Sly Lady lives up to billing

EDMONTON, Alberta - Before the $40,000 John Patrick Memorial last Saturday at Northlands Park, trainer Ron Grieves suggested

that Sly Lady could be the best Thoroughbred in Alberta.

Sly Lady, an Alberta-bred 4-year-old filly, kept up her end of the bargain by dominating the Patrick field, winning the one-mile race by nearly six lengths.

After stalking the leaders through the first half-mile, Sly Lady and jockey Real Simard effortlessly took the lead through the final turn and headed for home. The lead had stretched to more than five lengths by the time Sly Lady hit the wire.

Afterward, Grieves confirmed Sly Lady would be staying in Alberta.

"I haven't even considered shipping anywhere else," said Grieves. "I'm happy to leave her in Alberta and we'll point her towards the Edmonton Distaff [Aug. 23]."

Simard is the regular rider of both Taiaslew and Sly Lady, who have combined for eight stakes wins this year.

- With Taiaslew in Winnipeg preparing for the Manitoba Derby, favored Rindanica managed to hold off a late charge by Beau Brass to win his second straight stakes Friday, the $40,000 Ky Alta for 3-year-olds. Beau Brass could run next in the final prep race for the Canadian Derby, the $40,000 Count Lathum Aug. 2.

- The action on the opening weekend of Klondike Days concluded Sunday afternoon with another dominating performance by Raylene in the $40,000 Northlands Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. It was the fourth stakes win of the year for Raylene, a Kentucky-bred who will now point to the $75,000 Sonoma Aug. 9.