Two locals square off in Mile prep

PORTLAND, Ore. - Knightsbridge Road and Crimson Design will share high weight of 123 pounds when they take on seven other older sprinters in Saturday's $7,500 Governor's Speed Handicap at Portland Meadows.

The six-furlong race is a prep for the $20,000 Portland Meadows Mile on April 9.

Knightsbridge Road, a 5-year-old son of Cisco Road trained by Debbie Van Horne, is the most accomplished member of the field. Knightsbridge Road has earned $145,798 from four wins in 24 starts, including a pair of Emerald Downs stakes victories. He has not started since the last Emerald meeting ended in September, but has recorded a string of fast workouts. Van Horne said he is confident Knightsbridge Road will give a good effort.

Crimson Design, a 4-year-old also by Cisco Road, has the advantage of a recent local prep. Trained by Jim Fergason, Crimson Design returned in a 5 1/2-furlong invitational handicap on March 6 and won easily, scoring by 3 1/2 lengths in a rapid 1:05. It was the third win from as many starts at Portland Meadows for Crimson Design, who also won last year's Auburn Stakes at Emerald.

Knightsbridge Road and Crimson Design aren't the only ones prepping for the Mile. My Friend Dave, a 5-year-old son of Can't Be Slew, is also considered a candidate. He is trained by Corky Caron.