Grieves has 'Disguise' fit, ready

CALGARY, Alberta - Business was far from brisk at entry time for Wednesday's program, but racing secretary Russ Armstrong was able to fashion an eight-race card for the first day of six-furlong sprints at the young Stampede Park meeting. The weather played a role in the lack of entries, as several days of rain curtailed training.

But the featured seventh race, an optional $32,000 claimer for 3-year-olds, drew some highly regarded 3-year-olds who are getting their first opportunity of the year at six furlongs. Clever Disguise, a homebred owned by Bar None Ranches, heads the field of six. Trainer Ron Grieves has gotten two strong five-furlong works into Clever Disguise.

Clever Disguise won his maiden in impressive fashion going 6 1/2 furlongs last September, enticing Grieves to run him back on just a week's rest in the restricted Alberta Premier's Futurity. Clever Disguise faded to fifth in the one-mile race after pressing the early fractions, and Grieves then put him away for the winter.

Stephan Heiler, who was aboard for all four starts last year, should have Clever Disguise forwardly placed after breaking from post 4.

Clever Disguise's rivals include Sweetwood and Highwood, both trained by Rod Haynes and coupled in the wagering. Sweetwood drew the rail with Shannon Beauregard up, while Highwood breaks from post 2 with Nobel Abrego aboard. Both run from off the pace and would appreciate some lively fractions.