Claire Novak 9y

Take Charge Brandi takes Princess

Horse Racing

Proving her Nov. 1 victory in the 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies was no fluke, Willis Horton's Take Charge Brandi returned Nov. 22 to claim the $400,000 Delta Downs Princess Stakes Nov. 22 at Delta Downs.

Wrapping up likely year-end honors as the top 2-year-old filly of 2014, the daughter of Giant's Causeway pressed a quick pace outside Vivian Da Bling as that one went a quarter in :22.34 seconds and a half in :46.44 seconds.

Initially about a length behind Vivian Da Bling, Take Charge Brandi steadily closed ground under jockey Paco Lopez and was on even terms with the pacesetter heading into the final turn after three-quarters went in 1:12.39.

Take Charge Brandi put away Vivian Da Bling and held sway through seven-eighths in 1:25.97, repelling the late bid of Skipalute to win by about 1-1/2 lengths in a final time of 1:39.60. Majestic Presence closed for third, while Danessa Deluxe was fourth.

Favored at odds of 2-1 in the field of 10, Take Charge Brandi returned $6.40, $4.20, and $3.40. Skipalute brought $7.20 and $5.40, and Majestic Presence paid $4.80.

Trained by Hall of Fame horseman D. Wayne Lukas, Take Charge Brandi earned her third victory from seven starts while picking up her second stakes score in a row. She was bred in Kentucky by Charming Syndicate out of the Seeking the Gold mare Charming, who is a daughter of Broodmare of the Year Take Charge Lady.

Horton, who paid $435,000 for the chestnut filly from the Paramount Sales consignment at the 2013 Keeneland September sale, also campaigned champion Will Take Charge, a multiple grade I-winning son of Take Charge Lady.

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