Niki Hill much the best in $359,450 Three Diamonds

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Niki Hill and harness racing driver Dexter Dunn proved again she is the best in the 2-year-old filly pacing division by commanding the win in the $359,450 Three Diamonds on Saturday (Nov. 20) at the Meadowlands. The time for the mile was 1:50.4.

Just after the first turn, Always Gonna B You fired fast to get the lead, but was rough gaited and broke stride, scattering the field. Joyride Hanover took advantage of the rumble to get the lead while Find Happiness charged first over only to give in to Treacherous Dragon as the busy first quarter went in :27.1.

Zooming past all of the shuffling, Niki Hill began her path to victory with Treacherous Dragon following and Dont Fence Me In going first up as the half was clocked in :55.4.

It was all Niki Hill from there. The Always B Miki juvenile began to draw away around the second turn, easily dismissing Dont Fence Me In and eating real estate in the stretch with a three-quarters in 1:24.2 and an unchallenged win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:50.4. Treacherous Dragon held for second and Don’t Fence Me In was for show.

NIKI HILL REPLAY

Trainer Chris Ryder said, “[Dexter] asked her for some kick in the stretch, just spoke to her briefly, and he said she had plenty left. She just took off; whenever he asked her, she just gave him more.”

Ryder expected a big mile out of her in the Three Diamonds, even though she had a skin problem the last two weeks. “Sometimes that can knock a horse,” he said, “but she’s a champion. It’s so rewarding when you get a horse like this. She’s done so much for us and I can’t say enough good about her.”

Tom Hill of the United Kingdom owns Niki Hill. She has earned $904,556 this season, winning nine of 10 starts She paid $2.20 to win.

For full race results, click here.

By Frank Cotolo, for The Meadowlands