Trainer Botti ready to win again

When trainer Marco Botti checks into Arlington International Racecourse, he means business.

The England-based conditioner has shipped in one horse for each of the past three International Festival of Racing programs and found himself in the winner's circle every time.

This Saturday, he will try to make it a perfect 4-of-4 when he gives a leg up to jockey Jose Lezcano on Euro Charline.

The 4-year-old English-bred daughter of Myboycharlie will try to become the first back-to-back winner when she meets nine others in the 26th running of the Grade I $700,000 Beverly D.

Botti won the 2012 and 2013 American St. Leger Stakes with Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock's Dandino (England) and Jackelberry (Ireland).

Owned by Team Valor International, Euro Charline became the first sophomore filly to win the Beverly D when she outsprinted Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Stephanie's Kitten to the finish line for a ¾-length victory last year.

"It's great to be able to come back and defend the crown," said Lucie Botti, the wife of Marco. "We are delighted to be back and running for very good prize money."

Euro Charline has run twice since winning the Beverly D, finishing fourth and second respectively in Group I races in March and July.

"She made a brilliant run to get second in her last race (Group I in England)," Lucie Botti said. "She is fit now and in good form."

The Beverly D. is a Breeders' Cup Challenge race that provides the winner an automatic entry into the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

"Euro Charline had a perfect trip last year (in the Beverly)," said Alastair Donald, chief executive of the International Racing Bureau. "I think she has every chance to repeat, but it will be a tougher race. I would not ignore the chances of Aidan O'Brien's filly (Wedding Vow)."

An improving sophomore filly, Wedding Vow's one win came in Group II company two races back in the $125,000 Kilboy Estate Stakes at The Curragh - the same race Dank used en route to Beverly D. success in 2013.

"In her last race (second in a Group 1 in Ireland), Wedding Vow was beaten by the best 3-year-old filly in Europe (Legatissimo)," Donald said. "She is in very solid form."

Stephanie's Kitten is a three-time Grade I winner, who was second in last year's Grade I Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita.

Completing the field are Mango Diva, Watsdachances, Lacy, Carla Bianca, Maid on a Mission and Lots o' Lex.