Tiffa seeks repeat in 'Oregon'

PORTLAND, Ore. - Tiffa, the winner of last year's Oregon Hers Stakes at a mile, returns to Portland Meadows on Sunday, heading a field of seven in the 1 1/16-mile feature for fillies and mares.

Tiffa, from the barn of Mike Totland, followed her stakes win here with a four-race campaign at Turf Paradise that resulted in a pair of seconds against $12,500 and $10,500 claimers, then raced twice without success at Emerald Downs in July before going to the sidelines for a well-deserved vacation.

Though she will have a difficult task going two turns off the rest, Tiffa has done her best running at this track and she has been training well. Karen Knapp will ride at 119 pounds.

Tiffa could receive her sternest challenge from Tupp Up, who is coming off a solid second to Callie Mae in a one-mile allowance race on Nov. 24. Tupp Up, a 4-year-old who races for James Sweeney, outfinished Diane Kem Handicap winner Icicle Angel and other highly regarded runners that day and would be difficult to deny on Sunday with a repeat of that effort.

Also a threat is improving 3-year-old Artoo Run, who scored her maiden victory at the 1 1/16-mile distance at Emerald Downs in September.

Artoo Run, who will be saddled by leading trainer Jim Fergason, is coming off an authoritative 7 1/2-length victory over $4,000 claiming company when going a mile on Nov. 16 and may be ready to take on Sunday's tougher company. She gets in under 113 pounds with apprentice Jose Rivera returning to ride.