The $100,000 Gun Runner event at Fair Grounds on Saturday marks the commencement of four crucial Kentucky Derby points races. A field of five 2-year-olds will compete over a distance of 1 1/16 miles, with each of them vying for a share of the 10-5-3-2-1 qualifying points. This race holds significant importance in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby.

Uncover the Potential of the $100,000 Gun Runner

Built - A Promising Contender

In his debut, Built showed great promise by finishing third. He was initially disqualified but was later moved up, showing his tenacity. In an August race at Ellis Park, he was behind the highly regarded East Avenue. However, in October, he demonstrated his skills by beating a large field of 11 at Keeneland over seven furlongs. With a stalking trip, he is a strong win contender.

Built's ability to handle different tracks and distances gives him an edge. His performance in these races showcases his potential to shine on the big stage.

Render Judgment - A Close Second

Render Judgment made his first start and finished second behind Built. Since then, he has run two more times. He broke his maiden at Churchill Downs over two turns with a stalking trip, which led to his first attempt on the Derby trail. However, in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2), he finished fifth. Now, he will make his fourth start in just over two months.

Render Judgment's progress and experience will be crucial as he continues to compete in these high-stakes races. His ability to adapt will determine his future success.

Magnitude - A Dual-Winning Force

Magnitude made his early start in June at Churchill, finishing fourth. But in July at Ellis Park, he won on the front end by almost six lengths over seven furlongs. On the Derby trail in the Iroquois (G3), he showed early speed but faded. After a two-month break, he came back to win an allowance around two turns in a five-horse field.

Magnitude's consistency and ability to perform in different situations make him a formidable competitor. His two wins give him an advantage over the other runners.

Chris’s Revenge - A Steady Performer

Chris’s Revenge made his first two starts at Aqueduct in an auction-price restricted maiden claimer and achieved his initial victory by pressing the pace in a field of 12. Last month, he finished fourth in an allowance going one turn mile at Churchill.

Chris’s Revenge's performance in these races shows his ability to handle different tracks and conditions. He is a steady performer who could surprise in the future.

Admiral Dennis - The Top Choice

Admiral Dennis was the favorite in both starts at Churchill, which is expected given his connections with Brad Cox. In his debut, he had to check in traffic in the upper stretch but with a clear trip last month, he pressed the pace and won by 3 1/2 lengths, earning the highest speed figure in this field.

Admiral Dennis' early success and ability to handle pressure make him the top choice. His performance in this race could set him on a path to victory in the Kentucky Derby.

Summary: The pace projector indicates that Built and Magnitude are likely to set the pace and gain an advantage in this small field. Magnitude is the only horse with two wins and is one of the few runners with a victory around two turns. Admiral Dennis impressed in his maiden win, beating a return winner at Churchill. The Gun Runner is part of an all-stakes Pick 5 starting in race 5. With a small field, the focus of betting on the Gun Runner should be on horizontal wagers. Admiral Dennis is the top choice and a strong single in that Pick 5.