Stat overhauled Themanupfront at the top of the stretch and drew off through the lane to post a one-and-three-quarter length victory in the eight furlong Soldier’s Dancer Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, 7 July.
It was the first Stakes victory for the five-year-old Will Take Charge gelding, who improved his record to 7-4-2 in 23 career starts.
Stat broke cleanly out of the starting gate and was forwardly placed, racing well-in-hand under jockey Edgard Zayas in second, just off the flank of leader Themanupfront. Eyes On the King was just behind that pair in third, with Starship Renegade in fourth as the field entered the backstretch.
Themanupfront continued to lead the way down the backstretch and into the far turn, but Stat was hot on his heels, quickly drawing even with the frontrunner before taking command at the top of the stretch. Stat then began to pull away through the lane, eventually crossing the wire almost two lengths ahead of Novo Sol while being geared down. Bluebirds Over closed late to take third.
Stat was bred in Florida by Rebecca Ming and is out of Scatmeifucan, a winning daughter of Scat Daddy. Scatmeifucan is a half-sister to the multiple Stakes-placed pair of Morning Breez and My Friend, and hails from the immediate family of Multiple Stakes winners Valay Bullet, Bullet Valay and Amerrico’s Bullet.
Will Take Charge has proven extremely popular with breeders since relocating to Japan, having covered over 170 mares last year. The stallion was represented by several Stakes winners in 2023 including Multiple Stakes winner I’mgonnabesomebody and Listed Stakes winners Miss Yearwood and Princess Bettina.
