Sixthirtyjoe shows he's still got it

CALGARY, Alberta - Sixthirtyjoe edged closer to the half-million-dollar mark in earnings with his 17th career victory Saturday at Stampede Park.

Sixthirtyjoe's trainer, Deanne Davies, opted for the $21,800 allowance purse after nominating Sixthirtyjoe to next Saturday's $50,000 Teeworth Plate at the same one-mile distance, and the victory upped the 7-year-old gelding's career bankroll to $474,651.

Jockey Rickey Walcott had Sixthirtyjoe in perfect striking position down the backstretch, and the outcome was never in doubt once he turned him loose turning for home. The winning time of 1:36.80 came on a course that played very fast all weekend.

On Sunday, Hot Talk ran six furlongs in 1:09.40, equalling the track record, which was set in the fall of 1981 by Classic Rock. Hot Talk accomplished the feat despite jumping the tire tracks at the head of the lane.

A pair of spills marred the action on Saturday. Rider Mike Fretz will be out of action for a few weeks after injuring his shoulder when he was unseated from his mount, Lady's Lil' Ringer, who clipped heels on the turn for home. Ron Blinston suffered bumps and bruises after he fell from his mount Tri Chem, who clipped heels in deep stretch. Blinston is expected back for the coming weekend.

* In Wednesday's featured fourth race, Serendipity Style, a 4-year-old from Red Smith's shed row, faces the very promising 3-year-old Flame's Legend in a nonwinners-of-two allowance.