Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Gun Runner Dominates Woodward Stakes

Summer is officially over: Saratoga and Del Mar have closed for the season.

As sad as last weekend was, there’s one thing to now get very excited about: The Breeders’ Cup is well within our sights! Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look back at who made our Three Stars of the Week after a great holiday weekend of racing:

1. Gun Runner

The number-one horse in the country showed exactly why he’s just that with a breathtaking win in the Grade 1 Woodward to close out his Saratoga season. He came to The Spa and took the meet over with dominating wins in both of the historic race track’s biggest races for older males. Now the Breeders’ Cup looms large for Gun Runner, and he will train up to the race after his latest triumph. He’ll go into the big event as the leading candidate for Horse of the Year honors and should also be favored in the Classic.

2. Cambodia

There’s no doubt that this mare loves Del Mar! She came to San Diego as only a Grade 3 winner, but she will leave the meet as a two-time Grade 2 champ. After winning the Yellow Ribbon to kick off the meet, she then came back to win the John C. Mabee over the weekend. Cambodia has really solid early speed, but she does not lead, allowing her to put herself in the perfect stalking position and pounce when the time is right. After these types of performances at Del Mar, the Breeders’ Cup could be in her sights.

3. Harmonize

After banging heads with some of the nation’s best older turf females, Harmonize took advantage of a much-needed class drop in the Grade 3 Glens Falls, winning by a head over a pesky Grateful. In what was a pace-less race, Harmonize was able to get perfect position towards the front end, stalking the pace and waiting for her signal to move. The win could give her a boost of confidence, but it may be smart to continue to spot her in Grade 3-type races for the rest of the year.