Took Me Back wins snowy Hopeful final

Took Me Back and driver Josh Marks took the short way home, winning the $43,000 final of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies at Yonkers Raceway in 1:59.4 on Friday night. The race was pushed back a week after a more severe serving of the white stuff cancelled last Friday night's card.

Working out an identical trip as stablemate Hushhush Mushmush in last Saturday night's final for colts and geldiings, Took Me Back--trained by Jake Hartline for owner Arnie Chusid--was in play early.

Leaving hard from the pylons, the daughter of Life Sign protected the pocket as 17-10 favorite Evaji Hanover made the lead. The people's choice led through early intervals of :29.2 and 1:00.2.

Panna Nicole settled in third, but never seemed to grab the going. Notimefordreaming tried it first-up from fourth, with  Major Racer along for the tow.

Evaji Hanover led at the 1:30.2 three-quarters, owning a length advantage into the lane.

Took Me Back, taking a page from the Hushhush Mushmush playbook, ducked inside to outfinish the leader. She easily went by, winning by 1 1/4 lengths. Evaji Hanover held second, with Ramona Disomma--also trained by Hartline but racing uncoupled--closing for third.

"I was able to get a great trip, and she finished really well," Marks said. "I figured the other horse (Evaji Hanover) was the one so sit behind. She was  shuffled out last time (final preliminary leg), and made up a lot of ground.

"The track was off (tonight) with the weather, but my filly was tough. I appreciate Mr. Hartline giving me the chance in this series, and sticking with me in the final. He could have easily chosen a more experienced driver, but I'm glad he didn't," he added.

For Took Me Back, it was her second victory in four seasonal starts. She paid $9.70 (third choice), leading a $62.50 exacta and $559 triple.

A $20,000 series consolation went to Fighter Bliss (Lachance), who broke her maiden going away by 2 3/4 lengths in 1:58.4 at an $18.20 mutuel. Lachance also trained the daughter of Blissfull Hall for owner Daniel Plouffe. Halladay Hall and Ms. Mae West completed the board finishers. (Yonkers)

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