Taiaslew looks tough

EDMONTON, Alberta - Northlands Park patrons will get their first look at the current crop of 2-year-old colts on Friday in the $40,000 Edmonton Juvenile.

The favorite for the six-furlong Juvenile is Taiaslew, a Washington-bred trained by Greg Tracy.

Taiaslew was an easy winner of his debut here June 28, taking a six-length lead into the stretch drive before widening to 10 1/2 lengths at the finish.

The impressive performance wasn't a shock to Tracy, who said Taiaslew appears to have a successful career ahead of him.

"He looks to be the part, and has been working real well," Tracy said.

Although Taiaslew appears to have the ability to compete regardless of the pace, Tracy says that if the race goes his way he will have jockey Real Simard stalking before making his move.

"You always want to have a horse that can come from off a little bit because with so many 2-year-olds, after they win their maiden they want to go right to the front next time out," said Tracy.

"It creates a speed duel at the front end but often they can't finish, so it would be nice to try and get him back a little bit.

Trainer Dale Saunders has three entrants in the Juvenile, including probable second favorite New Media, who is coupled with Jimenez.

After watching New Media register an impressive win in the $30,000 Graduation at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Saunders believes the gelding will be one to watch despite the fact he's running six furlongs for the first time.

"He's mature for a 2-year-old and very laid back," Saunders said.

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