Raley vs. Raley in Futurity

PORTLAND, Ore. - Trainer Scott Raley holds a strong hand in Saturday's Portland Meadows Quarter Horse Futurity, which has drawn a field of eight to vie over 300 yards for a purse of $23,750.

Raley will saddle three of the eight starters, including the top two qualifiers. Easy Stretch to Fame and Time to Fly Strait posted the best qualifying times when first and second in the first of three qualifying trials on April 2. Easy Stretch to Fame won that race by a neck over Time to Fly Strait in 16.23. Jose Martinez, who was up for the trial, again has the mount on Easy Stretch to Fame, while Jeff Smith will ride Time to Fly Strait.

Easy Stretch to Fame will race coupled in the wagering with another Raley trainee, Two Dash to Fame, as both are owned by breeder Gary Chumbley. Two Dash to Fame also won her trial, getting 300 yards in 16.42.

Raley also saddled the winner of the third qualifier, Chivato Toast, but that runner was not entered in the final.

The Raley runners might face their sternest challenge from Dazzlin Dory, who is trained by Scott's father, Ron Raley. Dazzlin Dory ran second to Chivato Toast after a rough start in her trial. She is a half-sister to One Fast Trick, a 3-year-old filly who has won 9 of her 10 career starts and is trained by Ron Raley.

Rounding out the field are Dishin the Kickin, Dash for Chris, Slick Example, and Ya Beda Reboot.

Ya Beda Reboot looms a threat to upset after drawing the favorable outside post. He was third, beaten less than a length by Easy Stretch to Fame in his trial.