On January 5, 2025, at Gulfstream Park, Guns Loaded won the Mucho Macho Man Stakes, a significant race for 3-year-old horses. This victory not only marked his second consecutive win but also boosted his chances of qualifying for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Here’s a closer look at how he dominated the race and what’s next for this promising colt.
Guns Loaded’s Impressive Win
Guns Loaded took the lead early in the $165,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes, held at Gulfstream Park. He showed strong performance from start to finish, holding off late charges from other horses, including Treaty of Rome, who finished second. Guns Loaded, trained by José D’Angelo and ridden by Luis Sáez, secured a neck victory and completed the mile-long race in 1:38.87. The colt was the 6-5 favorite and added to his win streak, with this being his second consecutive win.
Perfect Race Strategy
Starting from the rail post, Guns Loaded took control of the race right from the beginning. Although Macho Music, expected to challenge for the lead, broke poorly, Guns Loaded took full advantage of the situation. His opening fractions were 24.54 and 47.61 seconds, and he led throughout the race, with stablemate McKellen and Treaty of Rome following closely behind. By the time Guns Loaded entered the stretch, he was still in the lead, with Treaty of Rome closing in. However, Guns Loaded held his ground and finished strong, securing the victory.
Trainer’s Confidence and Future Plans
Trainer José D’Angelo was pleased with Guns Loaded’s performance, noting that the race went smoothly despite initial concerns. D’Angelo had worked with Guns Loaded on his gate start, and the colt’s strong performance at the beginning of the race showed the preparation paid off. The trainer mentioned that Guns Loaded showed some signs of being a bit green (inexperienced), but he still performed well. The next race on Guns Loaded’s schedule is the $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park on February 1, 2025. This will be another important step in his journey toward the Kentucky Derby.
Guns Loaded’s Career So Far
Guns Loaded began his career with a second-place finish at Saratoga in late August 2024, before breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs in November 2024. Since then, he has shown significant improvement and gained valuable experience. His victory in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes marks his second straight win and further establishes him as a serious contender in the 3-year-old division. With career earnings now at $453,875, Guns Loaded is making a name for himself on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
What’s Next for Guns Loaded
Guns Loaded’s win in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes puts him in a strong position for the upcoming Kentucky Derby season. His next race, the Holy Bull Stakes, will be another crucial test for the young colt. If he continues to perform well, he could be a serious contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. With each race, Guns Loaded is proving that he has the potential to go far in the world of horse racing.
Guns Loaded’s victory in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes is a big step toward his Kentucky Derby dreams. His performance, especially his ability to take the lead and hold off challengers, shows that he has what it takes to compete at a high level. As he continues to improve and gain experience, Guns Loaded could be one of the top horses to watch in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
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