Charlene’s Dream Takes Control Early, Scores in 35th Running of $500,000 Beverly D. Stakes
Posted on August 9th, 2025
New Kent, Va. (Aug. 9, 2025) – Domeko Taylor LP’s Charlene’s Dream was sent straight toward the front, took command into the first turn and never looked back, drawing off late to win Saturday’s 35th running of the $500,000 Grade 2 Beverly D. Stakes by 1½ lengths over the German-bred Spanish Eyes at Colonial Downs as part of the Virginia track’s Festival of Racing.
Trained by Ed Moger Jr. and ridden by Javier Castellano, Charlene’s Dream completed the 1 3/16 miles over firm turf in 1:53.74.
In the early stages of the race, Charlene’s Dream and the Irish-bred Be Your Best (IRE) opened up six lengths on Beach Bomb (SAF) through the stretch run. Into the first turn, Charlene’s Dream moved into the lead after a quarter-mile in :23.78. She maintained the advantage up the backside with Be Your Best tracking just off her hip through a half-mile in :48.30. Positions remained unchanged entering the far turn as Castellano tried to slowed the tempo. In mid-stretch, Charlene’s Dream repelled the bid Be Your Best’s before edging clear to the wire. Spanish Eyes closed late to grab second, with Be Your Best holding third. They were followed by Duvet Day (IRE) followed by 8-5 favorite Beach Bomb and Chick’s Shadow.
“I tried to watch the replay a couple of times from her last three races,” Castellano said. “It seems like she is the type of horse that doesn’t like to take a hold early part of the race. I let her go and on the backside I gave her a little bit of a break. (Be Your Best) engaged me at the top of the stretch but she was able to kick on strongly at the end.”
Charlene’s Dream, sent off at 5-2 in the field of six fillies and mares, returned $7.20 to win.
The Beverly D. was Charlene’s Dream’s sixth victory from 11 starts. The 4-year-old daughter of Qurbaan is out of the War Front mare Clara Kelly. She was bred in Texas by Eric Moreau-Sipiere & Randi Moreau-Sipiere. Charlene’s Dream’s victory earned her connections $310,000 to boost her career bankroll to $645,374.
The Beverly D. Stakes is named in honor of Beverly Duchossois, wife of Richard Duchossois, the former owner of Arlington International Racecourse. The race was first run in 1987 at Arlington. Aside from one running at Churchill Downs in 2022, the Beverly D. has been held at Colonial Downs since 2023. Last year’s winner, Moira, went on to capture the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at Del Mar.
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Photos: Charlene’s Dream wins the Grade 2 $500,000 Beverly D. Stakes at Colonial Downs on August 9, 2025. (credit Coady Media)
