Star of '04 returns in Diane Kem

PORTLAND, Ore. - Bullishdemands is expected to take on older rivals in Saturday's $10,000 Diane Kem Handicap at Portland Meadows. As of early Thursday, Bullishdemands and Corona Del Hielo were two of the fillies and mares expected to be entered in the six-furlong race.

Bullishdemands, a 3-year-old daughter of Bull Inthe Heather from the barn of trainer Gene Davis, made a big impression in two starts at Portland Meadows last fall. After missing by a nose in her debut, Bullishdemands outgamed One Fast Cowgirl to win the $10,000 Lassie Stakes by three-quarters of a length in 1:00.80 for five furlongs.

Resurfacing at Emerald Downs for a summer campaign, Bullishdemands won 1 of 5 starts. She came from just off the pace to down Victory Script by a half-length in a $30,000 claiming test in September, getting 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.20. Victory Script flattered that effort by returning to defeat older optional $25,000 claiming company on Oct. 9, when she got six furlongs in a very quick 1:08.60.

Bullishdemands has not raced since running an even fifth in the one-mile John and Kitty Fletcher Stakes at Emerald Oct. 2. She worked a sharp half in 49.80 last Saturday and Davis said he thinks she's ready to run her best race.

Bullishdemands will be trying to catch Corona Del Hielo, who figures to be favored off her career record of 7 wins from 15 starts. All seven of her victories have come in front-running fashion, and she has had the lead after a quarter-mile in all but three of her starts.