Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm homebred Charge It (Tapit – I’ll Take Charge – Indian Charlie) has been retired from racing and will enter stud at Gainesway Farm, for the 2025 breeding season.
Charge It broke his maiden at Gulfstream Park by 8 ½ lengths earning him the distinction as a ‘TDN Rising Star’. He quickly proved he belonged with the best in his class when in his next start he ran second to future Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, White Abarrio, in the Florida Derby (G1).
Charge It stamped himself as a top class colt when he won the Dwyer Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park by an astounding 23 lengths and earned a career-best 111 Beyer Speed Figure. This Beyer was the highest figure achieved by any 3-year-old going a mile or less on dirt in 2022.
His campaign at four was led by another dominant victory, this time coming at a 1 ¼ miles in the Suburban Stakes (G2), where he drew away to win by 4 ¾ lengths. Charge It tied for the highest Beyer Speed Figure among all horses going 1 ¼ miles that year when he earned a 106.
“Winning any graded race by 23 lengths, as Charge It did in the Dwyer, takes an immensely talented horse. Charge It’s ability was at the Grade 1 level.” said trainer Todd Pletcher.
In total, Charge It registered Beyer Speed Figures of 100 or higher on four occasions, and retired with four wins and earnings of $887,270.
Charge It hails from one of the most prominent and active families. He is bred on the same cross as Horse of the Year, Flightline, being out of the Indian Charlie mare, I’ll Take Charge, herself a $2.2 million yearling. Second dam is the multiple Grade 1 winner and 2013 Broodmare of the Year, Take Charge Lady.
Take Charge Lady is the dam of champion Will Take Charge and Grade 1 winners Take Charge Indy and As Time Goes By. She is also the granddam of champion Take Charge Brandi and Grade 1 winner Omaha Beach.
“Charge It is an exceptional looking horse that possessed brilliance,” added Gainesway General Manager Brian Graves. “His pedigree is among the very best available to breeders.”
Charge It is currently available for inspection at Gainesway. A stud fee will be announced at a later date.