Im Just Special made it three in a row tonight as she won the first of two $40,000 eliminations for the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold final for three-year-old pacing fillies.
Tim Tetrick avoided the worst of the slop by sending Im Just Special to the lead early, with Chancey Lady and Mike Saftic chasing her throughout the mile. Saftic made a move to challenge in the stretch, but couldn't make it happen, while Im Just Special opened up a three-length gap to win in 1:52.4.
Tom Artandi trains the daughter of Camluck, who is owned by Ted and Susan Colby of Bronxville, New York. It was Im Just Special's tenth win in 19 starts this season.
In the second OSS Gold elim, Voelz Hanover and Ms Goliath dueled throughout the mile, with Voelz Hanover emerging victorious by a nose.
Ms Goliath, with Sylvain Filion in the bike, and 8-5 favourite, Voelz Hanover, with Mario Baillargeon, swapped places for the lead twice in the first half, with Ms Goliath eventually settling on top. Baillargeon popped the pocket in the stretch and Voelz Hanover wore down her rival inch by inch to win in 1:52.4. Longshot PW Lover (Tim Tetrick) grabbed third.
It was just the second win in 11 sophomore starts for Voelz Hanover, who nonetheless has earned over $100,000 this year for trainer Benoit Baillargeon and owner Richard Berthiaume of Pointe-Aux-Trembles, Que.
To view Saturday's results, click here.
(WEG)