Lincoln: Nikki Nine prevails in Princess

Nikki Nine overcame a head-to-head battle with Lovesablumin for nearly five-eighths of a mile before edging clear and claiming a one-length victory over that rival in the $15,375 Princess Stakes to post her third stakes win of the year.

Trained by Kim Veerhusen, Nikki Nine had won the Bachman and Pepsi stakes at Fonner Park, then vied for the lead before fading late to finish fifth in the $50,000 Goldfinch at Prairie Meadows in her last start. The Princess win boosts her career mark to 4-1-1 from 11 starts and earnings of better than $63,000. Larren Delorme was aboard as they covered the six furlongs over a fast track in 1:13.60.

Lovesablumin was a good second under Jerry Carkeek, while Smacktalker rallied from last to claim third, three lengths behind the top pair in the field of seven. Nikki Nine returned $5 as the 3-2 favorite.