Another Keeneland first for Dickinson?

Dickinson returns to the scene of her greatest triumph for the G1 First Lady Stakes over a mile on turf at Keeneland, USA, on Saturday, October 7. 

The five-year-old mare gained a breakthrough first G1 success in the Jenny Wiley Stakes over an extended mile at the Kentucky course in April, when she ran on strongly after meeting trouble in running to beat Lady Eli a head in a thrilling finish. 

Dickinson finished third in the mile G1 Just a Game Stakes at Belmont Park in June and has been behind Lady Eli at Saratoga on her two subsequent starts, most recently when coming home second in the G2 Ballston Spa Stakes over an extended mile on August 26. 

Her trainer Kiaran McLaughlin commented: “Dickinson is doing very well and likes going two turns around Keeneland. 

“I hope there is a bit of speed in the race. There was no pace in the Ballston Spa, so we had to make the running, but hopefully we can sit second or third this time and then make our run. 

“This is not an easy spot – no G1 races are – but we expect her to run well.”

Dickinson, with Paco Lopez in the saddle as usual and drawn six, opposes six fillies and mares headed by G1 Beverly D Stakes runner-up Dona Bruja, Belmont Park G2 scorer Hawksmoor and Ballston Spa Stakes third Roca Rojo.