Pros: Most notably, Take Charge Indy gets three-time Derby winning jockey and Louisville favorite Calvin Borel in the irons. Borel used to be able to stay just under the radar, but with three Derby wins, including the 50-1 Mine That Bird, if the other jockeys aren’t watching him the bettors are. Take Charge Indy earned a 104 Brisnet speed figure in his Florida Derby win over Reveron and Union Rags. Prior to that, he earned a 109 in defeat to El Padrino in the optional claimer that put the latter on the map.
Cons: Take Charge Indy did not come to Churchill Downs until Tuesday, opting to stay in his home bace in Florida. He will not have a scheduled work on the track, but will get a feel of it with morning gallops. Take Charge Indy appears to do his best running on the lead which may put him in the speed battle already setting up with speedsters Bodemeister and Trinniberg. However, Borel may be able to keep him just behind the pacesetters (like he did with Super Saver), ready to move when called upon.
Fun Fact: Take Charge Indy is trained by Patrick Byrne who was once married to Jill Byrne, the Churchill Downs handicapper Louisville is accustomed to seeing in the paddock before each race.
Analysis: I like Take Charge Indy and I think he could be a horse that people forget about as the Derby nears (aside from that Borel factor). He’s by A.P. Indy, so distance shouldn’t be a problem. He likes the lead, but doesn’t seem like he has to have it. He has the speed to either hang with the leaders or use it to maneuver through traffic. He’ll be on my ticket.
Photo: Adam Coglianese
