Consistent pair to duel in feature

PORTLAND, Ore. - Delinquenator seems well spotted for success in Monday's featured event at Portland Meadows, a six-furlong race for horses eligible to be claimed for $8,000 to $10,000.

A 4-year-old trained by Vanessa Hunt, Delinquenator has posted 10 top-three finishes from 14 career starts. He was fourth in his most recent outing last Sunday, in an invitational handicap at five furlongs, but finished second, beaten 1 1/4 lengths, in a six-furlong claiming race one start before. The return to claiming company, plus the stretch-out to six furlongs, could put Delinquenator back in the winner's circle.

Delinquenator will likely receive his stiffest challenge from Hunt for Glory, another consistent horse who has posted top-three finishes in 10 of his 14 starts. Hunt for Glory won for a $5,000 claiming price in his first start at this stand and is coming off a fourth behind the streaking Big Al T in a $5,000 starter allowance affair Jan. 29.

An interesting alternative to the top two is City Fox, who is one of two 3-year-olds in the seven-horse field. City Fox collected his maiden win for a modest $6,250 tag here in November, but he has since run second against $12,500 company and fourth in the six-furlong Flying Lark Handicap on Jan. 29. City Fox outfinished seven rivals in the Flying Lark, which was won by the undefeated Typhoon Aaron in a quick 1:11.83.

Monday's nine-race holiday card will get under way at 1:05 p.m.