Palanca is maiden with stakes shot

PORTLAND, Ore. - One maiden and two recent graduates will likely vie for favoritism in Saturday's $11,000 McFadden Memorial at Portland Meadows, which attracted a field of eight Oregon-bred 3-year-olds to race at 1 1/16 miles.

Palanca, trained by Shirley Baze, is still a maiden after two starts, but seems a logical choice after running a strong second to the undefeated Typhoon Aaron in the unrestricted Flying Lark Handicap on Jan. 29.

Palanca ran second to Ahnold in his debut against maiden special weight runners on Dec. 13, then came back to get within 2 1/4 lengths of Typhoon Aaron, who won the six-furlong Flying Lark in a quick 1:11.80.

A Colt Named Sue graduated for a $12,500 claiming price in his last start, at five furlongs on Jan. 24. But he ran second, beaten only a nose by Wice O Kat, in the $43,000 Os West Oregon Futurity at a mile in December. Between those two races, A Colt Named Sue, trained by Ben Root, ran sixth in the Juvenile Mile, which was won by Typhoon Aaron.

Truth Buster is also coming off an $8,000 maiden win on Jan. 30. Truth Buster earlier ran second and third in two six-furlong stakes, and finished fourth, beaten only two lengths, in the Os West.

Also on Saturday's card is the Portland Meadows Championship for older Quarter Horses at 440 years. Local stakes winners Mr Eye Will, My Crowning Glory, and Super Duper Awesome head the field.