Euro Charline Tests Arlington Turf

Team Valor International’s Group I-placed sophomore filly Euro Charline is set to not only take on the challenge of more distance than she has ever tackled and older mares for the first time, but will also have to overcome her own attitude in the process.  Known for having an erratic disposition, the daughter of Myboycharlie has overcome such to win the Listed Valiant Stakes recently, as well as running an excellent third in the Group I Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot behind multiple Group I winner Rizeena.  On Wednesday, the bay filly had her second routine canter in as many days around the Arlington International Racecourse turf under assistant trainer Lucie Botti.

“She felt very good,” Botti reported.  “We are very pleased.  I think most of the good fillies have a little spark in them.  If it comes with ability, it’s fine.”

As far as the race itself, Botti has remained realistic – yet still very confident in her charge’s ability.  “I think the draw is very important.  We are not worried about the distance because she settles well in the races and in her work at home – so we’re pretty confident in that.  The field is an unknown running against older fillies; they are very good.  It’s tough to ask, but she is going to try.”

Trained by Lucie’s husband Marco Botti, the lightly raced winner of three races will face six Group I or Grade I winners.  “It’s very difficult to compare the American form to the European form, but that’s something for the handicappers to do,” Botti continued.  “I think you have to respect Just The Judge – she’s a classic winner and is moving well on the turf here.  She would be – from our perspective – the one to beat.  I’m not taking anything from the American form; we just can’t compare.  For us, she would be the main target.”