Mini-edge to 4-year-olds in toughie

PORTLAND, Ore. - Seven evenly matched 3- and 4-year old fillies will seek a second career victory in Friday's allowance feature at Portland Meadows, a six-furlong sprint with a purse of $4,200.

The field includes two 4-year-olds, and both figure to attract significant support. One is Kiltee, who won her lone start in February by six lengths. The other, Dream Weaver, comes in off a creditable second under the same conditions on Oct. 19.

The clocking in Dream Weaver's race, 1:13.76 for six furlongs, points out another member of Friday's field as a strong contender: Oysterville, a 3-year-old who just missed catching Be Still My Heart a race earlier in 1:13.29.

Oysterville, claimed by trainer Scott Raley for owner Ray Boucher out of that $4,000 race, finished with a bold rush on Oct. 1, and could benefit from a hotly contested pace Friday since all six of her rivals won their maidens as front-runners. Twyla Beckner, who rides at 119 pounds, will try timing Oysterville's late move.

Another intriguing entrant is Diamond D. C., who will make her local debut for trainer George Davis after starting eight times in Virginia and Maryland. Diamond D. C., a Virginia-bred daughter of Majesty's Time, ran most recently at Pimlico on Oct. 4, leading a field of nine $7,500 claimers in a 1 1/16-mile race early but then fading to finish fifth. Earlier this year she scored a 10 1/4-length win against $8,000 maidens at Pimlico, leading throughout in a 1 1/16-mile race. Davis calls on Edgar Montehermoso to ride Diamond D. C. on Friday at 121 pounds.

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