Risk It Pays Fast Dividend for Winchell, Three Chimneys

Considering the sizable breeding share owner Ron Winchell has in the record-breaking stallion Gun Runner  , anytime Winchell's team spends $500,000 on a progeny of the 2017 Horse of the Year, it sends a loud message.

That message became a statement Aug. 19 when Risk It , the aforementioned 2-year-old half-million-dollar son of Gun Runner, registered a sharp victory in his career debut, taking the first race at Saratoga Race Course by 4 1/2  lengths over Godolphin's Hunt Ball , a half brother to multiple grade 1 winner Cody's Wish .

"He had the look and characteristics of the Gun Runners we've been successful with," said Steve Asmussen, who trained Gun Runner for Winchell and Three Chimneys Farm, the same duo that owns Risk It.  "Obviously, he's very attractive and attracted a lot of money as a yearling. He went to Laredo to my mom and dad's program and they always thought very highly of him. He's showed nothing but talent. He's been very professional and competitive."

Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Risk It covered the six furlongs in 1:10.75.

Bred in Kentucky by the Gun Runner Syndicate and De Sousa Stables out of the Broken Vow  mare Wedding Jitter, Risk It was bought at the Keeneland September Sale from the Hidden Brook consignment. He is the second winner from the dam's three foals to race. She has also produced a yearling Laoban filly.

Asmussen said Risk It ($5.30) would target the mile Sept. 16 Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.

"He's trained like he'll get a mile and we'll continue to dream," Asmussen said about Saturday's 8-5 favorite.

Hunt Ball, a homebred 2-year-old Into Mischief   colt out of the Tapit   mare Dance Card, who also produced grade 2 winner Endorsed , was fifth in the field of seven after he was bumped at the start. He rallied four-wide into second at the top of the stretch but could not keep pace with the winner in the final furlong.

"He got a good schooling today because he had to go through the whole field," trainer Bill Mott said. "I think a little more distance will be fine for him."