by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY — Hushhush Mushmush protected his interests early, then collected late to win the final of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Yonkers Raceway.

With Eric Abbatiello catch-driving for trainer Jake Hartline, “Hushhush”, who outdrew his seven rivals, was used hard from the pylons in the $46,600 event. He, along with 26-1 proposition Crystal Guy (Jack Baggitt Jr.) left, as did the 11-10 favorite Papa Hemingway (Greg Grismore).

However, the bell was about to toll for “Hemingway,” who broke in the first turn. That left Crystal Guy, the second-longest number in the race, with the lead at the :28.1 opening quarter-mile.

Hushmush Mushmush was in behind, while “Hemingway” recovered to take the lead from Crystal Guy.

The leader remained so at the :57.2 intermission when second-choice Thunder Cruise (Russell Swartz) went wide around Papa Hemingway. That one was doing the outer tier no favors.

Thunder Cruise did engage Crystal Guy by the 1:25.2 three-quarters, but the leader was outracing his odds. Crystal Guy held a tenuous lead entering the lane, and was able to stall all…except Hushmsh Mushmush. That one ducked inside and edged away, winning by 1-3/4 lengths in a life-best 1:56.3.

Crystal Guy held second, while Blackwalls (Stephane Bouchard) and P H Bestman (Travis Bowman) wound up in a dead-heat for third. Mac Be Nimble (Pat Lachance) earned the final pay envelope, with Thunder Cruise, Harness My Fury (Par Berry) and Papa Hemingway completing the order.

For Hushhush Mushmush, a son of Life Sign owned by Anatolia Racing Stable, it was his second win in six seasonal starts.

“He (Jake) told me just to watch him in the first turn,” Abbatiello said. “He said he probably wasn’t one of the of the best in the final, but the inside should help him

“Once I let Jack go, I thought he could carry me, and things just worked out. I think he can build from this race.”

The $20,000 series consolation went to 11-10 favorite Utah Jack ($4.30). The Astreos colt, trained by Ross Croghan and driven by Jim Pantaleano, defeated Sand Forever (Swartz) by three lengths in a maiden-breaking 1:57.3.