Ruby Choise takes drop in class

PORTLAND, Ore. - Ruby Choise looms as the one to beat in Monday's featured eighth race at Portland Meadows, a mile test for $4,000 fillies and mares who have never won three races.

Ruby Choise arrived here earlier this week from Bay Meadows, where she defeated $4,000 non-winners of two company at a mile Sept. 29. Ruby Choise came back to run fifth against open $4,000 company Oct. 28, but should appreciate the move back to restricted company Monday.

Ruby Choise is one of 10 horses who was shipped here by trainer Tommy Roberts last Monday. Roberts, a five-time leading trainer at Longacres, figures to make an immediate impact on local racing. He will also field a powerful two-horse entry in Monday's second race.

Ruby Choise might get her stiffest challenge from Miss Ricki Racer, who is one of two 3-year-olds in Monday's feature. Miss Ricki Racer will be making her first start around two turns, but she has been finishing extremely well in her recent sprints and may take a liking to the mile distance. Leading rider Debbie Hoonan has the mount.

Also dangerous is Treink, who won going a mile against $5,000 non-winners of two at Emerald Downs in September. Treink, who is trained by Ann Peery, prepped in a 5 1/2-furlong dash here Nov. 1 and could be set for a peak effort with the move to her favorite distance. In five career starts at a mile, Treink has finished in the exacta four times.