The Resurgence of Charge It in the Dwyer Stakes
Charge It, the talented Tapit colt, is making a comeback after his disappointing performance in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Charge It showed promise early on in the Derby but faded down the stretch, finishing 17th. However, Pletcher believes that Charge It didn’t get a chance to showcase his true abilities due to a displaced soft palate. After undergoing minor surgical correction, Charge It is ready to prove himself once again in the Grade 3 Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park.
A Rough Start in the Kentucky Derby
During the Kentucky Derby, Charge It found himself nestled in the middle of the pack along the Churchill Downs backstretch. As the race progressed and the far turn approached, jockey Luis Saez urged Charge It to make a move. Unfortunately, the colt lacked the energy required to compete, and one by one, other horses zoomed past him in the stretch. Ultimately, Charge It finished a disappointing 17th, a staggering 28 lengths behind the victorious Rich Strike.
A Chance for Redemption in the Dwyer Stakes
After two months of recuperation and preparation, Charge It is ready to prove that he is better than his Kentucky Derby outing suggests. The Dwyer Stakes provides an opportunity for Charge It to demonstrate his true potential as he tackles a one-turn mile at Belmont Park. Trainer Todd Pletcher remains optimistic about the colt’s chances, stating, “I think we got that corrected, so, hopefully, he’ll come back to top form.” This race will serve as a rebound point for Charge It, setting the stage for future endeavors.
The Road Ahead for Charge It
Charge It’s future may involve alternating between one-turn miles and 1 1/8 miles races. With a sire like Tapit, renowned for passing on stamina and distance pedigree, Charge It is well-equipped to handle longer distances. His dam, I’ll Take Charge, adds to the impressive lineage, being the half-sister to three Grade 1 winners: Take Charge Indy, As Time Goes By, and 2013 Travers Stakes winner and Champion 3-Year-Old Will Take Charge. This rich family tree also includes notable names like Grade 1 winner Omaha Beach and 2014 Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Take Charge Brandi.
A Starting Point for Charge It
The Dwyer Stakes serves as a crucial starting point for Charge It’s journey to redemption. Trainer Todd Pletcher views this race as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for bigger and more significant races in the future. Since Belmont Park requires one-turn races outside of the Belmont Stakes, Pletcher is confident in Charge It’s ability to succeed in this setting. The colt has already impressed when breaking his maiden impressively in a one-mile race, showcasing his potential for success in similar distances.
