Gunite

Gunite, a son of 2007 Horse of the Year Gun Runner, finished third in his April 2021 debut at Churchill Downs in a five-furlong sprint, and then checked in second in his next race in late May at the same distance after bobbling at the start.

He sealed the deal in his third career start, taking a six-furlong maiden at Churchill on June 26 by 1 ½ lengths as the even-money favorite, and then trainer Steve Asmussen sent Gunite to Saratoga to compete in that track’s graded stakes for 2-year-olds.

In the Aug. 14 Saratoga Special Presented by Miller Lite, Gunite ran well but was second best to High Oak, losing by 4 ½ lengths. Based on that effort, he was sent off at odds of 11.60-1 in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes on Saratoga’s closing Sept. 6 card, a race dominated in the wagering by Sanford Stakes winner and odds-on favorite Wit and High Oak.

With regular rider Ricardo Santana, Jr., aboard, Gunite overcame a bump at the start, contested the early pace, and shot clear at the top of the stretch to win by 5 ¾ lengths. He improved his career record to two wins in five starts with two seconds and one third and nearly $300,000 in earnings for owner-breeder Winchell Thoroughbreds.

Gunite is out of the stakes-winning Cowboy Cal mare Simple Surprise.