Four of Britain’s leading young trainers have their sights set on America this weekend as members of Team British Racing go for Grade 1 glory at Arlington and Saratoga.
Andrew Balding, Marco Botti, Charlie Hills and David Simcock have all enjoyed top-level success on the world stage, training Group/Grade 1 winners in America, Canada, France, Hong Kong and Australia between them.
Team British Racing Sets Sights on Victories at Arlington Beverly D Stakes & Saratoga Springs
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Botti and Hills are both targeting the Grade 1 Beverly D Stakes at Arlington on Saturday, in which they run Euro Charline and Just The Judge respectively.
Botti’s Euro Charline has given her US owners Team Valor plenty of reason to celebrate in Britain this season, winning the Listed EBF Valiant Stakes at Ascot on her most recent start, and finishing a very close third in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Just The Judge, owned by Qatar Racing Ltd and the Sangster Family, triumphed in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last season for Hills and indicated that she is coming back to her very best form when a good third in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh most recently.
Charlie Hills commented: “The race has been the target for a while now and we’re looking forward to her running. She seemed to really enjoy the change of scenery both times she went to Ireland and hopefully it will be the same again.
“I am pleased that Just The Judge will be representing Team British Racing at Arlington, and we are hoping for another big result with her.”
British-trained raiders have captured the last two renewals of the race, worth $750,000 this year, with Dank winning last year for Sir Michael Stoute and I’m A Dreamer triumphing in 2012 for David Simcock.
In fact European-trained runners have captured eight of the last nine renewals of the race, now in its 25th year, and both members of Team British Racing have a great chance of adding further glory to the list.
On the same card, Botti aims to maintain his stranglehold on the Listed American St Leger when he sends out Dandino for the 1m5f contest. Having won the inaugural American St Leger with Jakkelberry in 2012, Botti trained Dandino to win the same race last year.
Dandino, who runs for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, is no stranger to world travel, having been runner-up in the Caulfield Cup and then beaten only three lengths into fifth in the Melbourne Cup. Prior to that he had also raced in Japan and Hong Kong and been Grade 1-placed in Canada.
Marco Botti commented: “We are really looking forward to running Euro Charline and Dandino at Arlington. Dandino of course was successful there last year and I am expecting another big run from him this weekend, while Euro Charline what great form she is in with her last two starts. I am pleased that both horses will be running under the banner of Team British Racing and am hoping they will successfully represent Britain on Saturday.”
David Simcock knows what it takes to win at Arlington, having previously won the Beverly D with I’m A Dreamer, and this year he sends Moment In Time to target the American St Leger. Running for Australian owners Eliza Park International has already been Grade 1- placed in Canada as well as running in Dubai.
David Simcock commented: “With British horses mounting a strong challenge at Arlington this weekend, I am pleased that Moment In Time will be representing Team British Racing as well as her owners.”
Andrew Balding also targets the American St Leger with Havana Beat. Winner of the Listed Marathon Stakes at Sandown on his most recent start, this weekend marks his first race on the international stage.
A day later at Saratoga Springs in New York, Balding will send out the globe-trotting Side Glance for the Grade 1 Sword Dancer Invitational in a bid to add further shine to his glittering record.
Balding is aiming to become the first British trainer to send out the winner of the valuable 1m4f turf race in this 40th running which is worth $500,000.
Side Glance has already taken his owners Pearl Bloodstock on an amazing global journey, winning the Group 1 MacKinnon Stakes in Australia and running with distinction in Hong Kong and Dubai, before finishing a close third in the Grade 1 United Nation Stakes on his most recent start. His lifetime earnings already stand at over £1.5m.
Andrew Balding commented: “Both horses travelled well and have settled in without a hitch. We are very excited, but Side Glance does need a career best to win. He has been consistent at this level and it is an excellent chance to pick up some place prize money and boost his already fantastic earnings to date.
“This is Havana Beat’s first trip away and he has taken it all in his stride. 1m 6f on a flat track and fast ground is his optimum conditions, but he has a bit to find on his current form. We are looking forward to finding out if he can act at a higher level.”
See also Full List of Contenders for the Arlington Million, Beverly D Stakes, Secretariat Stakes, American St. Leger at the Arlington Million & International Festival of Racing …
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