Defending Gr.I Beverly D. S. winner Euro Charline (GB) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) worked in preparation for that Aug 15 contest Friday, with trainer Marco Botti reporting the Team Valor colorbearer, did her best piece of work he has seen from her this year.
The four-year old is to head off to America for the extended one-mile-one-furlong Group One contest at Arlington, which she claimed 12 months ago as the only filly in history to win the race beating older mares. She defeated six Group 1 winners including Breeders’ Cup winner Stephanie’s Kitten.
“Euro Charline is leaving for America (Saturday night), Botti said.
“She seems in great form. With Ryan Moore injured and Andrea Atzeni banned she won’t have one of her regular riders, but her owners are on top of that one.”
Jose Lezcano has picked up the ride on Euro Charline for her repeat bid in the Berverly D. Trainer Marco Botti and Team Valor boss Barry Irwin decided to seek out an American rider in the absence of Ryan Moore, who rode Euro Charline to victory in the Beverly D. last year but is out with an injury. Irwin said: “Jose is riding very well, including a couple wins for us lately. We are happy to have him on Euro Charline. Lezcano had five wins over the weekend at Saratoga. He scored on Triple Threat by a nose in the Grade 2 Monmouth Stakes in June.”
Euro Charline has run twice since last year’s Beverly D. She was fourth off a seven-month layoff in the G1 Dubai Turf, and – after being controversially scratched behind the gates after refusing to load for the G2 Duke of Cambridge S. at Royal Ascot in June – was second behind the Duke of Cambridge and subsequent G1 Prix Rothschild winner Amazing Maria (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) in the G1 Falmouth S. on July 10.
