TDN RISING STARS

November 16, 2024 - Churchill Downs, Race 3, Msw, USD $120,000, 6F

Guns Loaded, C, 2, 2022 by Gun Runner

1st Dam: Sky My Sky, by Bernardini
2nd Dam: Dark Sky, by Storm Cat
3rd Dam: Media Nox (GB), by Lycius

Owner: Morplay Racing LLC, Platts, Joey and Lady Sheila Stable
Breeder: John C. Oxley (KY)
Trainer: Jose Francisco D'Angelo

Guns Loaded (Gun Runner), second behind GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity and GIII Street Sense Stakes fourth Dapper Moon (Malibu Moon) at Saratoga in August, fired back Saturday to become a new 'TDN Rising Star' at Churchill Downs.

The 3-1 shot, who shortened from seven furlongs to six here for trainer Jose D'Angelo in his second try since bringing $800,000 as a Keeneland September yearling last year, exploded from an outside gate and shot clear of drama to his inside as first-time starter Shadow Coast (West Coast) clipped heels in the opening jumps and dropped jockey Tyler Gaffalione.  As the mostly inexperienced group sorted themselves out, Guns Loaded was already pushing the tempo up front under Luis Saez and had a comfortable cushion back to Castle Run (Daredevil) and Brodeur (Nyquist) on the run into the far turn. Only 6-5 race favorite Camp Hale (Mo Town) looked to have something left to challenge the leader with and came with a wide run past the quarter pole but was always chasing in vain as Guns Loaded refused to relinquish his advantage and rode the rail to a clear win. Shadow Coast was quickly apprehended by the outriders shortly after the incident while Gaffalione was transported to University of Louisville Hospital to evaluate hip and back pain.