Kasmerski finds a perfect spot

PORTLAND, Ore. - Mr. Deep Pockets drops into a likely spot on Sunday when he heads the most attractive offering at Portland Meadows, a six-furlong test for $3,200 claimers that has drawn a field of nine.

Mr. Deep Pockets, a 5-year-old from the barn of trainer Len Kasmerski, ran third to the razor-sharp Big Al T when last seen on Jan. 10, when he was racing for a $4,000 tag. In his prior start on Dec. 27, Mr. Deep Pockets came from just off the pace to down $3,200 rivals by a head in 1:12.80 for six furlongs. He led throughout to defeat restricted $6,250 rivals earlier in the meeting and would seem a cozy fit at Sunday's level.

Mr. Deep Pockets might get his sternest challenges from a trio of recent winners. Mon T. Hauls and Phone Scrambler each defeated $2,500 rivals in his last outing, while Shawshank Shaun beat $3,200 foes going six furlongs Jan. 10.

Shawshank Shaun, from the barn of two-time defending training champion Jim Fergason, came from 13 lengths back to win by almost two lengths in his recent score, stopping the timer in 1:13.80. That was his third win at the meeting and his second over $3,200 company, which he also defeated on Dec. 18. He was claimed by Fergason for owner Dean Honrath and wasted little time in providing a return on investment.

Between wins, however, Shawshank Shaun finished fourth behind Mr. Deep Pockets on Dec. 27, and he would appear to need at least modest improvement to turn the tables on Sunday.