'Aaron' enters off three wins

PORTLAND, Ore. - Undefeated Typhoon Aaron will attempt to stretch his winning steak to four when he takes on five rivals in Sunday's featured race at Portland Meadows, a $7,000 invitational handicap for 3-year-olds to be run at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Typhoon Aaron, a Washington-bred son of Danjur who races for Standish Stables, cuts back in distance after leading throughout in the $20,000 Juvenile Mile here on Dec. 26. In his first two starts, Typhoon Aaron defeated $10,000 maidens at 5 1/2 furlongs on Oct. 23 and won the six-furlong Columbia River Handicap on Nov. 27.

Typhoon Aaron narrowly edged stablemate Tomorrow's Turn in both of his stakes wins, but will not have that rival to contend with on Sunday.

"I turned Tomorrow's Turn out," trainer Jim Fergason said. "I didn't want to run him against Typhoon Aaron anymore, so I'm saving him for Emerald Downs."

Typhoon Aaron figures to be tested by Ahnold, who defeated maiden special weight company in impressive fashion on Dec. 13. Ahnold, a son of Free House from the barn of trainer Roger Stevenson, won by nearly eight lengths in a rapid 1:06.40 to graduate in his fourth start.

Also dangerous is Abtastic, who won his debut before finishing a close third in the Os West Oregon Futurity on Dec. 11. Abtastic, a son of Abstract who races for trainer Dave Runyon and his wife, Patty, was subsequently unplaced in the Juvenile Mile and the 5 1/2-furlong OTBA Stallion Stakes.