A Thrilling Upset: My Gun's Loaded Conquers Alabama Stakes
The Unforeseen Triumph: My Gun's Loaded's Ascent to Victory
In a dramatic turn of events at Saratoga Springs, New York, the horse named My Gun's Loaded achieved a significant career milestone. With a spectacular wide maneuver during the last bend, she advanced from third place to take the lead, ultimately prevailing over the highly favored Counting Stars (1-4). This marked her inaugural stakes win in the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama Stakes held on a recent Saturday.
The Journey to Glory: My Gun's Loaded's Path to a Major Win
Prior to this groundbreaking achievement, My Gun's Loaded had already shown promising form with two victories at Saratoga earlier in the year. Under the guidance of trainer Chad Brown and jockey Manny Franco, she secured wins in a maiden special weight race in June and an allowance optional claimer in July. Her opponent, Counting Stars, entered the 1 1/4-mile stakes as the frontrunner in the three-year-old filly category, having previously won the Acorn (G1) and the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at the same venue.
Race Dynamics: A Detailed Account of the Alabama Stakes
The six contenders began the race with an even start, with Counting Stars quickly establishing the lead, closely pursued by Ati Girl. My Gun's Loaded positioned herself a length behind Ati Girl in third place. These three fillies maintained their positions through the initial mile of the race, posting impressive fractional times of 24.55, 49.44, 1:14.06, and 1:38.99.
Jockey's Insight: Manny Franco's Winning Strategy
Jockey Manny Franco shared his perspective on the race, noting his awareness of John Velazquez (riding Ati Girl) being on the inside. He decided to follow Velazquez's lead throughout. At the five-sixteenths pole, Franco moved his filly to the outside, and she responded immediately, surging forward with renewed energy.
Trainer's Perspective: Chad Brown's Third Alabama Stakes Victory
For trainer Chad Brown, this win marked his third triumph in the Alabama Stakes, adding to his previous successes in 2023 with Randomized and in 2019 with Dunbar Road. Brown expressed initial concern when Counting Stars was alone in the lead, especially until the three-eighths marker. However, he caught a glimpse of Manny Franco and observed that his horse had plenty of strength to advance.
The Climactic Finish: My Gun's Loaded Fends Off Challengers
My Gun's Loaded took the lead at the stretch call. Simultaneously, Measure (10-1) launched a strong challenge from the back of the field along the rail, also moving past Counting Stars. Franco recounted that once his horse gained the lead, she momentarily eased up, seemingly waiting for company. However, upon sensing Measure's presence, she found another gear, confirming her impending victory.
Post-Race Analysis: A Narrow Victory and Future Prospects
The winning margin for My Gun's Loaded, a daughter of Gun Runner, was a neck over Measure, who in turn finished 1 1/2 lengths ahead of the third-place finisher, Counting Stars. Brown acknowledged Measure's strong performance, noting that he had considered her a dark horse during handicapping. He praised trainer Mark Casse, who had two horses in the race, for his astute judgment. My Gun's Loaded paid out $8.74, $5.48, and $2.30; Measure returned $8.38 and $2.52; and Counting Stars paid $2.10 to show. The remaining finishers were A. P.’s Girl (24-1), Ati Girl (10-1), and Nycon (33-1).
Champion Contender: My Gun's Loaded's Future in the Sport
With her victory over Counting Stars in the Alabama Stakes, My Gun's Loaded has now emerged as a strong contender for the division championship. Her connections, including owner Douglas Scharbauer, are considering her next race. Brown mentioned potential races such as the Beldame (G2 at Belmont Park) or the Spinster (G1 at Keeneland), possibly against older horses, highlighting her relatively light racing career and impressive speed figures.