Take Charge Indy Dominates Alysheba

WinStar Farm and Chuck and Maribeth Sandford’s Take Charge Indy swept past pace-setting  Right to Vote at the head of the stretch and drew off for a six-length victory in the 10^th running of the $339,900 Alysheba presented by Besilu Stables (Grade II) for 4-year-olds and up on Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs.

       

 

Rosie Napravnik, rider of Take Charge Indy, winner – “I was just sitting, waiting patiently and when we turned for home and I asked him I gave him a little tap on the shoulder and he was great. He accelerated like not every horse can do. He was really on his toes today. This horse was really in great order; they’ve been doing a great job with him. I was just really thankful for Pat Byrne and WinStar having me back on him today. He was so sharp and we got a great trip. He was just excellent coming down the land and accelerated really well.”

Pat Byrne, trainer of Take Charge Indy, winner – “We were looking for a big race and we got it this year. We beat some nice horses today and I just love the way he did it. He did it with authority. That’s key. It was a nice race. I’m very happy.”

Garrett Gomez, rider of Hymn Book, finished third, placed second – “He ran good. I thought when I got him out, I thought I was going to go ahead and get them. I expected to have more speed in there than what happened. I guess of couple of them got bothered leaving the gate. The three horse (Right to Vote) didn’t get away all that good. The one horse (Patrioticandproud) didn’t go forward. It just didn’t work out the way I thought it would.’’

Robby Albarado, rider of Cyber Secret, finished second, disqualified to eighth –“Great trip, ran hard, second best. (Take Charge Indy) didn’t get loose, just came home fast. Don’t take anything from him. My horse ran hard too to the wire.’’