Sunland Park: Take Me Away Today upsets El Paso Times for first stakes win

Take Me Away Today, who began her career in the claiming ranks, become a stakes winner Sunday, when she closed fast in the $50,000 El Paso Times at Sunland Park. She won by 2 1/2 lengths over Brooks Beach, while it was another three-quarters of a length back in third to Angry Bird.

The El Paso Times was a 6 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies.

Take Me Away Today ($21.80) had won a $20,000 maiden claiming race at Golden Gate Fields in Northern California in October. In her first start in New Mexico, she was fourth in a first-level allowance at Sunland in December. Take Me Away Today trailed the field early in the El Paso Times and closed well to cover the distance on a track rated fast in 1:18.64.

Miguel Hernandez rode the winner for Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and trainer Johnnie Nall.