Tantoo goes for six in a row

CALGARY, Alberta - Tantoo, unbeatable at Stampede Park the past two springs, will be looking for her sixth straight win here in Sunday's feature, the first of two major preps for the May 4 M.R. Jenkins Memorial.

Tantoo, a 7-year-old mare, scored at four furlongs here opening weekend in typical front-running fashion and will face just four rivals in the $21,900 allowance at six furlongs.

Code's Decree and A Ray of Magic, third and fourth in Tantoo's April 6 victory, will appreciate the added two furlongs and are major threats to end her winning streak. The presence of Galaxy Belle, who may take up the task of chasing Tantoo during the early stages, improves their chances.

Code's Decree blossomed last summer for trainer Ron Grieves, winning a pair of stakes at Northlands Park. She turned in an even effort along the rail in her 2003 debut and was beaten five lengths.

A Ray of Magic was another half-length back after a three-wide journey. The 5-year-old A Ray of Magic was a gem of consistency for trainer Rod Haynes last year, going 4-4-4 from 12 starts, and capped her season with a victory in the Fall Classic Distaff.

Tantoo, an Alberta-bred trained by Rick Hedge, breaks from post 4 under rider Richard Hamel and is the 122-pound highweight.

She will be conceding three pounds to Code's Decree, who breaks from post 2 under Real Simard, and six pounds to A Ray of Magic, who drew the outside with Leanne Painter up.

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