National Charter Powers to Maiden Victory

Second time was the charm for National Charter, who broke his maiden May 23 at Churchill Downs. Under jockey Luis Saez, the 3-year-old son of Constitution settled just off the pacesetter Our Forefathers, who posted opening fractions of :22.71 and :45.12. The Rusty Arnold trainee continued to track the leader down the backstretch, and vied for the lead on the turn for home. National Charter hit the stretch drive a length in front of his competition, and drew clear while widening the margin. The third choice in the wagering hit the wire 3 1/2 lengths the best. He completed the one mile dirt race in a final time of 1:35.76, and paid $10.48 for the win. National Charter broke his maiden in his second career start and earned a 97 Equibase Speed Figure and a 86 Beyer Speed Figure for the victory. Owned by BBN Racing, National Charter is out of the Elusive Quality mare Totally Tucker. She has produced five winners, most notably Totally Boss, winner of the 2019 Turf Sprint Stakes (G3T) at Kentucky Downs, and Super Steed, winner of the 2019 Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park. Bred by Woodford Thoroughbreds, BBN Racing purchased National Charter at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $200,000. Daughter of Grade 1 winner breaks maiden Immortalize, a daughter of multiple graded stakes winner Dickinson, broke her maiden May 24 at Churchill Downs. Under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., she stalked the pace set by Munnings Talks, who posted fractions of :24.15, :48.27, and 1:13.62. Trained by Brad Cox, Immortalize traveled well in hand down the backstretch and made her move on the turn for home. As the field hit the stretch drive, she hit the front and the daughter of Gun Runner took command and never looked back. Immortalize hit the wire 2 lengths in front, while completing the 1 1/16 mile off the turf dirt race in a final time of 1:48.34. She paid $4.88 for the win as the post-time favorite. In her third career start, she ran a 71 Equibase Speed Figure and a 72 Beyer Speed Figure. A homebred for her owner, Godolphin, she is out of the Medaglia d'Oro mare Dickinson, whose most notable wins came in the Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1T) and the Hillsborough Stakes (G2T). She has had five of her foals win on the track, led by American Derby winner Wadsworth, and Chapman's Peak, who was second in the Commonwealth Turf Stakes (G3T).