'Kitty Cat' takes steep class drop

PORTLAND, Ore. - True Kitty Cat drops sharply in search of a second career win on Sunday when she heads a field of six 3-year-old fillies, each eligible to be claimed for $8,000, in the 5 1/2-furlong feature at Portland Meadows.

True Kitty Cat tried stakes company in last Saturday's Mary Goldblatt at one mile, but tired badly after chasing the pace for six furlongs and wound up ninth and last, beaten some 35 lengths. Prior to that effort, she fired off three strong sprint tries. She won going six furlongs against $6,250 maiden claimers on Jan. 31, then finished third to $8,000 rivals and second to $12,500 foes in a pair of six-furlong sprints in February.

True Kitty Cat, who races for breeder and trainer Dr. Ryland Harwood, will break from post 1.

True Kitty Cat won't have to look far for her main rival, as Danjurific will line up to her immediate right. Danjurific is coming off a breakout effort against $8,000 maidens on Feb. 19, when she led throughout under Javier Ortega to win by 3 1/2 lengths in 1:02.20 for five furlongs. Danjurific again appears to be the primary speed of her field and figures to go straight to the front under Ortega, who recently took over first place in the jockey standings.

Also a threat is Rose's Thistle, who recorded seven straight seconds before winning against maiden special weight company on Feb. 12. In her first try against winners on Feb. 27, Rose's Thistle finished fifth to $10,000 rivals.