Meadowlands: Niki Hill doesn't disappoint in Kindergarten final for filly pacers

Breeders Crown champion Niki Hill returned to the winner's circle on Saturday night with a flawless 1:50 4/5 mile over a "good" track in the $220,110 Kindergarten Classic final for juvenile pacing fillies at the Meadowlands. Dexter Dunn was again in the sulky as the daughter of Always B Miki cruised to her eighth victory in just nine career starts.

Dunn managed to get away fourth in the early stages as Find Happiness blasted out quickly to the front for Yannick Gingras. She was ahead of Treacherous Dragon, with Dont Fence Me In parked to the quarter before clearing in a 27 3/5 fraction. Tim Tetrick and Treacherous Dragon were on the move before the quarter, and Dunn put Niki Hill right on his back. Once Treacherous Dragon cleared the lead, Tetrick allowed the favorite to pass, and Niki Hill had control well before the 55 2/5 half was passed.

Dunn had Niki Hill on cruising speed during the third quarter as Hood Party and David Miller tried to come first-over but couldn't reach either of the top two fillies on the turn as Niki Hill hit three-quarters in 1:23 4/5 and began her sprint for the wire.

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In mid-stretch it was just a two-filly race as Treacherous Dragon tried to gain on Niki Hill, but once Dunn waved the whip at his filly, Niki Hill again took off from the pocket-sitter and left no doubt, with a 27 second final quarter completing the mile. Treacherous Dragon was a solid second, well clear of Hood Party in third. Dont Fence Me In held on to fourth, with Find Happiness closing along the pylons for fifth.

Owned by Tom Hill, Niki Hill is trained by Chris Ryder.

"Next week will be her last start," said Ryder of the Three Diamonds at the Meadowlands on November 20.

As the 1-5, choice Niki Hill returned $2.40 to win.