Horse: Take Charge Indy
Trainer: Patrick Byrne
Pedigree: By A.P. Indy (winner of the 1992 Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic) out of a Dehere mare (Take Charge Lady)
Career Record: 6-2-2-0
Career Earnings: $721,000
Notable Races: G1-Florida Derby (1st); G1-Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (5th); G1-Breeders’ Futurity (4th); G3-Arlington-Washington Futurity (2nd)
2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Take Charge Indy
Can He Win The 2012 Kentucky Derby?:
There are two words associated with Take Charge Indy that are sure to draw the attention of bettors on Derby Day: Calvin Borel.
The three-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey is especially well-loved at Churchill Downs, where his rail-skimming rides are etched in the history of the Twin Spires. He’s back again in 2012, this time riding the G1-Florida Derby winner and looking to move into second place on the list of all-time jockey wins at the Kentucky Derby. Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack top the list with five Derby wins.
Take Charge Indy is by notable stamina sire A.P. Indy, winner of the Belmont Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year in 1992. The offspring of A.P. Indy sport an average winning distance of 8.2 furlongs, or just over a mile. When you consider that most races in the U.S. are listed at one mile or less, it’s extremely impressive to see a sire with an average winning distance that high. In short, Take Charge Indy is bred to run well at the Derby distance of a mile and a quarter.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Take Charge Indy is the improvement he’s made from his juvenile year to his three-year-old season. Take Charge Indy ran decently as a two-year-old, but his development in 2012 has put him squarely in the mix with this year’s top Derby contenders.
Take Charge Indy won the Florida Derby in gate-to-wire fashion, but he’s displayed the ability to sit just off the pace in prior races, if need be. He appears to be versatile enough to come from the middle of the pack if Borel chooses to employ those tactics on Saturday.
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