Gun Runner outduels Collected in 2017 Breeders' Cup Classic

By Jonathan Lintner

Gun Runner answered his biggest question Saturday, getting the distance with a front-running win in the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar.

“He’s just a beast," said jockey Florent Geroux after the 4-year-old son of Candy Ride battled Collected through fractions of a half mile in 46.31 and three quarters in 1:10.50.

Neither gave in, but Collected had to settle for a runner-up finish to a colt that will go on to be voted Horse of the Year.

Gun Runner has won four straight races since his only defeat of the year, to Arrogate in the Dubai World Cup, with the careers of the two Classic favorites going in opposite directions since their other clash in March.

• Watch a full replay of the Classic

Off as the 2-1 race favorite, Arrogate broke inwardly -- and akwardly -- from the inside post position. The Classic's defending winner never factored after that, going on to finish 5th.

"He just doesn't seem to get ahold of this racetrack for whatever reason," said jockey Mike Smith.

West Coast was third but never threatened as Gun Runner and Collected separated from the pack through the turn. War Story ran on for fourth.

The final time for the 1 1/14 miles was 2:01.29, and Gun Runner paid $6.80 to win.

"Best horse in the world to us," said trainer Steve Asmussen, "and we couldn't be any more proud of him."

It's possibly we haven't seen the last of a colt whose campaign includes victories in Churchill's Grade 1 Stephen Foster, plus Saratoga's Whitney and Woodward stakes. He's co-owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm, with connections having expressed an interest in trying the world's richest race, the Pegasus World Cup in January at Gulfstream Park.

Asmussen trained Curlin up to a win in the Classic 10 years ago at Monmouth Park.

"This," he said, "is better in the moment."