Im Just Special survived a scare as the heavy 1-5 favourite to deliver in Sunday night's lone $249,853 division of the Simcoe Stakes for three-year-old filly pacers at Mohawk Racetrack.
Jody Jamieson was on board for the victory and had the daughter of Camluck leaving hard off the wings to grab a spot in third as they past the opening station in :26.3. Just as the field straightened up towards the half, Im Just Special got underway and brushed to command through a :55.3 half mile.
Stylish Artist released the favourite to the lead and sat in the pocket with Sprig Hanover in third and Windsong Eva making the first move to the outside. Im Just Special continued in front past three-quarters in 1:24 and turned for home with more than a length to spare on her rivals.
The filly kept on digging in the late stages with Stylish Artist tipping wide to challenge and Roxanna Hanover closing along the inside. The wire came up just in time with Im Just Special holding on by a diminishing half length for the 1:52 victory. Stylish Artist barely edged out Roxanna Hanover for the place spot.
It was the ninth win of the campaign in 18 starts for the Tom Artandi trainee, who boosted her seasonal bankroll to more than $430,000 for owners Ted and Susan Colby of Bronxville, New York.
(WEG)