2025 Gun Runner Stakes Preview | Fair Grounds | Dec 20

The 2025 Gun Runner Stakes takes place on December 20 at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, featuring eight promising 2-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles with 10 Kentucky Derby points on the line. This is a wide-open Derby prep — no clear favorite, evenly matched contenders, and a race where owners dream of moving forward on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

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🏇 2025 Gun Runner Stakes – Runner Snapshots

1. Mesquite – Trainer: Cherie DeVaux A deep closer with the best late pace in the field, Mesquite has already won at this distance and benefits from the Fair Grounds’ long stretch — but he’ll need enough early speed to set it up.

2. Chip Honcho – Trainer: Steve Asmussen Speed is his weapon. Blinkers go on for the first time as Paco Lopez, the Fair Grounds’ leading rider, looks to stretch his sharp early foot another sixteenth of a mile.

3. Liberty National – Trainer: Kenny McPeek A major second-out improver, Liberty National brings a strong Churchill Downs win, a strong speed rating, and a pedigree built for two turns — a legitimate breakout candidate.

4. Quality Mischief – Trainer: Brad Cox The pedigree is elite, but the performances haven’t matched it yet. He’ll need significant improvement to contend.

5. Crown the Buckeye – Trainer: Mike Maker The most accomplished winner in the field with two wins and a strong speed rating, Crown the Buckeye should be forwardly placed in a race that lacks early speed.

6. Arabia Wild – Trainer: Brad Cox By Gun Runner himself, Arabia Wild has won at this distance at Fair Grounds, but must take a major step forward against much tougher company.

7. Very Connected – Trainer: Kenny McPeek The most experienced runner, Very Connected has faced graded-stakes competition and proven the distance, bringing class and toughness to this spot.

8. Mister Punch – Trainer: Brad Cox A strong maiden winner at this distance, Mister Punch showed a smart stalking trip and real fight when challenged — a profile that fits this race well. 🏁 Final Thoughts The 2025 Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds is exactly what a Derby prep should be: competitive, unpredictable, and full of opportunity.

👇 Who do you think moves on from the Gun Runner Stakes? Drop your pick in the comments. 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Road to the Kentucky Derby previews.