Union Rags and Take Charge Indy work toward a start in the Florida Derby
The impressive 3-year-old Michael Matz trained colt, Union Rags, took the field on 17 March, 2012, this time to turn in a workout ahead of his final race before the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby, as he breezed five easy furlongs ahead of the Grade 1 Florida Derby, where he will be sent as the favourite after his magnificent exit in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on 26 February, 2012, at Gulfstream Park.
“It was just a maintenance work. He didn’t go that fast, but Julien said he did everything he wanted him to do,” said trainer Michael Matz. “He’ll work a half-mile next week, and we’ll be ready to go."
Over a distance of 1 1/6 miles, Union Rags was making his 2012 debut, and he was up against a strong field with Discreet Dancer in the lineup. Phyllis M. Wyeth and Chadds Ford Stable owned colt went all out in the stretch to down the late pounce from the long shot, News Pending, in second and Discreet Dancer in third, while covering the 1 1/16 mile distance in 1 minute and 42.68 seconds.
The Florida breds were on the move on 17 March, 2012, as Chuck and Maribeth Sanford owned, Take Charge Indy, at Palm Meadows breezed five furlongs in 1 minute and 1 4/5 seconds.
“He worked really well as usual,” said Byrne. “He’ll have one more maintenance work next Saturday or Sunday and we’re ready to go. He’s doing great. I wish the race was next week. The track was not fast this morning.”
Trainer Pat Byrne has pointed Take Charge Indy for the Grade 1 Florida Derby as well, and the A. P. Indy colt is exiting a second place finish in the Gulfstream Park allowance/optional claimer to winner El Padrino on 29 January, 2012.
Out of grade 1 mare Take Charge Lady, Take Charge Indy was supposed to take part in the 10 March Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby, but Byrne was not happy with the post position his colt drew in a full field of 12 runners, and scratched him from the race. He decided to keep him here at Palm Meadows and train with Florida Derby in their sights.
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