Take Charge Tom Chases Graded Score in Canadian Derby

Take Charge Tom will look to add the title of graded stakes winner to his résumé for owner/breeder Randy Howg when he starts in the CA$200,000 Canadian Derby (G3) Aug. 23, the featured race on the calendar at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. Currently the leading earner for his sire, second-crop WinStar Farm stallion Tom's d'Etat, Take Charge Tom has gone 5-for-8 in his career to date. Under the care of trainer Robertino Diodoro, Take Charge Tom went undefeated through his 2-year-old campaign before being gelded early in his 3-year-old season. Fourth in the Sunland Park Derby, he rebounded with a decisive victory in the Mine That Bird Derby over the New Mexico oval before running a game third in the Texas Derby. Shipped north across the border, the gelding has continued his winning ways at Assiniboia Downs—although he was disqualified to seventh after crossing the wire in front in his most recent outing in the Aug. 4 Manitoba Derby. One of Century Mile's leading riders, Rasheed Hughes, retains the mount on Take Charge Tom. The Craig Robert Smith-trained Attack, moved up to first in the Manitoba Derby, is back to challenge the 8-5 favorite in Saturday's 1 1/4-mile test. Picked up for $70,000 at the Fasig-Tipton May Digital Sale, the son of Munnings' only other win was a maiden special weight score last November for former trainer Mark Casse. Last-out winner Pioneer Storm King heads the cast of local runners in the race.