Will Take Charge Survives Inquiry in Oaklawn 'Cap

Will Take Charge, the reigning Champion 3-Year-Old Male, used his trademark closing kick to add another graded stakes score to his impressive resume, but he had to survive a protracted stewards inquiry and objections from jockeys Mike Smith and Gary Stevens to capture the $600,000 Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at Oaklawn Park Saturday.

Trained by D. Wayne Lukas and ridden by Luis Saez, 2-5 favorite Will Take Charge raced behind the honest early pace of :23 2/5 and :47 3/5 set by Right to Vote and Razorback Stakes winner Golden Lad through the first half-mile of the 1 1/8 mile test. He then launched his challenge on the outside of the six-horse field as they turned for home. He first brushed with Golden Lad, ridden by Stevens, and drifted in nearing their eighth pole as they traveled along in 1:11 3/5.

Through the final furlong, Will Take Charge received strong right-handed urging from Saez while battling with Revolutionary with Smith aboard until crossing under the wire in 1:49 3/5 and three-quarters of a length in from of his rival. Carve was another half-length back under Jesus Castanon to take third.

Willis Horton and Three Chimneys Farm’s Will Take Charge returned $2.80, $2.20, $2.10 and the 4-year-old Kentucky-bred son of Unbridled’s Song has now won seven of 17 starts. The $360,000 winner’s share of the purse increased his bankroll to $1,407,600.

The complete order of finish was Will Take Charge, Revolutionary, Carve, Prayer for Relief, Golden Lad and Right to Vote. Moreno was a late scratch from the field after developing a fever while traveling to Hot Springs.