Charge It

9) CHARGE IT (c, Tapit–I'll Take Charge, by Indian Charlie) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Whisper Hill Farm (KY). T-Todd A. Pletcher. Lifetime Record: GISP, 3-1-1-0, $230,400. Last Start: 2nd GI Curlin Florida Derby. KY Derby Points: 40. Post 8, 20-1.

Among the three Derby entrants this year who will go into the gate with three or fewer lifetime starts, 'TDN Rising Star' Charge It is the most likely to make an impact. Since 1937, only Justify in 2018 and Big Brown in 2008 have won the Derby off only three prior races, so this Whisper Hill Farm homebred by Tapit is up against the grain of convention. Charge It's not fully focused stretch run in the Florida Derby earned him a commendable second. But any bet on him this Saturday must be based on the unclear projection that he's overcome his greenness via training over the last five weeks.

There is some pedigree promise: Charge It's second dam is multiple Grade I route victress and blue-hen mare Take Charge Lady, whose progeny include the GI Travers S. winner and 3-year-old champ of 2013, Will Take Charge.