Blowin in the Wind cuts back

EDMONTON, Alberta - Blowin in the Wind puts a three-race winning streak on the line in the 6 1/2-furlong feature at Northlands Park on Friday. The optional claiming race attracted a field of six older horses.

After being disqualified from a fourth-place finish in the Stampede Sprint Championship, Blowin in the Wind shipped westward to Hastings, where he was unbeatable in optional claimers.

Blowin in the Wind's jockey will be Jake Barton, who also has arrived from the West Coast to join the Northlands colony.

A 7-year-old gelding trained by Dale Greenwood for Bear Stable, Blowin in the Wind drops back into a sprint after his last two victories at 1 1/16 miles.

Blowin in the Wind is no stranger to Northlands, having finished fourth to Deputy Country as the 9-5 favorite in the Klondike last year.

Three of Blowin in the Wind's opponents Friday are also coming off wins.

Ron Blinston will be aboard Moolah Basket, who bids for his fourth win of the year dating back to a winter campaign at Sunland.

Moolah Basket won his last at a mile against $30,000 claimers for his co-owners, James Ashcroft and trainer Tom Murphy.

Cool Bender wired his field in his latest outing at Friday's distance. Trainer Barry Brown has given Quincy Welch the return mount.

Nugrayontheblock, who nosed out Candid Remark in his latest at a mile, will have a new rider in Leanne Painter.