SUPERCHARGER PASSES CLASS TEST IN GRADE 2 $500,000 SECRETARIAT

Photo Credit: Coady Media

Photo Credit: Coady Media

Photo Credit: Coady Media

Photo Credit: Coady Media

NEW KENT, Va. (Aug 1, 2026) — C R K Stable’s Supercharger passed his toughest test to date, unleashing his trademark late kick to capture the Grade 2 $500,000 Secretariat Stakes on Festival of Racing Day at Colonial Downs. The Cherie DeVaux trainee extended his winning streak to three with a dramatic late surge, outfinishing Infiltrate and Grade 3 winner Alpyland in the shadow of the wire.

Ridden by Manny Franco, Supercharger covered 1 1/16 miles over the turf in 1:41.24, winning by half a length. Infiltrate ran second, a neck in front of Alpyland.

After taking a few strides to find his rhythm, Supercharger settled near the back of the field while saving ground as Conducted carved out opening fractions of :23.40 and :47.68. Alpyland ranged up to seize command on the far turn and appeared on his way to a third consecutive stakes victory, but Supercharger, following the rally of Infiltrate, swung into the clear and accelerated relentlessly through the final furlong. He collared both rivals in the closing strides to score, with Infiltrate edging Alpyland for second.

“But he’s a horse with a lot of talent,” DeVaux said. “He’s taken some time to mentally figure it out, and he’s not a hundred percent there yet.”

Supercharger returned $8.40, $4.60, and $3.00. Infiltrate paid $8.20 and $3.80, while Alpyland returned $2.10.

The Constitution colt entered the Secretariat off a pair of impressive victories at Churchill Downs. Saturday’s graded stakes breakthrough improved his record to 6-3-1-0 and increased his career earnings to $467,709.

Additional Quotes

Tyler Gaffalione, jockey of runner-up Infiltrate

“(Trainer Brendan Walsh) told me to let him find his stride. Don’t get too aggressive with him, but don’t take anything away. He did everything right, relaxed beautifully and waited on my cues. When I asked him, he responded well. We always thought turf was his game, but we never got the opportunity last year. I think he’s going to have a really nice second half of the year.”

Javier Castellano, jockey of third-place finisher Alpyland

“Turning for home I thought I was home free. I had my target, went by, but then he kind of hesitated after. He came back on once he saw the other horses coming, but they proved better than us today.”