WinStar Farm and Chuck and Maribeth Sandford’s 4-year-old Take Charge Indy was timed a ‘bullet’ half-mile in 47 flat Saturday morning
at Palm Meadows as the 2012 Florida Derby (G1) winner got his final
drill ahead of his 2013 season debut in the $500,000 Donn Handicap (G1)
next Saturday at Gulfstream Park.
“He was sharp. I wanted to put a little speed in him and stretch his
legs,” said trainer Pat Byrne. “He actually went three-eighths in 34
2/5 and galloped out in 47. We’re all set and looking forward to next
Saturday.”
As for the possible pace scenarios, particularly with front-running
California invader Ultimate Eagle in the race, Byrne said, “He’s (Take
Charge Indy) push-button. If somebody else wants the lead they can have
it. We’ll just sit off it.”
A regally-bred son of A.P. Indy out of Grade 1 winner Take Charge
Lady, Take Charge Indy makes his first start since a game second-place
finish in the Clark Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 23 when
beaten a length by Shackleford.