Charlie Em Scores in $75,000 Possibly Perfect Handicap at Santa Anita
With a breathtaking move inside the shadow of the wire, Charlie Em surged past the 3-5 favorite, Customer Base, winning the $78,550 Possibly Perfect Handicap at Santa Anita on Thursday. Under Martin Garcia, who gave the diminutive filly a fabulous ride, Charlie Em covered the one mile and one-half distance over the grass in 2:39.23. She picked up $46,980 bringing her career total to $174,978.
Charlie Em, a 4-year-old daughter of Kheleyf out of the Pivotal mare Miss Meggy (GB), began her career in Great Britain before being purchased by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Making her racing debut for ETP at Hollywood Park in May of 2013, Charlie Em captured the $100,000 Senorita Stakes – G3. While unable to find the winner’s circle again until yesterday, she did finish third in the $100,000 Autumn Miss Stakes – G3 and the $100,000 Torrey Pines Stakes.
Stretching out to this marathon distance, Charlie Em was expertly prepared by trainer Paddy Gallagher. The ability to handle the distance opens doors going forward.
Following the race, Aron Wellman commented, “For Charlie Em, it was an awesome display of class, stamina and pure guts and desire to mow down the 3-5 favorite when it appeared the best she could do was manage to hold 2nd money.” He added, “it is always wonderful to win any race, especially a Stakes race, but you can never be too proud of an equine athlete who lays her body down for our entertainment and enjoyment and today, Charlie Em did just that, so I for one, am incredibly proud for her and the whole team.”