Gunners One by a neck in O.D. McDonald Handicap

Gunners One became a stakes winner Saturday night when he upset favorite and highweight Blazing Navarone by a neck in the $85,000 O.D. McDonald Handicap at The Downs at Albuquerque. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Forger in third.

The O.D. McDonald was a seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up bred in New Mexico.

Gunners One ($16.60) stalked the pace set by Forger, who was pressured by Blazing Navarone through fractions of 22.62 seconds for the opening quarter and 45.26 for the half-mile. Gunners One, carrying 118 pounds, moved to the fore in the stretch and battled with Blazing Navarone, toting 124, before completing the distance on a fast track in a quick 1:21.14. The track record is 1:20.81.

Luis Negron was aboard Gunners One for trainer Justin Evans.

Gunners One is a son of Diabolical who races for his breeder, Tommy Gunstream. He has won 5 of 12 starts and earned $145,595.