Take Charge Indy works ahead of a possible run in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs
Chuck and Maribeth Sandford owned 3-year-old colt, Take Charge Indy, is getting readied for his second start after his comeback in the Grade 2 Fayette Stakes, where he finished third. Now, the focus is entirely on Grade 1 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs
on 23 November, 2012.
Patrick Byrne trained Take Charge Indy turned in his first workout after the Fayette Stakes, when he worked three furlongs in 35.60 seconds on 10 November over the fast main track at Churchill Downs under regular rider Calvin Borel.
The 3-year-old A. P. Indy colt won the Grade 1 Florida Derby On 31 March with Calvin Borel aboard, when he went to defeat Reveron in second and the then early Kentucky Derby favourite Union Rags, who finished third on the day.
Take Charge Indy downed the 1 1/8 mile distance in 1 minute and 48.79 seconds, and by landing an important prep race down the Derby trail, Take Charge Indy was thought to have more than he has yet to dish out, and the Kentucky Derby could be his day.
However, in the 1 ¼ mile event at Churchill Downs on 5 May, Take Charge Indy finished a disappointing 19th in a field of 20 horses, but the real reason for his dismal showing in the biggest race of his career was an ankle injury, which kept him
off the track for five months.
“He’s only had eight races, so he’s a lightly raced horse,” said Chuck Sandford. “No wear and tear. He’s the best Patrick has ever had him, so we have no excuses. We’re ready to run.”
One of the 30 nominees for the Clark Handicap, Take Charge Indy will be up against the likes of the Ack Ack Handicap winner, Neck ‘n Neck, the last year’s Clark Handicap runner-up, Mission Impazible, and possibly Shackleford, who will be running his last
race, and had the Cigar Mile the very next day of Clark Handicap as an option.
Out of Take Charge Lady by Dehere, Take Charge Indy broke his maiden at first asking over 6 furlongs at Arlington Park, and in his second career start, he finishes second in the Grade 3 Arlington-Washington Futurity.
Tags: