Taiaslew begins his campaign

CALGARY, Alberta - Taiaslew, Alberta's champion juvenile colt of last year, makes his 2003 debut against eight 3-year-old rivals in Saturday's $40,000 President's Stakes.

Taiaslew, a Washington-bred son of Slewdledo, was unbeaten in four local outings prior to running third to Illusive Force, British Columbia's top 2-year-old, at Hastings Park to end his campaign. Taiaslew comes into the six-furlong President's off a steady string of works for trainer Greg Tracy and will have his regular rider Real Simard in the irons as he begins from post 8.

The 120-pound highweight, Taiaslew is one of just two entrants in the President's without a prep race.

Jiffyjimmygee, winner of two restricted stakes and third to Taiaslew in the Canadian Juvenile last year, is the other horse coming into the race without benefit of a tightener.

Jiffyjimmygee drew post 5 and will be ridden by Quincy Welch, who was aboard for his three wins last summer at Northlands Park.

As the only stakes winners in the field, Taiaslew and Jiffjimmygee are expected to attract the majority of the betting.

Leading the opposition are Judge Ruckus and Double Doc, a pair of promising geldings from the barn of trainer Dale Saunders.

Judge Ruckus, stakes placed on three occasions last year, handily won a maiden race April 12, completing six furlongs in 1:11.80. Judge Ruckus was beaten three times by Taiaslew last year but was visually impressive in his maiden tally and may be ready to step up.

Double Doc won a six-furlong allowance prep in 1:12 April 25.