After a lengthy build-up, Karli’s Karma will kick off her campaign in the $100,000 Jolly Beggar Stakes at Belmont on Saturday.
The classy six-year-old has not started since finishing unplaced in the G3 The Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot last December.
Summer Dickson says the Jolly Beggar Stakes is the first step towards Karli’s Karma reaching Pinnacles carnival aspirations at Ascot this year.
Fresh from her first city double on Wednesday, Dickson has been pleased with Karli’s Karma’s work in the lead-up to her return, but feels she is better over a longer trip.
“I’m hoping her class will see her through, but I don’t think 1000m is suitable.” Dickson said to The Races WA.
“I know she will run a bold race and won’t disgrace herself, but I’m not that confident of winning.
“She has never raced at 1000m before, all her wins have been over 1200m and 1400m.
“She is sound and probably the soundest she has ever been, but there are some smart sprinters in this race.”
Dickson says she’s benefitting from her second campaign with Karli’s Karma after forming a productive partnership last year.
Dickson took on Karli’s Karma from Greg Cave and had immediate success with the mare winning her first two races for her.
They almost shared a stunning win in the G2 WAROA-Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) when Karli’s Karma ran a short-neck second to Massimo.
“I’m starting to learn a lot more about her after having her for the first time last prep,” Dickson said.
“I know her very well now.
“I have the perfect owners, they are unbelievable, they trust my judgment.
“They have allowed me to take my time and give her every opportunity.
“I still get nervous when she races because I know how good she can be.”
Dickson said Karli’s Karma will have a cameo Belmont campaign before her attention is drawn to the Pinnacles.
“She will run Saturday and then the Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m),” Dickson said.
“Then we will will map out a path to the Pinnacles at Ascot.”
Dickson has turned to champion jockey William Pike to partner Karli’s Karma in the Jolly Beggar Stakes, his first sit on the daughter of Deep Field.
In a field of 11 starters Karli’s Karma will jump from barrier 10.
She’s currently rated a $6.50 chance with Tabtouch after she opened at $4.60.
Baby Paris, resuming after her win in The Joey (1200m) in December, is the $4 favourite.
