Kentucky-bred Gun Pilot surged to the front at the eighth pole and drew clear late for a 2 ½-length score in the 89th running of the $1 million Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) on the Kentucky Derby undercard May 4.
A homebred for Three Chimneys, Gun Pilot was ridden by Christian Torres for trainer Steve Asmussen. At the head of the lane, Gun Pilot angled toward the inside and split Zozos and Hoist the Gold. He pushed past the leaders at the eighth pole and finished strongly to cover seven furlongs in 1:21.95.
By Gun Runner out of the Smart Strike mare Bush Pilot, Gun Pilot is a winner in five of 11 career starts. He is now an earner of $975,575. In his previous start, Gun Pilot finished second in the Eclipse Stakes at Oaklawn Park in April.
“This is so special,” said Asmussen. “It is very special for Mr. (Goncalo) Torrealba. This is a special horse. I really believe in him. Seven-eighths is a good distance for him. We wanted to make it simple for him today. Nothing special in the way of tactics. It worked out perfectly.”
Torres shared, “I’m really excited. I’ve been looking for this Grade One for a long time. I’m very happy that I finally got one. Gun Pilot is a great horse. The Asmussen team spotted him very well. He’s an easy horse to ride.”