'Wheatie' quite speedy indeed

PORTLAND, Ore. - Speedy Wheatie, a sensational winner at the maiden special weight level in his Jan. 28 debut, attempts to make it two in a row when he takes on six allowance rivals in Sunday's 4 1/2-furlong feature at Portland Meadows.

Speedy Wheatie, a 4-year-old son of Wheaton from the barn of trainer Dan Tanory, went directly to the lead and drew off to score by 11 1/4 lengths in his unveiling, getting six furlongs in 1:11.60 under Tim Neal. Neal rides again at 122 pounds.

Speedy Wheatie might get his sternest challenge from La Grizz, a 4-year-old son of Cascadian who is owned and trained by Ben Utley. La Grizz graduated at the maiden special weight level here in November, and he has since posted a pair of thirds against allowance runners. La Grizz will have the riding services of Clark Jones, who has been the hottest rider on the grounds since the first of this year.

Also dangerous is Tough Shot, a speedy son of Tough Knight who races for trainer Roberta Lewis. Tough Shot showed exceptional speed in a pair of 5 1/2-furlong races here last spring, finishing second to maiden special weight rivals before graduating at the $8,000 level. He has not raced since Oct. 31, when he was all but distanced by allowance rivals, but he posted a half-mile drill in 47.40 on Jan. 28 and might be ready to contend at the abbreviated distance.