Sharp Tax Lady faces tough task

PORTLAND, Ore. - Sharp Tax Lady will attempt to transfer her good form from Ohio's Beulah Park to Portland Meadows on Friday in a 5 1/2-furlong dash for $2,500 fillies and mares that has drawn a field of nine.

Sharp Tax Lady led throughout to win her last start at Beulah Park on Feb. 10, when she ran 4 1/2 furlongs in 53.70 seconds for owner-trainer Donald W. Smith. She then shipped to Emerald Downs, where she blew out three furlongs in 35.40 Tuesday before vanning here, where she will be saddled by local trainer Robbie Baze.

Sharp Tax Lady faces stiff opposition from Sonora Cisco, Royal Tiff, Black Barry Velvet, and Rated Up Blue, who finished within a half-length of each other when running second through fifth in a 4 1/2-furlong race for $5,000 claimers here on Feb. 13.

Sonora Cisco, who won the four-way photo for second behind former stakes runner Maria Kay, came back to run second again in $2,500 company at the same distance here on Feb. 20.

Also dangerous is Caities Majesty, who returned from a freshening and ran third against $3,500 rivals at six furlongs last Friday. Before the break, Caities Majesty ran second against $5,000 foes and third against $2,500 rivals at 4 1/2 furlongs, finishing within a length of the winner on both occasions.

Rounding out this competitive field are Awesome Fox, Laundering Money, and Lita's Gold. The last named filly will be seeking her third win at the stand, having graduated here in December and defeated $2,500 company at six furlongs in January.