Watch: Horse Racing Champ Track Phantom Seize Victory in Gun Runner Stakes

Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious races has a long line of admirers in enthusiasts and racers alike. Every year, the horse racing community gears up to get themselves on the grounds of Churchill Downs for a spectacle. In doing so, the prep races for the ultimate event welcomes the finest of the thoroughbreds to clinch a qualification chance. Gun Runner Stakes, falling on the list ensured a Derby preview for the spectators.

The racing community is no stranger to witnessing the turn tables during events. On Saturday, Fair Grounds hosted one of these situations as Steven M. Asmussen-trained 2-year-old colt shunned the audience with an unforeseen result.

Horse racing enthusiasts in marvel

Gun Runner Stakes is one of the races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series. The race awards points to the winners to help with Derby entry. When 7 equines entered the Fair Grounds on Saturday with the knowledge, it was a ‘race to win’. However, with the title going to just one, Track Phantom raced to claim the 10 points of the ’10-5-3-2-1 scale’ to be awarded. Kentucky Derby, announcing its pre-event winner, and took to X to share the victory race.

According to pre-race stats, Brad Cox-trained Nash had the majority favor of the horse racing enthusiasts. However, Track Phantom raced to prove the choices wrong with his marvel. The 2-year-old clocked the time at 1:44.42 and maintained a 1 1/4-length lead, leaving behind the early favorite for a 3rd position.

“It’s impressive that both of his two-turn races have been victories, and it was a good field today,” said trainer Steve Asmussen to the Fair Grounds. The race marked Track Phantom’s 2nd victory of his 4-star horse racing career. A promising start to the Kentucky Derby season lends glistening remarks for the 2-year-old.

A spectacle in the waiting

Kentucky Derby, running since 1875 has received the honors of being called the ‘greatest two minutes in sports’. After decades of enthusiasm and glory, the first race of the Triple Crown Series has a new introduction for its 150th edition. Earlier this year, the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot announced a link for the 2024 season with incentives and extended entries.

Also Read: Kentucky Derby 2024 Promises Horse Racing Exciting ‘Wild Card’ Entries – Everything You Need To Know

According to reports, 2 of the Ky Derby races will provide wild card entry opportunities at three of the Royal Ascot races. Traveling horses will further receive travel incentives as the link opens newer gates into the European horse racing scenes. The road to the $3 Million Derby can be attained through hundreds of prep races lasting till mid-April.

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