Gun Runner, the presumed 2017 Horse of the Year after winning the Breeders' Cup Classic in his most recent start, continued preparations for the Jan. 27 Pegasus World Cup, his career finale, when he worked six furlongs in 1:13.20 on Sunday at Fair Grounds.

Breezing in company with Gettysburg at about 6:20, Gun Runner was timed in splits of 12.20, 24.40, 36.40, and 49.20 on the way to his official six-furlong clocking. He then galloped out seven furlongs in 1:25.80 and one mile in 1:39.80.

Gun Runner broke off one length behind Gettysburg, stayed behind him down the backstretch, ranged up alongside around the far turn, and quickly pulled away from the furlong marker to the finish, crossing the line about three lengths in front of Gettysburg before leaving his workmate far, far behind during a very strong gallop-out around the clubhouse turn.

"He galloped out really good," said jockey Florent Geroux, who worked Gun Runner on Sunday. "He always breezes like a freight train.

Trainer Steve Asmussen said he wanted an easier work for Gun Runner after a demanding breeze with Gettysburg a week ago.

"We backed off on him today. I had Florent break him off behind the other horse and get him to relax," Asmussen said. ""He said he handled wonderfully, that he wasn’t pulling on him. Past the wire he was impressive. He was cooling out really nice and loose today."

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