Mystic Dash: Can't lose or can't win?

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Handicappers may be in a quandary when sizing up the chances of Mystic Dash in Thursday's Woodbine feature, a second-level Ontario-sired allowance.

Mystic Dash was arguably best over seven furlongs at this level, in his most recent start. After being blocked behind rivals for most of the stretch run, he finished fourth, just 1 1/2 lengths in arrears.

Both of Mystic Dash's victories were at 1 1/16 miles, which is the distance he will travel Thursday, and leading rider Emma Wilson inherits the mount, another plus.

The kicker is that Mystic Dash is winless in his last 27 outings, dating back to October 2003, when he captured a grass allowance by a widening 3 1/4 lengths. He has been second only twice during that losing streak, including a narrow loss going a mile on the grass in September 2005, when his rider lost his whip.

Mystic Dash has hit the board only once in six starts this year, a third-place finish behind Bold Thing and Decew Falls in a grass sprint. Trainer Stephen Edwards sent him out for a three-furlong breeze in 37.80 seconds on the all-weather track on Saturday.

Also entered in Thursday's first race are Molinaro Beau, Wisdom Fury, I'm Spectral, Mandy's Man, and Honest Accountant.

Molinaro Beau was fourth as a maiden in the 2005 Queen's Plate. He snapped out of a slump in his first try for trainer Vito Armata on Oct. 13, winning a two-turn Ontario-sired allowance after closing from last in a five-horse field.

Wisdom Fury won going a mile on the inner dirt track at the first Ontario-sired allowance level in August, then finished fifth in the restricted Elgin Stakes. Last time out, going seven furlongs, Wisdom Fury got away slowly before rallying strongly to finish a close third.

I'm Spectral has been a disappointment since finishing third in two Ontario sire stakes in the summer, the Deputy Minister on the inner track and the Vice Regent on the grass. He was a beaten favorite in each of his two most recent races, including a seven-furlong allowance on the Polytrack.

Todd Kabel picks up the mount on I'm Spectral, who should be forwardly placed in a field devoid of speed.

Mandy's Man has been laid up since finishing far back in a tough $20,000 conditioned claimer June 21. The winner, Barracuda Boy, has since captured the Grade 3 Durham Cup Stakes.