Meadowlands: Niki Hill sparkles brilliantly again in Three Diamonds

Avoiding a breaker on the first turn was the only critical moment driver Dexter Dunn would face in guiding the incomparable Niki Hill to her ninth win in 10 career starts, capturing the $359,450 Three Diamonds at the Meadowlands on Saturday night. The 2-year-old filly scored in 1:50 4/5 for the mile.

There was plenty of action on the first turn with Find Happiness clearing to the front early and Joyride Hanover working to the top at the quarter. Always Gonna B You and David Miller were wide, and midway on the opening turn made a break that forced a few horses to check and go wide, with Niki Hill settling to the inside and avoiding the skirmish.

Treacherous Dragon, with Tim Tetrick, went wide around the breaker and cleared the front after the 27 1/5 opening panel. Dunn never went to the pylons, followed Treacherous Dragon, and was able to clear at the half that went in a soft 55 4/5. Dont Fence Me In had to go wide as well on the first turn, and Scott Zeron kept her on the rim where she marched up first-over through the middle-half. Dont Fence Me was on the flank of Niki Hill at three quarters in 1:24 2/5 but once into the homestretch she quickly lost contact with the leader.

Niki Hill, under mild urging, quickly opened her advantage with a 26 2/5 final quarter sprint. Only Treacherous Dragon was able to stay in the contact with the winner, finishing a solid second, with Dont Fence Me In resolute in third.

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"When I asked her to quicken, she just took off," said Dunn of the winning effort.

Owned by Tom Hill, Niki Hill is trained by Chris Ryder. Sent off at odds of 1-10, Niki Hill paid $2.20 to win.

"She had a year better than anyone could wish for," said Ryder, reflecting on the near perfect season which is sure to give Niki Hill some support in the overall Horse of the Year balloting.