Unbeaten Taiaslew wins Alberta Derby

CALGARY, Alberta - Taiaslew remained unbeaten in seven starts in this province by posting a 7 1/2-length victory over West Coast invader Gamblin Caper here in last Saturday's Grade 3, $100,000 Alberta Derby.

A Washington-bred, Taiaslew competed a sweep of the three sophomore stakes at this meeting to increase his career bankroll to $240,316 for owners Shelli Tracy and Stan Ryan.

His only loss came at the hands of Illusive Force, who presently is in Toronto prepping for the Queen's Plate, at Hastings last October.

Taiaslew's Alberta Derby victory came in front-running fashion under Real Simard.

"My horse broke so sharply I just decided to go on with him," said Simard, adding that he had expected Gamblin Caper to be in front early and the plan was to stalk the pacesetter.

Nicola Wright did urge Gamblin Caper to within a half-length after six furlongs but Taiaslew began to draw away and increased his margin at will while under a firm hold.

He completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.80 and paid $3.10 with Gamblin Caper second after rebuffing a challenge from Rindanica at the furlong pole.

Trainer Greg Tracy plans to keep Taiaslew in Western Canada with engagements in the Ky Alta at Northlands Park, the Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs, and a return to Edmonton for the Canadian Derby on his agenda.