The Kentucky Derby favorite might not have gotten it done on the first Saturday in May, but Further Ado (Gun Runner) returned to his winning ways here as the 3-5 favorite in the GIII Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs.Made a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' after an eye-popping 20-length romp at Keeneland last season, Further Ado went on a tour de force through various Kentucky Derby prep races, including an 11-length score in the GI Blue Grass Stakes, and entered the May 2 spring marquee as the betting choice. He finished 11th there, but returned here with good support from the betting public.In no rush behind kind fractions of :23.69 and a half-mile in :46.69, he was the looming danger turning for home after six panels in 1:10.62. Taking over from Pavlovian (Pavel) as they arrived at the head of affairs, Further Ado extended his advantage in the lane to comfortably hold off Our Moneyman (Mr. Money) in second. Taptastic (Tapit) claimed third. The final time was 1:41.26.After the race, Ned Toffey of Spendthrift Farm floated the possibility of a start in the GI Haskell for Further Ado depending on how he emerges from the race.Sales history: $275,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $550,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. O-Spendthrift Farm; B-John Oxley (KY); T-Brad Cox. broke sharp, took it to 'em and said to the G3 Matt Winn field @ChurchillDowns!Jockey @iradortiz scores a riding triple. The 3YO colt by Gun Runner is trained by @bradcoxracing for owner @spendthriftfarm.#TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/3mnqGllun1— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 7, 2026The post ‘Rising Star’ Further Ado Back to His Old Self, Claims Matt Winn at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.