Charge It is retired to new stallion career at Gainesway Farm

Photo:

Bob Coglianese Photos

Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm homebred Charge It, who is by
Tapit, has been retired from racing and will enter stud at Gainesway Farm for
the 2025 breeding season.

The decision was announced Tuesday, more than seven weeks after the two-time graded-stakes winner was eased to finish last in the Whitney (G1) at Saratoga.

Charge It broke his maiden in January 2022 at Gulfstream
Park by 8 1/2 lengths. 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 Grade 1 Florida Derby.

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, according to Daily Racing Form. This
Beyer was the highest figure achieved by any 3-year-old going a mile or less on
dirt in 2022.

His campaign at 4 was led by another dominant victory, this
time coming at a 1 1/4 miles in the Suburban Stakes (G2) where he drew away to
win by 4 3/4 lengths. Charge It tied for the highest Beyer among all horses
going 1 1/4 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.” trainer Todd Pletcher said.

In total Charge It registered Beyers of 100 or higher on
four occasions and was 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 2022 horse of the year Flightline,
being out of the Indian Charlie mare I’ll Take Charge, herself a $2.2 million
yearling. Take Charge Lady is the second dam who is a multiple Grade 1 winner
and was 2013 broodmare of the year.

Take Charge Lady is the dam of champion Will Take Charge and
Grade 1 winners Take Charge Indy and As Time Goes By. She also is the granddam
of champion Take Charge Brandi and Grade 1 winner Omaha Beach.

“Charge It is an exceptional looking horse that possessed
brilliance,” Gainesway general manager Brian Graves said. “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 later.