Guns Loaded faces five stakes winners in San Simeon

ARCADIA, Calif. – Guns Loaded has had five trainers in his three-year career, including two spans with trainer Doug O’Neill.

O’Neill trained Guns Loaded for one start last fall and then took the gelding back at the first opportunity last December. Guns Loaded has been part of O’Neill’s stable through the winter and may be staying for a while.

On Saturday, Guns Loaded can win for the fourth time since being claimed when he runs in the $100,000 San Simeon Stakes on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. Owned by a partnership, Guns Loaded will be favored on the basis of his win in the Joe Hernandez Stakes on the hillside course Feb. 28.

“He’s a happy horse, and he’s training well,” O’Neill said.

Guns Loaded is one of six stakes winners in a field of nine in the Grade 3 San Simeon, which is run at about 6 1/2 furlongs. The San Simeon will be the American debut of the Argentine Group 1 winner Il Fornaio, who is trained by Ron McAnally.

KEY CONTENDERS

Guns Loaded, by D’wildcat

Last 3 Beyers: 95-91-84

◗ Guns Loaded has won two of three starts on the hillside and three of four starts since being claimed by O’Neill for $32,000 at Los Alamitos on Dec. 6. One of the wins was an optional claimer moved to the main track in which Guns Loaded was eligible to be claimed for $62,500.

“He’s in a good zone now whether he’s racing on the main track or turf,” O’Neill said. “We had him before and liked him. He’s a cool horse. He’s always hinted at having a lot of ability.”

◗ Guns Loaded has won 7 of 25 starts and earned $346,570. He’ll be ridden by Rafael Bejarano, who is likely to have his mount in a stalking position.

No Silent, by Silent Name

Last 3 Beyers: 90-87-87

◗ No Silent won the Grade 3 Eddie D Stakes on the hillside turf course last October, capping a three-race win streak. No Silent was later sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland on Oct. 31.

◗ Trainer Gary Mandella is hopeful that No Silent can have a repeat of the Eddie D Stakes, where the 7-year-old won from just off the pace.

“If he runs that race back, I think he can win,” Mandella said. “I think he’ll get a good trip. He’ll be in the spot he needs to be in to run his race.”

Hay Dude, by Dubawi

Last 3 Beyers: 91-98-89

◗ Hay Dude has raced at distances ranging from five furlongs to 1 1/4 miles in his last three races, with varying outcomes. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Hay Dude was a troubled fourth in an optional claimer at five furlongs on turf at Del Mar on Nov. 12, won an optional claimer at a mile on turf here Jan. 14, and was sixth as the 5-2 favorite in the Grade 2 San Marcos Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf Feb. 6 in the longest race of his career.