Short price looks likely for Mootoo

Mootoo figures to be a short-priced favorite when he goes for his second straight win at Northlands Park on Sunday. The 6 1/2-furlong feature drew seven horses and goes as the eighth race.

Mootoo is coming off a narrow win over Toby Bay in a first-level allowance race on June 10. He was a maiden going into the race, and he is coming right back for the same condition. Trained by Ron Grieves, Mootoo finished second to Diamond Doc when he debuted in a similar race on May 18. Diamond Doc came back to win the $49,000 Sales Stakes on May 23, so it is easy to see why Mootoo was sent off as the odds-on favorite in his second start.

A Kentucky-bred 4-year-old gelding, Mootoo came from slightly off the pace in both of his races. He might have the best speed in this field, however, and it wouldn't be surprising to see jockey Rickey Walcott put him right on the lead if he breaks alertly.

Toby Bay is clearly the one with the best chance of upsetting Mootoo. With Sheldon Chickness aboard, Toby Bay only lost by a neck to Mootoo on June 10, and he was making just his first start since he finished fourth in a $30,000 optional claiming race last July 11. He might want a bit more distance, however.