Dickinson goes for G2 glory in Hillsborough

Dickinson tries for a second Pattern success on turf as she steps up to G2 for the nine-furlong Hillsborough Stakes (16.55 hrs local time) at Tampa Bay Downs, USA, on Saturday, March 11.

The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained five-year-old has blossomed since switching from dirt, winning three of her four starts on grass including when running on well for a comfortable victory in the G3 Suwannee River Stakes over the same trip at Gulfstream Park on February 11.

The Medaglia d’Oro mare finished a close fourth, beaten a length and a half in total, in the extended mile G3 Marshua's River Stakes at Gulfstream Park on January 14 and ended the 2016 campaign with easy wins at Belmont Park and Parx.

Paco Lopez, who rode Dickinson to victory in the Suwannee River Stakes, is on board again on Saturday.

Dickinson, drawn three, opposes nine fillies and mares including the first three home in the G3 Endeavour Stakes - Isabella Sings, Light In Paris and Evidently - plus G1 E. P. Taylor Stakes sixth Swiss Range.

Kiaran McLaughlin commented: “I think that Dickinson has a big chance.

“She is coming up against a couple of tough fillies but the race looks similar to the Suwannee River Stakes.

“She is in good form, is three from four on the turf and Paco Lopez knows her very well now.

“Dickinson has won her G3 and this is the logical next step with her. Hopefully, she can run well and we can start thinking about G1 races for her.”