Slewzy tries to keep streak alive

PORTLAND, Ore. - Wegota Slewzy is the one to beat when she takes on five other fillies and mares in Saturday's feature at Portland Meadows, an allowance race at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Wegota Slewzy, a homebred daughter of Tip On Slew and stakes winner Wegota Ghost, will be shooting for her third straight score. She won by a length at six furlongs in a Jan. 4 allowance race, then repeated by six lengths in her most recent try, a Jan. 20 allowance, going six furlongs in a rapid 1:11.43.

Wegota Slewzy was ridden by jockey Clark Jones in both of those front-running wins, and trainer Jim Fergason has again named Jones to ride on Saturday at 123 pounds.

All of Wegota Slewzy's rivals have good early foot, but Barmara and Primadonna Poppy have also shown an affinity for stalking and are the most likely upsetters on that basis.

Barmara is also coming off two straight wins, having downed $6,250 claimers on Dec. 22 and allowance company on Feb. 2, when she was clocked in 1:12.12 for six furlongs. Regular rider Twyla Beckner, who has the call from trainer Delmer Webb at 121 pounds, should be able to fashion a favorable trip from just off what figures to be a lively pace.

Primadonna Poppy should also fall into a comfortable position on Saturday, when she will make her first start since December 2001. She was twice stakes placed here in 2001, and won impressively on the allowance level. Though Primadonna Poppy has not raced since that race, she has trained steadily and well for trainer Cookie Root, who has named Ron Keckler to ride at 119 pounds.

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