Imperative clinches G2 Charles Town Classic Stakes

Bernardini's son Imperative took command April 19 with a stunning victory in the G2 Charles Town Classic. The four-year-old defeated the likes of Game On Dude in the $1.5 million race.

Imperative settled towards the back of the field to start the one-and-one-eighth-mile race. Along the backstretch he advanced into third position, before swinging wide around the turn to take on the lead. In the stretch he kept accelerating and easily ran away with the win.

Imperative finished second in the G2 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita in February. Out of the Stakes-winning mare Call Her, he is a half-brother to Graded Stakes winner and G1-placed Battle Won, Stakes winner Nadeshiko, and Stakes-placed Matched. He was bred in Kentucky by Glencrest Farm LLC & Darley.

The 21st Graded Stakes winner for Bernardini, Imperative joins rank with the sire's other top runners. Among them are multiple G1 winner To Honor And Serve, two G1 Travers winners in Alpha and Stay Thirsty, and recent G2 La Canada Stakes winner Spellbound, among others. In total, the sire has been represented by seven G1 winners around the world to date.

Bernardini stands for $100,000 live foal, stands and nurses.