Took Hanover win Open Handicap at Yonkers in 1:52

Took Hanover, who last took a shot at a half-mile oval in the 2006 Jug, found Saturday night's $30,000 Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway much more to his liking.

With Greg Merton driving for trainer Noel Daley, Took Hanover took full advantage of his Ides of March inside starting venue. The even-money favorite  leapfrogged the lead with second choice Rare Jewel (Stephane Bouchard) before a :27.3 opening quarter-mile. Returning Slickest Hanover (Pat  Berry) settled in third.

Took Hanover retained the lead at the :55.4 intermission and 1:24.1 three quarters, before which Slickest Hanover misbehaved. That  ensured a match race, with Took Hanover and Rare Jewel having affairs to themselves. "Took" saw his length-and-a-half lead into the lane stand up,  winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:52...fastest local effort of the season.

Cheyenne Hollywood (Eric Abbatiello) hit the ticket as the 38-1 rank outsider, with Whisper's Spy (Jim Meittinis) and Forensic Z Tam (Pat  Lachance) grabbed the small change.

For Took Hanover, a 5-year-old son The Panderosa co-owned by Adam Victor & Son and John Fielding, he returned $4.10 for his first win  in five seasonal starts. The exacta paid $8.90, with the triple worth $106.50. 

        
Saturday night's card also included the second leg of the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series for 3- and 4-year-old colts and geldings. The six-pack  of sojourns went to... 

--Herzon,4 (by Cam's Card Shark); owner Scott Dillon/trainer Scott Blackmer/driver Jason Bartlett; 1:55.4/$3.40;

--Cullen's Blue Jean,g,4 (by by Christian Cullen); owner Joe Muscara/trainer Virgil Morgan/driver Greg Grismore; 1:55.4/$5.20;

--Art's Image,g,4 (by Artsplace); co-owners Canzone, DiScala, Gingras, Adam Victor & Son/trainer Nat Varty/driver Stephane Bouchard;  1:54.3/$2.80;

--Western Culture,4 (by Western Hanover); co-owners L&L Devisser & Machiella/trainer Nick Giberson/driver Pat Berry; 1:56.1/$22;

--Real Town,4 (by Real Desire); co-owners Taylor,Wittle,Heath Knolls Invests/trainer Mickey Burke/driver Grismore; 1:55.4/$5.10;

--J K Lullabye,4 (by Bettor's Delight); owner Muscara/trainer Morgan/driver Grismore; 1:55/$5.30.

Girsmore won five of the evening's dozen races. (Yonkers Raceway) 

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