Preview has McFadden 1-2 runners

PORTLAND, Ore. - A full field of 12 3-year-olds will do battle in Saturday's $10,000 Preview Stakes at 1 1/16 miles, the last major prep for the $20,000 Oregon Derby on April 3.

Mythical Road is expected to retain the favorite's role despite being upset by longshot Northern Baquero in last month's McFadden Memorial at the same 1 1/16-mile distance. Mythical Road, from the barn of trainer Dick Occhiuto, has not been worse than third in five starts against stakes company at this stand, including a win in the six-furlong Flying Lark Stakes two races back. He was beaten only a half-length in the McFadden, which was a race he may have needed, and he retains leading jockey Juan Gutierrez at 121 pounds.

Northern Baquero will be out to show that his McFadden victory was not a fluke. Though he entered that race in dubious form and was dismissed at 15-1, it was his first opportunity to negotiate two turns, and trainer Eulia Bischoff says he feels Northern Baquero may have needed a distance of ground to show his best stuff. Melissa Peery retains the mount at 121 pounds.

A newcomer to the local stakes ranks is Big Wagner, who collected his maiden win going a mile at Emerald Downs last September. Big Wagner, an On Target gelding trained by Frank Lucarelli, subsequently raced four times in California, with his best finish being a fourth against $12,500 company in a mile race at Golden Gate in December. He has not raced since, but he worked a sharp five furlongs in 1:02 at Emerald Downs last Sunday and seems primed for a representative effort. Bob Webb will ride at 118 pounds.