Will Take Charge lived up to his name in the $11,000 Preferred 2 Handicap Trot at Georgian Downs on Saturday night (June 24), scoring a front-stepping victory as the favourite for driver Steve Byron and trainer John Bax.
Byron had the four-year-old Kadabra-Celebrity Angel gelding pointed to the front from post six, taking charge past the :28.2 first quarter mark. After a half in :57.4, Will Take Charge faced a challenge from Kennel Buddy (J Harris) to three-quarters in 1:27.4 but rebuffed that rival into the lane. Trotting home in 28-seconds, Will Take Charge scored his first win of the year by two and a half lengths in 1:55.4 while millionaire trotter Intimidate (Doug Brown) closed off cover to edge out Kennel Buddy for the runner-up role.
Following a close runner-up finish in last weekend's Preferred 2 at Georgian, Will Take Charge was the 4-5 wagering favourite and he delivered on his pari-mutuel promise paying $3.90 to win.
The Ontario Sires Stakes graduate now sports a career summary reading 7-10-4 in 33 starts with earnings approaching the $500,000 mark. He is campaigned by the Bax Stable, Gordon Wright, Don Allensen, and John Hayes.
The win was one of three on the nine-race card for Byron.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Georgian Downs.