Whisper Hill Farm homebred Charge It (c, 3, Tapit–I'll Take Charge, by Indian Charlie), a hard-fought, narrow second to subsequent GIII Sam F. Davis S. third-place finisher Volcanic (Violence) after a long duel going a one-turn mile on debut at Gulfstream Jan. 8, romped to a 'TDN Rising Star' graduation at Gulfstream Saturday.
He posted a pair of bullets at Todd Pletcher's Palm Beach Downs base since, including a four-furlong move in :47 4/5 (1/19) Feb. 5. Drawn widest of all in post 10 going a mile once again here, the 1-5 favorite cleared the field through an opening quarter in :24.24. Getting some separation three furlongs from home, Charge It hit the top of the lane in complete control and opened daylight from there without being seriously asked by Luis Saez to graduate by a flashy 8 1/2 lengths in 1:35.55. Pletcher stablemate and first-time starter Enough Already (Tapit) completed the exacta for his leading sire.
Charge It was produced by the winning mare I'll Take Charge, a $2.2-million KEESEP yearling purchase by Mandy Pope's operation. The 10-year-old is a daughter of bluehen mare Take Charge Lady (Dehere), who is responsible for champion Will Take Charge (Unbridled's Song), GISW Take Charge Indy (A.P. Indy), MGSW & GISP As Time Goes By (American Pharoah); and Charming (Seeking the Gold), the dam of champion Take Charge Brandi (Giant's Causeway) and MGISW Omaha Beach (War Front).
Charge It is the 49th 'TDN Rising Star' by perennial leading sire Tapit. The Tapit over Indian Charlie cross is also responsible for the brilliant GISW and fellow 'Rising Star' Flightline.
9th-Gulfstream, $53,000, Msw, 2-12, 3yo, 1m, 1:35.55, ft, 8 1/2 lengths.
CHARGE IT, c, 3, by Tapit
1st Dam: I'll Take Charge, by Indian Charlie
2nd Dam: Take Charge Lady, by Dehere
3rd Dam: Felicita, by Rubiano
Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $42,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O/B-Whisper Hill Farm, LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.
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