While most Kentucky Derby (G1) fans have left the track or turned off their televisions, there are still many races being held at Churchill Downs May 4. Nearly two hours after the Derby, in the 14th and final race of the day, prized apprentice Steve Asmussen graduated before an empty grandstand.
In the Derby Day final, a special weight class for girls running a mile, immaturity still showed in the 3-year-old boy. curled up foal Gun party as he ran the leadoff left field all the way to his third career start. However, he easily overtook the leaders inside the final 16 miles en route to a 1 1/2 length victory.
Expectations were high for the colt, who won the Grade 1 prize for Malibu Moon Carina Mia . A three-time graded stakes winner who placed six additional Grade 1 points, Carina Mia’s signature win came in the 2016 Acorn Stakes (G1) at Belmont Parkalso one mile at a time.
Famous as a sprinter, this filly can increase her speed by two turns. As a 2-year-old in 2015, Carina Mia won the 1 1/16-mile Golden Rod Stakes (G2). The following year, she finished second to the Hall of Famer Lark in both the 1/8-mile Training Club American Oaks (G1) and Cotillion Stakes (G1).
Gun Party is the first of Carina Mia’s three foals, all bred by Three Chimneys Farm and Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, to race.
The Three Chimneys thought highly enough of Carina Mia’s bloodline to buy her Quality roads Daughter, Princess Lele, for $750,000 at the January 2022 All-Ages Horse Sale at Keeneland. It purchased Gun Party, in partnership with Winchell Thoroughbreds, for $1.7 million at the 2022 September Yearling Sale at Keeneland.
Gun Party has maintained good relations through its first two starts at Fair Grounds racetrack and slot machines. On January 27, he was beaten 4 1/4 lengths by runner-up Blue Grass Stakes (G1). Just one touch and finished 5 1/4 lengths ahead of third.
On March 16, Gun Party finished behind the halfway mark. Cornishman who also returned to Derby for his first match with the winning team and finished second after a hugely impressive performance Mind frame .
With a change of scenery and more experience, Gun Party is its first winner and appears to have the pedigree and expectations to start making shots at a higher level of competition. It remains unclear whether he will eventually flourish in one-off races or whether he can make it through. Regardless, despite winning perhaps the least watched race of the Derby, Gun Party appears to be a colt worth keeping an eye on.
