Taiaslew tries a mile in Hoofprint

CALGARY, Alberta - Taiaslew, winner of the six-furlong President's Stakes two weeks ago, stretches out to a mile for Sunday's Hoofprint on My Heart Handicap, the major prep for the June 14 Alberta Derby.

The 123-pound highweight in a field of six, Taiaslew is unbeaten in five career starts in this province and captured the President's by four lengths.

Bet down to 4-5 and making his seasonal bow over a tiring surface rated "slow," Taiaslew was prominent early and drew off with authority under a hand ride from Real Simard. It was yet another dominating performance by the Washington-bred Taiaslew, whose only loss came in the Ascot Graduation at Hastings Park last October when he finished third to Illusive Force.

Taiaslew drew the outside post in the $40,000 Hoofprint on My Heart and Simard will be looking to gain a forward position in the short run to the first turn.

Simard was aboard for a half-mile workout of 48.60 seconds May 19 and reported Taiaslew was "sharper than he's been all spring."

Jiffyjimmygee, winner of two restricted stakes last year at Northlands Park, made his 2003 debut in the President's and was never a factor, finishing fifth with a wide trip.

The Alberta-bred Jiffyjimmygee worked five furlongs in 1:01 May 19 and is eligible to improve off his opener. He receives six pounds from Taiaslew and is proven at a mile, having won the Alberta Premier's Futurity last Sept. 21.

Judge Ruckus was second in the President's. He drew post 5 with Stephan Heiler up at 117 pounds.