Deke's Star looks tough going mile

PORTLAND, Ore. - A compact field of five $4,000 claimers will do battle at a mile in the best race on a special Tuesday card at Portland Meadows.

Tuesday's program is one of four make-up days scheduled to replace cards lost to a winter storm. The others are Monday, April 19, Friday, April 23, and Monday, April 25. Tuesday's first post is 1:35 p.m. Pacific.

Deke's Star may be the one to beat in the feature, as he is coming off a game win over $3,200 company at six furlongs on Feb. 16. He prevailed by a head that day over next-out winner Mr. Melcap in 1:13.16.

Deke's Star, from the barn of trainer Roger Stevenson, finished strongly in that victory and may be ready to succeed around two turns, a feat none of Tuesday's entrants has accomplished to date.

Bullero probably poses the most serious threat to Deke's Star after finishing a good fourth to Mr. Melcap in a mile race for $4,000 claimers on Feb. 23. In his previous start, the 6-year-old Bullero was a four-length winner over $2,500 company on Feb. 6, when he covered six furlongs in 1:13.69.

Both Deke's Star and Bullero figure to be chasing Don Double D early. Don Double D led throughout to defeat $3,200 sprinters at six furlongs on Feb. 26, going the distance in a quick 1:12.74. His previous score here in April of last year was also a gate-to-wire affair. Having the lead to himself may be more important to Don Double D than the distance of this race.

Dear John, a career winner of six races, and Drive Your Stake, a sprint winner on the $6,250 level here in November, round out the field.