Sixthirtyjoe takes the low road

CALGARY, Alberta - Sixthirty-joe, a multiple stakes winner of 16 races and $456,918, heads a field of seven in a one-mile optional claimer for older horses, the eighth race at Stampede on Saturday afternoon.

Deanne Davies, who bred the 7-year-old Sixthirtyjoe and has trained him throughout his career, nominated the gelding to the May 21 Teeworth Plate but opted for this much easier spot. Sixthirtyjoe was third to Chief Mtn and Rindanica in the six-furlong Stampede Park Sprint Championship on April 30 after making a bid down the backstretch.

Sixthirtyjoe drew post 6 Saturday and returning rider Rickey Walcott figures to place him forwardly in the early stages on the stretchout to a mile.

There is not an abundance of speed signed on, and Walcott will keep a close eye on Bridge to Romance, who comes off a seven-length score over $30,000 claimers just one week ago.

Bridge to Romance won drawing off, completing the mile in 1:36.80 under mild urging from Shannon Beauregard. The clocking was easily the best of the spring meeting, and Bridge to Romance has the advantage of the rail with Beauregard retaining the call.

After the Run was a closing second to Fuhr Ore two weeks ago after chasing moderate fractions posted by the winner. He should get a stalking trip this time around and would appreciate a more honest pace to set up his closing kick.