Shorter better for Mossbank

Mossbank should appreciate the move back to a sprint when he runs in Wednesday’s feature at Northlands Park. The 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up running for a $10,000 claiming price drew eight horses and goes as race 7 on the final mid-week card of the 2010 meet which ends on Canadian Thanksgiving next Monday.

Trained by Floyd Arthur, Mossbank has tried a middle distance only twice in his 27-race career. The first time was in the $250,000 Cup and Saucer Stakes at Woodbine, where he finished sixth as a 2-year-old in 2007. The Cup and Saucer was also the only time Mossbank ran over turf. In his most recent outing Oct. 1, Mossbank set an honest pace before tiring to finish third in a one-mile $10,000 claimer with apprentice Scott Williams riding. In his previous start, Shannon Beauregard rode him to a front-running win over Father Jones in a 6 1/2-furlong $7,500 claiming race Sept. 15.

Beauregard picks up the mount from Williams, who has shifted his tack to Woodbine.

Mossbank is clearly the best speed in the field and will be tough to catch if he breaks on top. If a duel does develop with Chief’s Magic, however, it could set up nicely for Len Again.

Trained by Red Smith, Len Again is in sharp form. He came from off the pace to finish second behind Halo’s Houdini in a one-mile $12,500 claiming race Sept. 29 and got up in time to win his previous race in a $7,000 claiming sprint Sept. 15.

Chief’s Magic is taking a big step up in class following back to back wins for trainer Robertino Diodoro in $5,000 claiming sprints.