by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — Driver Mike Saftic reined home both winners in Saturday’s (August 2) Ontario Sires Stakes Gold eliminations for 3-year-old filly pacers at Mohawk, clicking with Chancey Lady and Im Just Special.

Chancey Lady was making her first appearance since capturing the C$733,031 Fan Hanover Final at Mohawk on June 14 and overcame a gapped-out start to score convincingly in 1:52.3. The small but speedy daughter of Camluck-Art Of Design prevailed over a closing Gabrielles Girl with Southwind Swallow landing the show spot.

The winner was making her first start for conditioner John Pentland who took over from previous trainer Casie Coleman. It marked Chancey Lady’s fourth win in six outings overall this season and increased her impressive seasonal bankroll to just over C$482,000 for owner Niele Jiwan.

Saftic also captured the second elimination with heavily favored Im Just Special who wired the field with ease in an identical 1:52.3 clocking. The daughter of Camluck-Ladys Special held off a hard-charging Ms Goliath with All Accounted For nabbing the show spot.

Im Just Special got back on the winning track after finishing a disappointing sixth in the July 26 Canadian Breeders Championship at Mohawk. The Tom Artandi trainee now shows seven wins from 15 starts this season and just over C$188,000 in yearly earnings for owners Theodore and Susan Colby.

The productive night left Saftic with the dilemma of who to chose in the final, but he confirmed in a post-race interview that he would stick with Chancey Lady. Jody Jamieson has already been enlisted to drive Im Just Special.

The C$120,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Final is slated to go postward next Saturday night (August 9) at Mohawk. Here is the look at the field in post position order: 1. A Fiesty Affair, 2. Chancey Lady, 3. Im Just Special, 4. Georgia Peach, 5. Style Semalu, 6. Gabrielles Girl, 7. Elizamotion, 8. All Accounted For, 9. Ms Goliath, 10. Southwind Swallow.