He was undefeated in four starts at age two, including wins in the Del Mar Futurity, American Pharoah Stakes and Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Game Winner is a bay colt who was bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Equine, owned by Jane Lyon.

His sire Candy Ride was undefeated in seven starts in Argentina and the United States, and has had growing success as a breeding stallion.

Candy Ride's most successful offspring include Horse of the Year Gun Runner and champion Shared Belief.

[5] Game Winner was purchased as a yearling for $110,000, a relative bargain considering his breeding, at the Keeneland 2017 September Sales by Gary and Mary West.

[1] Game Winner earned a "Rising Star" designation from the Thoroughbred Daily News for his performance in his first start on August 18, 2018 at Del Mar, a six-furlong maiden special weight race.

[3] Just 16 days later, Game Winner made his graded stakes debut in the Del Mar Futurity on September 3, run over a distance of seven furlongs.

The two stablemates rated five lengths behind the fast early pace set by Rowayton, then made their move on the final turn.

He pressed the early pace set by Rowayton, then moved to the lead around the far turn and pulled away in the final furlong for a 4+1⁄2 lengths.

Sportswriter Steve Haskins cited the colt's flexible running style (having won from both on and off the pace), superior breeding and Baffert's recent successes with Arrogate and Justify in addition to American Pharoah.

However, the highly regarded Code of Honor was scratched after developing a fever, leaving thirteen to go to post with Game Winner as the even money favorite.

Game Winner gradually made up ground despite bumping with Knicks Go in midstretch, and pulled away late to win by 2+1⁄4 lengths.

"[9][10] Game Winner was supposed to make his three-year-old debut in the San Felipe Stakes on March 9, 2019, but that race was cancelled due to the temporary closure of Santa Anita.

He briefly moved to the lead in mid-stretch but could not match the closing kick of Roadster, who had saved ground along the rail throughout the race.