Tamper looks gone in Kyne

PORTLAND, Ore. - Tamper looks for his second straight score when he heads a field of five in Saturday's $10,000 William Kyne Handicap, a 1 1/16-mile test for older horses.

Tamper, a 5-year-old son of Pleasant Tap who races for David Green, tuned up for the Kyne with a gate-to-wire victory over most of the same foes in the one-mile Polynesian Flyer Invitational Handicap on Nov. 5. Tamper again appears to be the speed of his field and figures to take them as far as he can last under Jose Zunino, who again has the call from trainer Jim Fergason at 121 pounds.

Also weighted at 121 pounds is Silent Exploit, who finished just a length behind Tamper in second in the Polynesian Flyer. Silent Exploit won back-to-back sprints against $16,000 and $20,000 claimers at Hollywood last summer, and he was making his first start since Sept. 10 in the Polynesian Flyer.

"I was very happy with the way he ran, considering the layoff," said trainer Ben Root. "He should be a lot more fit with a race under his belt, and I think we'll be able to push the button a little sooner."

My Friend Dave, who ran third in the Polynesian Flyer, and Cleard for Action, who finished fourth, also return in the Kyne.

Rounding out the field is the 5-year-old mare Chancy Chancy. Though she is a multiple stakes winner over her own sex, trainer Dave Runyon admitted that Chancy Chancy may be in too tough against the boys.

"She needs a prep for the City of Roses on Dec. 10, and nothing else filled," he said.