Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds.

Gun Runner, trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Florent Geroux, already had a qualifying spot secured thanks to his victory in the Risen Star here last month, but he was the 7-2 third-choice behind local favorite Mo Tom and Champagne Stakes winner Greenpointcrusader.

Gun Runner stayed near the lead until the top of the stretch, when he found an opening near the rail and was unchallenged over the final yards to pick up 100 Derby qualifying points.

Gun Runner now has 151 points, 81 points ahead of undefeated Mohaymen, who will run in the Florida Derby on Saturday.

Gun Runner, owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farms, paid $9.80, $5.40 and $3.60.

Dazzling Gem, owned by central Arkansas car dealer Steve Landers, finished third, 5¾ lengths back after winning his first two races at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. Dazzling Gem earned 20 points for his finish.

Long-shot Tom’s Ready, seventh in the Risen Star, got up to run second and earned 40 points.

Race favorite Mo Tom, trained by Tom Amoss, had to steady while rallying up the rail in the stretch under Corey Lanerie and ended up fourth. The 10 points Mo Tom earned give him 32.

Trainer Tom Amoss expressed dismay with the ride of Lanerie.

“There were other choices, and I don’t understand why he did what he did,” Amoss said. “Watching this was like going to the schoolyard and watching your kid get beat up by another kid. It’s so hard to watch something like that with all the preparation we do.” Lanerie made no excuses. “It was a bad ride and totally my fault,” Lanerie said. “I had more horse than I knew what to do with. I got him in trouble and went inside when I shouldn’t have. I doubt they’ll let me sit on him again.”