Five last-out winners vie at 6 furlongs

PORTLAND, Ore. - A field of nine $3,200 sprinters, including five who are coming off sharp victories, will compete in Monday's six-furlong feature at Portland Meadows.

The last-out winners will line up in the inside five posts, with On El Bon taking the rail, just inside of Gammagoat Kid. Next comes Valuator, Don Double D and Kenny C. On El Bon, Gammagoat Kid and Don Double D are all coming off scores over $2,500 rivals who have not won since the meeting began, while Valuator beat $3,200 nonwinners of two races lifetime and Kenny C defeated $3,200 nonwinners of three races lifetime. All will be stepping up to race in Monday's feature, which is an open race.

Though the field is evenly matched, trainer Jim Keen stands a good chance to wind up in the winner's circle after Monday's headliner. Keen will saddle both On El Bon, who will have leading rider Debbie Hoonan in the irons, and Gammagoat Kid, who will be ridden by defending jockey champion Juan Gutierrez. The Keen trainees will not be coupled in the wagering because of separate ownership.

Gammagoat Kid, a 5-year-old son of Trick Question, may be favored off his 4 1/4-length victory on Oct. 25, when he ran six furlongs in 1:11 to earn a top last-race Beyer Speed Figure of 61. That was Gammagoat Kid's first race since Aug. 7 and he might well move forward with a recent outing under his girth.