Sixthirtyjoe looks best of the best

EDMONTON, Alberta - Saturday is getaway day at Northlands, as the 68-day meet comes to a close. That makes it an appropriate time to reflect on the high spots of the season and on who will win Alberta's divisional titles.

Some categories would appear to be automatic, such as Sixthirtyjoe as champion older horse on the strength of his five stakes victories at distances from six furlongs to 1 1/16 miles. Sixthirtyjoe won the Sprint Championship and the Teeworth Plate at Stampede and the Journal, Spangled Jimmy, and Klondike here.

Sixthirtyjoe also is a front-runner as best Alberta-bred, and it is easy to argue the case for horse of the year laurels for Sixthirtyjoe as well.

Tyko Tycoon appears to have the inside track for the sprint honor after winning the Journal and the Red Diamond Express, races in which Sixthirtyjoe finished second and third, respectively.

Lord Shogun, a 3-year-old, might have been a challenger for horse of the year after winning the Alberta Derby and the Ky Alta, but because of infirmities he failed to show up for the Canadian Derby.

Sweet Monarch, who distinguished herself against male opposition in both the Alberta and Canadian derbies, is a shoo-in for champion 3-year-old filly.

Full Scream Ahead is the probable top older mare, although A Ray of Magic is a contender with four wins.

The 2-year-old honors are secure for Taiaslew and Raylene. Taiaslew capped an unbeaten season by capturing the Canadian Juvenile, Edmonton Juvenile, and Birdcatcher. Raylene won the Princess Margaret, Bird of Pay, and Freedom of the City.

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