Niki Nine Doors surges to victory in Pea Patch Stakes

Niki Nine Doors surged past a hot pace in front of her for a 2-length victory in the $125,000 Pea Patch Stakes for 3-year-old fillies sprinting on the turf on Saturday at Ellis Park.

Niki Nine Doors ($19.60) and Gerardo Corrales settled in fourth early, and about two lengths back, as High Fashion Kate was pushed by favored Moonlit Lady through a snappy opening quarter in 21.21 seconds on the turf course rated firm. Those two continued through a sizzling half in 43.53 seconds. Straightening away into the stretch, those top two began to fade, and Niki Nine Doors was in prime position to pounce. Although Moonlit Lady grimly held a length lead, Niki Nine Doors came with a final surge, cleared the opposition, and won driving.

The time for the 5 1/2 furlongs was 1:01.24.

Quimichis, who was racing just behind Niki Nine Doors in fifth through the opening half, came on well in the stretch as well to finish second, 1 3/4 lengths clear of Ms. Tart, who closed from seventh in the stretch, also taking advantage of the strong pace. They were followed, in order, by Moonlit Lady, Ready for Trouble, Visually, Twirl Around, High Fashion Kate, Tx Women for Arts, These Apples, Field Lass, and Carolina Candy.

Niki Nine Doors was bred by the late Brereton C. Jones at his Airdrie Stud in Kentucky. The filly is by Airdrie stallion Cairo Prince, and out of an Airdrie-raced mare by the farm's late stalwart Include. She was sold by Airdrie as a yearling, and later purchased by Ryan Ritt as a 2-year-old to race for his Rittdiculous Gazmanian Stable.

The filly, who has now won twice from six career starts, is based at Turfway Park with Chris Davis, who bookended the week with stakes victories after saddling Politicallycorrect to win the Bashford Manor Stakes on June 30 at Churchill Downs.

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