Long idle 'Yada' has back class

PORTLAND, Ore. - Yada Yada Yada will return from an absence of more than 13 months to contest Monday's best race at Portland Meadows, a 5 1/2-furlong race for $6,250 claimers who have never won two races.

Yada Yada Yada, a 4-year-old son of Can't be Slew, began his career in spectacular fashion in November 2002, winning the Bill Wineberg Stakes at six furlongs in his first start. He came right back to run third to Glad to be Here and Stately Jack Flash in the one-mile Oregon Futurity.

Yada Yada Yada ran second to Stately Jack Flash in a six-furlong allowance in his first start at 3, but he subsequently ran two very poor races and was sidelined until returning to training this spring.

Trainer Nick Lowe has put six good workouts into Yada Yada Yada for his return and he has given him a realistic assignment against a modest field. Twyla Beckner will ride at 121 pounds.

Yada Yada Yada figures to get his sternest opposition from a pair of 3-year-olds, Nick's Gladiator and Lean on Pete. Those two finished second and third, respectively, to Ack of Congress in a six-furlong race for $8,000 claimers on April 10, when they earned the two highest last-race Beyer Speed Figures in Monday's field.

Another 3-year-old, Valuator, could also pose a threat after defeating maiden special weight company at six furlongs on April 10. Valuator will be ridden by Melissa Peery, who won with 11 of her last 31 mounts coming into this week's racing to rank as the hottest rider on the grounds.

Four-year-olds Carls Favorite and Slewper Sport round out the field of six.