Fans draw for slice of 'Might'

PORTLAND, Ore. - One lucky fan at Portland Meadows on Saturday will win virtual ownership of a horse, then watch him compete for a $10,000 purse in the featured McFadden Memorial for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles.

The horse in question is Might E Man, who figures to be one of the McFadden favorites. A 3-year-old son of Baquero from the barn of trainer Ben Root, Might E Man ran third in the one-mile Oregon Futurity in December while trying two turns for the first time. He is coming off a third-place finish behind McFadden foes Mythical Road and Keep on Turkin in the six-furlong Flying Lark Handicap on Jan. 31.

Fans who are not registered owners can enter a drawing at the track Saturday, and the winner will be entitled to one-quarter of Might E Man's earnings for the remainder of the meeting. The winner will also be entitled to visit Might E Man on the backstretch, receive free seating and programs whenever Might E Man runs, and pose with him for a picture in the winner's circle when he wins.

Root said Might E Man is scheduled to run in Saturday's McFadden, then the $10,000 Preview Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 13 and the $20,000 Oregon Derby at 1 1/8 miles on April 3. Root said he feels Might E Man is live for all three races.

"He is doing very well now, and we have always felt he would be at his best around two turns," said Root. "I'm hoping this will be a very expensive promotion for the track."

Might E Man figures to be the second or third favorite behind Mythical Road in Saturday's field of seven.