Sistercharlie Makes Beverly D. History

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – Peter Brant’s Sistercharlie made history in more ways than one on Saturday, becoming the first two-time and repeat winner, in record time to boot, of the $600,000 Beverly D. Stakes (G1) at Arlington Park.

The Beverly D. is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event, with Sistercharlie receiving an automatic berth in the Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita Park this November.

Breaking from post 7 under John Velazquez as the definitive 2/5 bettors’ choice, Sistercharlie took her usual position toward the rear while Thais, a fellow Brant-owned mare, blitzed to a wide early lead. Under Irad Ortiz, Jr., Thais burned up the firm turf course in opening fractions of :22.76, :46.23, 1:09.66, and 1:34.55 through the first mile.

Though Thais did run free and clear for much of the race, the field began to reel her back in as they raced through the far turn. Velazquez began methodically moving Sistercharlie midway down the backstretch, a decision that placed her in perfect striking position.

At the top of the stretch, Thais was still a handful of lengths in front of Awesometank, who had chased from second throughout, but Sistercharlie was under a full head of steam and closing rapidly. Just two small encouraging moves from Velazquez was all that Sistercharlie needed to sweep past Awesometank and Thais before kicking away powerfully.

In hand late, the Chad Brown-trained Sistercharlie completed the 1 3/16-mile event over the firm turf course in a new course-record time of 1:52.43. In doing so, she demolished the previous mark of 1:53.16 that Bandua set here on July 13 in the Arlington Handicap (G3).

“I wasn’t worried at all (about Thais’ big early lead),” Velazquez said. “I was a little worried about the fillies from Europe. We had one in front and one behind me, but I had all the confidence in the world in (Sistercharlie). She always takes care of business.”

One of two European invaders in the race, Awesometank took second over Competitionofideas, the third Brown entry, while the other overseas shipper Fleeting was able to get up late past a yielding Thais for fourth. Remember Daisy and Oh So Terrible, the lone local runner, completed the order of finish.

Magic Wand was scratched, with her connections opting to run her against males in the Arlington Million Stakes (G1) two races later, where she finished second.

Sistercharlie’s win was her second of the year and her fifth straight, all at the Grade 1 level; included in that streak is her triumph in last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). The Irish-bred 5-year-old daughter of Myboycharlie now carries a record of 13-9-3-0 with $3,207,003 earned.

“She’s the horse of a lifetime,” Brown said.

Sistercharlie returned $2.80 to win, $2.40 to place, and $2.10 to show. Awesometank brought back $8 to place and $5.20 to show, while Competitionofideas paid $3 to show.