Determined Dickson Dreams Of Batavia Sprint Victory
Summer Dickson is a determined and resolute horsewoman with an insatiable thirst for training winners.
As a young trainer in her third season of racing, she is bursting to win a major race.
That’s why Sunday’s Geraldton Toyota Batavia Sprint (1200m) has added significance.
For Dickson, it’s not just another race, it’s an opportunity to showcase her training skills and boost her profile.
Dickson’s hopes of claiming the $100,000 race rests with Diablerie, an eight-year-old she has formed a tight bond with.
The son of New Approach came to Dickson after stints with four previous trainers.
Dickson said she would love nothing better than to win the Batavia Sprint.
“I’m really, really competitive and want to win every race that I’m involved in,” Dickson told The Races WA.
“But winning a big race and a major one is a great opportunity for me personally.
“It will be a reminder to let people know I’m a good trainer who can train.
“It would be nice to break away from being known primarily as a trainer of problem horses.
“And it would mean the world to me to do it with Diablerie.
“I love him and he is more of a pet than a horse to me.
“I’m so proud of him and it would mean so much if we could win the Batavia Sprint.
“He is due and would certainly deserve it.”
Showing durability, Diablerie has been racing since last July and hasn’t finished outside the first four from his past eight races.
A back-to-back winner at Albany and Bunbury, Diablerie ran second to Silentz in last Sunday’s Mount Barker Mungrup Stud Sprint (1300m).
In a line-up of 12 Batavia Sprint starters, he has drawn the widest gate. Kyra Yuill retains the ride.
“I’m not too concerned by the barrier,” Dickson said.
“He will go back and I think is best ridden cold.
‘In a perfect world he will be in eighth position and with cover.
“He has been up for a while, but he looks well, has good skin and is really healthy.
“I’m glad to have Kyra on, she knows him and rides him as well as anyone.
“If he gets a cosy run, I think he will be pretty hard to beat.”
Julio Santarelli