Capla Temptress kicks clear to win My Charmer

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Capla Temptress registered her first victory since capturing the Group 1 Natalma at Woodbine in her North American debut 15 months earlier when rallying to a 1 1/2-length decision over 2-1 favorite La Moneda in Saturday’s $100,000 My Charmer at Gulfstream Park.

Jockey Joel Rosario, who rode Capla Temptress to her victory in the 2017 Natalma, allowed her to settle near midpack in the bulky 14-horse My Charmer field. Capla Temptress advanced between horses on the final turn, angled out to continue her bid entering the stretch, then ran down La Moneda to win going away. The latter, well placed from the outset, gained command in early stretch but proved no match for the winner while holding off Special Event by a length to be second.

Bellavais, the 5-2 second choice, was forced to take up sharply, bouncing off the inner rail, when shut off by her uncoupled stablemate Cherry Lodge entering the stretch, losing her best chance at that point. She finished fourth.

Capla Temptress, a 3-year-old Irish bred daughter of Lope de Vega, is trained by Bill Mott for Team Valor International. She paid $10 after completing one mile over a good turf course in 1:39.08.

“I think Bill was pretty confident going in here,” said Mott’s assistant Ken McCarthy. “He was a little bit worried when the rain hit, kind of worried what kind of ground she really likes. But he felt the turf course was in such good condition at the moment, he was willing to take a shot with her.”

McCarthy was quick to praise Rosario for the ride he gave Capla Temptress.

“She got a super trip,” said McCarthy. “She’s a little filly. The big thing is don’t get in any fights with her, don’t do anything cute with her. Just keep it simple, and I think he did that today. He positioned her beautifully on the backside and when he called on her, she had something to give him.”