Fareena returns in Hilltop

Fareena, whose only loss in three career starts came to multiple stakes winner Bsharpsonata in last fall's Selima, makes her 3-year-old debut in the $50,000 Hilltop Stakes at Pimlico.

The 1 1/16-mile turf race drew a field of eight 3-year-old fillies, including three who have never raced on grass.

Fareena was a dominant winner in her first two races before setting the pace and fading to third in the Selima on Nov. 24, beaten 2 1/2 lengths by Bsharpsonata. Bsharpsonata most recently finished fifth after setting the pace in the Kentucky Oaks.

Catmosphere, who comes off an even longer layoff than Fareena, and No Use Denying, switching from Polytrack to turf, appear to be the favorite's most formidable rivals.

Catmosphere, who came from off the pace to win her career debut going seven furlongs, merits respect coming from the high-percentage barn of Alan Goldberg, but has been idle since late September.

No Use Denying most recently finished second in a first-level allowance at Keeneland. Her trainer, Graham Motion, is 7 for 24 with horses switching from synthetic surfaces to turf the past two seasons.