The Breeders' Cup is next on the agenda for the Johnny Murtagh-trained Take Charge Star after the colt earned a big payday when bolting up in the Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G2T) Sept. 7 at Kentucky Downs under Jamie Spencer.
The 3-year-old has been a revelation since dropping back in trip from a mile, finishing runner-up to Thesecretadversary in the Jersey Stakes (G3) during the Royal Ascot meeting before a fourth-placed effort in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1).
He got his head in front again for the first time in a year Monday, producing a smart turn of foot to fly from last to first over 6 1/2 furlongs. His trainer is now eyeing a return trip to the States in October, with the exact race yet to be decided.
"He was given a great ride from Jamie Spencer," Murtagh said. "He's a horse we always liked and he traveled over really well so we fancied him. Hopefully he can go to the Breeders' Cup. He's improved plenty, but I wouldn't have run him in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas unless I thought he was very good.
"I'm going to enter him in races over a mile and over 5 1/2 furlongs (Turf Sprint) at the Breeders' Cup, so that's where he's going next, all being well."
