Forty Durango risks streak

PORTLAND, Ore. - Forty Durango will try for his fourth straight win in Saturday's feature at Portland Meadows, an allowance for older runners at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Forty Durango, an 8-year-old from the barn of trainer Carlos Moreno, is fresh off a victory over the heavily favored Slewicide Cruise in the five-furlong Flashaway Invitational Handicap on Portland Meadows Mile Day, April 8. Forty Durango slipped through on the rail turning for home and then finished furiously to edge Slewicide Cruise by a nose in 59.80.

Prior to that win, Forty Durango defeated $6,250 claimers and allowance runners by comfortable margins. Twyla Beckner will take over the mount from regular rider Jose Zunino, who is now riding at Emerald Downs.

Forty Durango will face challenges from Treasure Booty and Typhoon Aaron, the third and fourth finishers in the Flashaway, and from La Grizz.

La Grizz, a 4-year-old trained by Ben Utley, is also coming off a three-race win streak. La Grizz twice defeated restricted allowance company at six furlongs, then came back on April 10 to down $5,000 starter allowance company with six furlongs in 1:12.60. Aaron Shaw retains the mount.

Rounding out the field of six are Scary Tim and Keys a Don Juan. Scary Tim is coming off a sharp six-furlong score over $5,000 rivals, while Keys a Don Juan, a four-time winner last year at Emerald Downs, finished seventh in the Flashaway.

Saturday's feature is the 10th of 11 live races, with first post set for 12:35 p.m.