Newcomers face four who drop

PORTLAND, Ore. - Classic Jourdan and Lasting Kiss will make their Portland Meadows debuts in Friday's 5 1/2-furlong headliner, an $8,000 claiming race for fillies and mares that has drawn a highly competitive field of six.

Classic Jourdan, a 4-year-old from the barn of trainer Robbie Baze, won twice last summer at Emerald Downs. She defeated $12,500 company at six furlongs in June, then bested $8,000 rivals at a mile in September. While she has not raced since Sept. 19, Classic Jourdan has had four five-furlong works here.

Lasting Kiss was recently purchased by owner James Hambleton Jr. in a private transaction at Hastings Park. Though winless in two recent outings at Hastings, Lasting Kiss scored at the $7,000 and $7,500 levels in August and October at Northlands Park. Lasting Kiss, a 3 year-old daughter of Numerous, is now trained by Jacqui Navarre.

The newcomers will take on Hope You Dance, a two-time winner at the meet, and Nancys Blazen Lady, Rhoda Ghost, and Spirit One, all dropping from the allowance ranks.

Friday's Thoroughbred feature will share the spotlight with a pair of Quarter Horse stakes.

Beluga Star, who won the 350-yard Autumn Handicap here in October, will attempt to stretch his speed to 870 yards in the $6,000-added Candy Cane Handicap.

Top qualifier Dash of Irish Cream will take on nine other juveniles in the $39,000 Far West Futurity at 400 yards. Traffic a Tac, who won the slower of the two qualifying heats, figures as the top threat to Dash of Irish Cream, the likely favorite.