Creator, Gun Runner Work at Saratoga

Trainer Steve Asmussen sent his top 3-year-olds Creator and Gun Runner to the Oklahoma Training Track Aug. 8 for half-mile maintenance works in preparation for starts to be determined.

Creator, winner of the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (gr. I), completed the four-furlong workout in :50.94, while Gun Runner was officially clocked in :51.33.

WinStar Farm and Bobby Flay's Creator (Tapit  —Morena, by Privately Held) was sixth in the July 30 Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II) at Saratoga Race Course. Winchell Thoroughbreds Gun Runner (Candy Ride  —Quiet Giant, by Giant's Causeway), winner of three graded stakes, was fifth in the July 31 Betfair.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr. I) at Monmouth Park.

"They breezed back beautifully," said Asmussen, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Aug. 12. "I'm very happy. Obviously, I'm disappointed in each of their last races, but the only thing I'm worried about now is how they're doing today, and today we're looking good."

With each of his stakes-winning 3-year-olds stabled at Saratoga and the Travers Stakes (gr. I) set for Aug. 27, Asmussen wouldn't commit to the New York Racing Association's notes team.

"Weather permitting, they'll work more serious (Aug. 15) and we'll look to make decisions on where we want to go with both after a more serious move," he said. "They're 3-year-olds and we're here, so I promise we won't miss nominations."