Gun Runner Stakes Betting Guide
Kickstarting the Derby Trail: The 2025 Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds
For horse racing fans, the road to the first Saturday in May begins in earnest under the twin spires, not of Churchill Downs, but of New Orleans’ historic Fair Grounds. The 2025 Gun Runner Stakes serves as a premier qualifying event on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, offering a critical platform for emerging three-year-olds to secure their place in the classic season. Our comprehensive breakdown covers everything from television schedules and weather forecasts to a deep-dive analysis of the Gun Runner Stakes odds, giving you the edge needed to navigate this high-stakes weekend.
Beyond the points, the Gun Runner Stakes acts as a physical and mental litmus test. Contested at 1 1/16 miles on the main dirt track, it replicates the stamina demands these colts will face in the spring. Trainers use this New Orleans fixture to separate the sprinters from the stayers, and the results often trigger a massive shift in the future Gun Runner Stakes betting markets. We’ve crunched the numbers and analyzed the pedigrees to ensure you have the most accurate data before the gates fly open.
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2025 Gun Runner Stakes: Date, Time, and How to Watch
The action is set for Saturday, December 20, 2025, live from the Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana. The Gun Runner Stakes is the focal point of a loaded holiday card. The first race of the day is scheduled for 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), allowing for an entire afternoon of high-quality handicapping.
The main event, the Gun Runner Stakes, is expected to post at approximately 5:45 PM ET. You can catch the broadcast on major national racing networks or via official streaming partners that carry the Fair Grounds live feed. For those looking to place a Gun Runner Stakes betting slip, utilizing our BUSR Experience platform is the best way to watch and wager simultaneously, ensuring you don’t miss a second of the stretch run.
Weather and Track Conditions: The New Orleans Factor
Handicapping the Fair Grounds requires a close look at the local Louisiana weather. Late December in New Orleans can be unpredictable, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s. While the cool air is beneficial for stamina, the real concern is the humidity and the risk of rain.
A wet “off-track” can completely flip the Gun Runner Stakes betting favorites. Some horses in this field possess the “mudder” pedigree to skip across a sloppy surface, while others require a fast, dry track to show their best. We recommend checking the 48-hour forecast and tracking reports up to post time to determine whether any late adjustments to your betting strategy are necessary.
The 2025 Gun Runner Stakes: Full Field and Morning Line Odds
A competitive field of eight colts has been assembled for this year’s edition. The morning line (ML) odds suggest a wide-open race with several legitimate win candidates. Notably, the Brad Cox barn is well-represented with three entries, while Ken McPeek brings a strong duo to the starting gate.
2025 Gun Runner Stakes Contender Analysis
Mesquite (No. 1)
Trained by Cherie DeVaux, Mesquite enters with a solid win at Churchill. His sire, Union Rags, is a noted source of distance. Starting from the rail, Jose Ortiz will need a clean break to avoid traffic, but at 9-2 in the Gun Runner Stakes odds, he offers fair value as a tactical threat.
Chip Honcho (No. 2)
Steve Asmussen knows this track better than anyone. Chip Honcho’s 113 speed figure is a massive indicator of raw talent. With Paco Lopez in the irons, expect this Connect colt to be aggressive early. If he clears the field, he might be challenging to catch at 9-2.
Liberty National (No. 3)
The morning line favorite is at 7-2. Ken McPeek has this Maxfield colt firing on all cylinders. He has the highest rating in the field (6.12) based on underlying efficiency. Brian Hernandez Jr. is a master of the Fair Grounds layout, making this horse a logical “anchor” for any Gun Runner Stakes betting tickets.
Crown the Buckeye (No. 5)
The wildcard. He posted a field-high 116 speed figure in a listed stakes win recently. While Mike Maker’s runner is stepping up in class, that kind of speed is impossible to ignore. At 5-1, he is a major threat to the favorites if he can handle the extra distance.
Very Connected (No. 7)
The only horse with graded stakes experience is coming out of a fourth-place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club. He has the class edge and the highest overall rating (7.09). For those looking to bet on Gun Runner Stakes with a proven commodity, he is the safest play in the field.
Winners Who Made Their Mark
Since its debut in 2021, the Gun Runner Stakes has been a reliable producer of Derby talent. The inaugural winner, Epicenter, used this race as a launching pad to a historic three-year-old campaign, eventually finishing as the runner-up in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. This legacy ensures that the winner of the 2025 edition will be immediately vaulted to the top of the Triple Crown conversation.
Expert Betting Strategy: Playing the 2025 Gun Runner Stakes
To profit from the Gun Runner Stakes odds, look toward exotic wagering. Boxing the Brad Cox trio (Nos. 4, 6, 8) or the McPeek duo (Nos. 3, 7) in an Exacta or Trifecta is a smart way to cover your bases. Additionally, look for value in “Across the Board” (Win, Place, Show) bets on horses with high speed figures like Chip Honcho (No. 2). If the track is playing “fast,” speed usually wins at Fair Grounds, so prioritize those with early gate speed.
Why This Race Matters
The 2025 Gun Runner Stakes isn’t just another race; it’s the opening chapter of the 2026 Triple Crown story. With elite trainers like Asmussen and Cox competing in New Orleans, the competition will be fierce. Whether you are a casual fan or a serious handicapper, the time to bet on Gun Runner Stakes is now. Analyze the speed, respect the pedigree, and get ready for a thrilling finish under the Louisiana sun.
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