Taiaslew overcomes bad start

EDMONTON, Alberta - Before last Friday's $40,000 Edmonton Juvenile at Northlands Park, trainer Greg Tracy suggested Taiaslew should have no trouble navigating a distance of six furlongs for the first time in his young career.

Tracy's comments were right on the mark as Taiaslew ($2.90), a Washington-bred 2-year-old, easily handled the field for his first stakes win and the winner's share of $25,200.

Even though Taiaslew lunged from the gate, jockey Real Simard was able to settle in comfortably behind the early speed of Diablo Contento and Judge Ruckus though the first half of the race before making his move.

When Simard urged Taiaslew to the front at the half-mile pole, the colt easily assumed control and pulled away to win by 2 1/2 lengths.

Sixthirtyjoe dominates

Saturday's $40,000 Klondike Handicap shaped up as a duel between the top two older horses in Alberta, Sixthirtyjoe and Rancour.

The last time the two met, in the Spangled Jimmy here July 6, Sixthirtyjoe was able to hold off Rancour. But conventional wisdom suggested the added distance of the Klondike should work in favor of Rancour, the 3-2 favorite.

Sixthirtyjoe had other ideas. He stalked Tyko Tycoon through the first six furlongs, made his customary move to the outside and Sixthirtyjoe drew off by three lengths.

Sixtthirtyjoe now is the clear front-runner for horse of the year honors in Alberta. He is scheduled to swing right back in the $50,000 Sun Sprint here Aug. 5.

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