In Search of Fame clearly one to beat on this track

PORTLAND, Ore. - In Search of Fame will attempt to improve upon an already brilliant record when he takes on six other older Quarter Horses, including archrival Rompun Stompin, in Saturday's 350-yard Director's Handicap at Portland Meadows.

In Search of Fame, a 6-year-old son of Dash Ta Fame who races for The Victory Group Inc., has won 17 of 30 career starts and has proven nearly unbeatable at this track. In Search of Fame, trained by James Glenn Jr., has not lost since late in 2000, when he was twice defeated by Rompun Stompin.

He is currently working on a four-race win streak that includes a decision over Rompun Stompin in the 350-yard Autumn Handicap here on Oct. 28. It was the last time both horses raced. Bob Webb, who rode In Search of Fame in the Autumn Handicap, will ride him again at 127 pounds.

Rompun Stompin, a 7-year-old from the barn of Chuck Lindsay, also boasts an outstanding record. The gelding, owned by Bill Duncan, has won 16 of 45 career outings, including 10 consecutive victories in 1999 and 2000. He defeated In Search of Fame twice during that streak, but has lost the last three meetings to his rival, including the Autumn Handicap, where he finished fourth.

Regular rider David Brown will have the mount at 126 pounds.

Both of the older stars could be tested by the good 3-year-old Micro Meter, who has never finished worse than third in eight starts for owners Beverly and Donald Conway and trainer Baxter Andruss. Micro Meter is coming off an impressive allowance score on Jan. 6, when he went 350 yards in 18.14 seconds, which is just .14 slower than In Search Of Fame's winning time in the Autumn Handicap. Tadd Skaggs will ride on Saturday at 123 pounds.

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