'Breezy' looks tough in drop

PORTLAND, Ore. - Breezy Bullette takes a drop in Friday's featured eighth race at 5 1/2 furlongs, for older fillies and mares eligible to be claimed for $3,200.

Breezy Bullette, a 4-year-old daughter of Bull Inthe Heather who races for trainer Betty Beach, raced on the $5,000 level in her last two outings, a sharp second to Nancys Blazen Lady on Feb. 28 and a fourth to Ionix, Joy's Toy, and Smoozie on Feb. 28. She retains regular rider Flip Nollar while dropping two levels on Friday. She would be difficult to deny with a repeat of either of her recent efforts.

Both Natural Born Lover and Writehof are coming off victories over lesser company and may be sharp enough to withstand the price hike. Natural Born Lover led throughout for a 17-1 upset over $2,500 rivals at six furlongs on March 9, while Writehof had a front-running win over $2,500 company as the 8-5 favorite on March 7.

The wild card could be Tweed, a 7-year-old who has amassed an impressive total of 15 wins over the course of her 42-race career. Tweed has not raced since August, when she ran second after pressing the pace against $5,000 claimers at five furlongs. She has been training steadily and well for owner and trainer Bernice Vandervort, however, and she is at her best over abbreviated distances.

Another who has a chance to upset is Gotta Motion, an 8-year-old who has posted a dozen wins from 47 starts. Gotta Motion finished fifth against $3,200 rivals in her last race on Jan. 26, but beat better last summer at Finger Lakes.

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