Heavenhasmynikki gets first stakes victory in Diana

Heavenhasmynikki, who tested divisional heavyweights this year before returning to her home state, posted the first stakes victory of her career in Saturday's $75,000 Diana Stakes for Ohio-bred fillies and mares at Thistledown.

Heavenhasmynikki ($5.20), a 3-year-old Majestic Warrior filly now trained by Gary Johnson for owner Ron Paolucci, won the first two starts of her career at Mahoning Valley and Gulfstream before stepping into graded company. She finished fourth in the Grade 3 Forward Gal Stakes, third in the Grade 2 Davona Dale Stakes, and ninth in the Kentucky Oaks. She then returned home to Ohio, finishing fifth in the Tomboy Stakes at Belterra just nine days after the Oaks, then winning a Thistledown allowance on Sept. 1 that set her up for the Diana.

On Saturday, Heavenhasmynikki broke from the outside in the field of six and was last after a quarter-mile under Scott Spieth. She quickly got in gear, sweeping around the far turn with a three-wide move, striking the lead in upper stretch, and drawing clear to win by two lengths. She finished the six furlongs in 1:11.02.

Ali Blue, who set the early pace, held second, three-quarters of a length ahead of defending Diana winner Proper Discretion, also owned by Paolucci.

Earlier on the card, Hey Adrian ($2.40) and jockey Juan Velez led wire to wire in the $75,000 Emerald Necklace for Ohio-accredited juvenile fillies. This was the third win in five starts and the second career stakes score for Hey Adrian, bred, owned, and trained by Joshua Faulkner. She also won the Loyalty Stakes on Sept. 8 at Belterra.