Euro Charline goes for repeat in Beverly D.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – They may be more clearly defined in 11 weeks when the Breeders’ Cup is run at Keeneland, but for now, the filly-and-mare turf ranks in North America are a jumble. Perhaps Hard Not to Like is the pro-tem leader, but Euro Charline could soar to the top of the division with an unprecedented feat Saturday at Arlington Park in the $700,000 Beverly D. Stakes.

Euro Charline became the first 3-year-old to win the Grade 1 Beverly D. when rallying to victory last year. The British-bred filly now will try to become the first repeat winner in a race that dates back to 1987.

Owned by Team Valor International, Euro Charline has raced just twice in the interim, but her most recent effort – a runner-up finish behind Amazing Maria in the Group 1 Falmouth at Newmarket – has her sitting on ready.

“We’re really excited about our chances,” said Team Valor president Barry Irwin. “This most likely will be her last race before Keeneland.”

Irwin said almost 40 partnership members will be on hand Saturday.

Jose Lezcano will replace the injured Ryan Moore when breaking from post 8 in a field of 10 in the 26th running of the Beverly D.

The Beverly D. is a Win and You’re In event toward the Oct. 31 BC Filly and Mare Turf, adding to its allure as a major prize in the division. Europe is well represented once again in the 1 3/16-mile turf race as Wedding Vow, Secret Gesture, and Carla Bianca all sport fine overseas form.

The early pace could be dictated by Kent Desormeaux aboard the longshot Maid On a Mission, a recent purchase by Loooch Racing, but if they go too fast, the venerable Stephanie’s Kitten could become the horse to beat in the final furlong. The mare was second as the favorite behind Euro Charline here last year.

“She’s proven to like this course,” said trainer Chad Brown.

Stephanie’s Kitten, a 6-year-old Ken and Sarah Ramsey homebred, is by far the leading earner in the field with a bankroll of $2,757,104, but with just two wins from her last 10 starts, there is a question of whether her best days are behind her.

“I don’t have any excuses for her,” said Brown, who also will send out Watsdachances in this race. “Watching her last two races, I question if she’s the same horse for sure. Hopefully, she gets it back on track here.”

Watsdachances, owned by a partnership that includes Bradley Thoroughbreds, has rounded back into peak form and was narrowly defeated in the Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine in her last start.

“The way she’s run this year, she deserves another chance at a Grade 1,” said Brown.

The Beverly D., named for the late wife of Arlington chairman Richard Duchossois, directly precedes the Arlington Million as the ninth of 11 Saturday races. Post time is set for 5:05 p.m. Central.

Key contenders

Euro Charline (Last Beyer: 96)

* With time lost to a minor injury last fall and a controversial non-start at the Royal Ascot meet in June, things haven’t fallen into place as neatly as her connections would have hoped, but she’s still the deserving favorite here after that stellar performance as part of a world-class field in England last month.

Stephanie’s Kitten (Last 3 Beyers: 95-90-98)

* A top-tier mainstay in a division that often sees considerable year-to-year turnover, this mare began 2015 with a strong Grade 3 victory but has disappointed by finishing fourth in the Grade 2 New York and fifth in the Grade 1 Diana, both times as the favorite. There are not many days the Ramseys enjoy more than Million Day, so there you go.

Wedding Vow (No previous Beyer)

* From the powerhouse stable of Aidan O’Brien, this Coolmore filly still is eligible for first-level allowances but nonetheless will take plenty of backing here, mostly on the strength of her last two races. She wheels back rather quickly after finishing second in the Group 1 Nassau at Goodwood just two Saturdays ago, but that has to be taken as a positive, given O’Brien’s sage judgment.

Secret Gesture (Last Beyer: 98)

* Five-year-old British-bred was beaten just two lengths when fifth at 6-1 behind the victorious Dayatthespa in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf last fall at Santa Anita and has done nothing since to soil that respectable form. Merits fans’ respect.