Gun Runner Climbs to Second; More Than Ready Returns

When we hear or read the term "big mover" concerning polls and rankings, our first inclination is to think about the size of the move or the number of positions gained. 

Certainly, the term is also relative. If the biggest gain from one edition to the next is two or three spots, that is technically the "big mover." But as we approach the Breeders' Cup, and this being our last look at the General Sires List before the World Championships, perhaps we should reconsider the meaning of "big mover," a phrase all too familiar in this neck of the woods. 

Perhaps a "big mover" for our purposes should also recognize a stallion whose consistency has paid off over the duration of the year. That's why Gun Runner , whom we focused on in this space earlier in the year, deserves another tip of the cap. 

Over the past month, Gun Runner finally wrested away the No. 2 spot from Mineshaft . The latter's early-season success from Senor Buscador in the $20 million Saudi Cup as well as placings in the Pegasus World Cup (G1) and Dubai World Cup (G1) had him entrenched at or near the top of North American sires by progeny earnings. 

But Gun Runner has more runners, a higher percentage of black-type stakes winners, and a greater number of graded winners, so it became a matter of when, not if, he would catch Mineshaft. 

This positional change is not final; Senor Buscador may run in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 2 at Del Mar. Depending how that shakes out, we might see another change in the rankings in two weeks. Of course Gun Runner figures to have a number of Breeders' Cup starters. (Look for a BloodHorse.com and BH Daily story Wednesday on pre-entries by sire.)

Hello, Again

More Than Ready died in 2022 but his legacy lives. After not finishing in the top 25 last year—his No. 29 rank was his lowest since No. 31 in 2009—More Than Ready returns to the list this week. 

His 3-year-old daughter Emery won the Raven Run Stakes (G2) at Keeneland Oct. 19. She won the seven-furlong contest by two lengths and has banked more than $500,000 this year going 4-1-0 from five starts.

More Than Ready first stood at Vinery before moving to WinStar Farm for the 2012 season. Three times he finished in the top eight among sires by progeny earnings, including back-to-back years ranked No. 6 (2010-11). He sired numerous millionaires both in the United States and Australia, where he stood as a shuttle stallion for 19 seasons. 

Among his more profitable earners (all figures US$) are 2012 Australia's champion older horse More Joyous, who earned more than $4.5 million; two-time champion male sprinter Roy H ($3 million); 2020 champion turf female Rushing Fall ($2.9 million); 2009 champion 2-year-old colt Phelan Ready ($2.8 million); 2019 champion turf female Uni ($2.7 million); and Australia's champion 2-year-old colt in 2008, Sebring ($2.4 million).

He has 22 crops, 21 of racing age, and sired 3,920 foals. Of that group, 13 are champions, 230 are stakes winners, and 107 are graded winners worldwide. 

More Than Ready's story is not closed. He has 95 2-year-olds and another 60 yearlings that will have a chance to enhance his legacy in the years to come.