In the world of horse racing, where dreams are often measured in strides and dollars, a new star has emerged to capture the imagination of fans and industry insiders alike. Brant, a gray or roan colt by the illustrious sire Gun Runner, has taken the racing world by storm, not just with his jaw-dropping $3 million price tag at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales (OBS) March Sale but with a debut performance at Del Mar that has everyone buzzing. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, Brant’s maiden voyage on July 26, 2025, was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the coveted “TDN Rising Star” designation and setting the stage for what could be a legendary career.
The story of Brant begins not on the racetrack but in the electrified atmosphere of the OBS March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training, held in Ocala, Florida, on March 13, 2025. Consigned by veteran horseman Eddie Woods, the colt, cataloged as Hip 654, commanded attention from the moment he stepped into the ring. His pedigree, a blend of Gun Runner’s proven brilliance and a dam, Tynan, a half-sister to graded stakes winners Pappacap and Boppy O, promised greatness. But it was his blazing :9 3/5 furlong during the under-tack show that turned heads, tying for the fastest time at the distance.
As the bidding soared, Saudi businessman Amr Zedan, represented by bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, refused to back down. “He ticked all the boxes,” Zedan said, reflecting on the purchase. “He was a very precocious Gun Runner with a great pedigree. And more importantly, if you have someone like Mr. Baffert in your corner, that gives you the courage and the guts to just go after quality.” The hammer fell at an OBS record-breaking $3 million, surpassing the previous high of $2.45 million set by a Tiznow colt in 2017. For Woods, the sale was a career-defining moment. “It’s like winning the Olympics,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “The only way to go out is on top.”
The colt’s journey to this record-setting price began modestly, with St. Clair Stables purchasing him for $200,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The transformation from a six-figure yearling to a seven-figure juvenile underscored the colt’s physical and athletic promise, a testament to the keen eye of Woods and the faith of Zedan Racing.
Named in honor of prominent owner-breeder Peter Brant of White Birch Farm, the colt carries a moniker that resonates with racing royalty. The decision to name him Brant was a nod to the sport’s rich history and the aspirations of Zedan Racing to create a legacy. By mid-April, the colt was already turning heads at Santa Anita, where he began a steady work regimen under Baffert’s watchful eye. A four-furlong breeze in 49 seconds on June 15, 2025, hinted at the power within, but it was his workout alongside stablemate Desert Gate that set social media ablaze. “The ease he did that with was breathtaking,” posted X user @mike33024, capturing the excitement that was building around Brant’s impending debut.
On July 26, 2025, at Del Mar, Brant stepped onto the track for his first race, a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight event. Sent off as the 4-5 favorite, he carried the weight of expectations that came with his price tag and pedigree. But Brant was unfazed. Positioned third early in the race, he stalked the leaders through an opening quarter in :21.56. As the field turned for home, Prat asked for more, and Brant delivered. With powerful, ground-gobbling strides, he surged three deep, taking the lead at the half-mile mark in 44.78 seconds and pulling away to win by an impressive 5 1/4 lengths. His final time of 1:02.63 was sharp, and the victory paid $3.60 for a $2 win ticket, delighting bettors who backed the favorite.
“Brant looked like a future superstar on debut,” exclaimed FanDuel Racing on X, encapsulating the sentiment of the racing community. The performance earned Brant the “TDN Rising Star” accolade, making him the 20th such honoree for Gun Runner, a stallion whose progeny continue to dominate the sport. Civil Liberty and Balboa, both first-time starters, filled out the exacta and trifecta, but it was Brant who stole the show, leaving no doubt that he was worth every penny of his record-breaking purchase.
Bob Baffert, no stranger to training high-priced talent, has a history of turning potential into champions, and Brant appears to be his latest masterpiece. “He’s a pretty cool horse, and everyone loved him,” said Donato Lanni, reflecting on the colt’s appeal at the sale. Baffert’s confidence in Brant was evident in his preparation, and the colt’s debut validated that trust. The trainer’s recent success, including another victory at Del Mar with Nysos in the San Diego Handicap on the same day, has sparked talk of a comeback for the legendary conditioner. “Luck is a funny thing, and can turn on a dime,” noted EssentiallySports, suggesting that Brant and Nysos could be the harbingers of a new chapter for Baffert.
For Zedan Racing, Brant represents more than just a financial investment. “Gun Runner’s a tremendous stallion,” Lanni said, echoing the sentiment that Brant’s lineage and performance make him a prime candidate for future Grade 1 races. Whether he’ll challenge the likes of Sovereignty or Journalism, the current front-runners in the racing world, remains to be seen, but the potential is undeniable.
Brant’s debut has set the stage for what could be a remarkable career. His combination of speed, pedigree, and training makes him a contender for major juvenile races, with speculation already swirling about his potential in events like the Pacific Classic or even the Breeders’ Cup. The colt’s dam, Tynan, a $225,000 Keeneland September purchase herself, has already produced a filly by Candy Ride and a colt by Bolt d’Oro, further enhancing the family’s value. But it’s Brant who is carrying the torch for now, a beacon of hope for a sport that thrives on the emergence of new stars.
The racing world is no stranger to hype, but Brant’s story feels different. From his record-shattering sale to his commanding debut, he has captured the attention of fans, bettors, and industry professionals alike. Social media posts on X reflect the excitement, with users like @AtTheRaces proclaiming, “Oh my! $3m Gun Runner colt Brant just did this on debut at Del Mar!” The colt’s journey is just beginning, but if his first race is any indication, Brant is a name we’ll be hearing for years to come.
In a sport where every race is a gamble and every horse a dream, Brant represents the perfect blend of preparation and potential. His $3 million price tag was a bold statement, but his Del Mar performance was an even louder one. For fans, he’s a reason to tune in, a reminder of why horse racing captivates hearts and wallets. For Zedan Racing, Baffert, and Prat, he’s a validation of their belief in his talent. And for the industry, he’s a symbol of the excitement that comes with discovering the next big thing.
As Brant continues his journey, the racing world will be watching, eager to see where his powerful strides take him next. Will he dominate the juvenile ranks? Can he challenge the sport’s elite in Grade 1 company? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Brant is a name you won’t soon forget.
