Just Michel wins despite trouble

Just Michel ($4) overcame traffic trouble and rallied for a 2 1/2-length victory over Money Card in the $50,000 Scarlet and Gray Handicap for Ohio-bred fillies and mare.

Just Michel stalked the pace while saving ground to the stretch of the six-furlong race under jockey Luis Gonzalez. They were blocked behind runners in upper stretch, but Gonzalez angled her out and found a seam between rivals approaching the furlong marker, and Just Michel drew clear late in a time of 1:10.98 over the fast track.

The victory was Just Michel's 17th in 40 career starts. Mike Nance trains Just Michel, a 6-year-old daughter of Pacific Waves who has now earned $384,323.