Sir Blitz's streak in jeopardy

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Sir Blitz has built up a four-race win streak on the grass heading into Friday's Woodbine feature, a $62,500 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

Sir Blitz's roll began July 24 in a $50,000 claimer, which he won by a head after coming from midpack. Just five days later, in another $50,000 race, he shortened up from a mile to 6 1/2 furlongs and rallied wide from far back to prevail by a head.

Sir Blitz resurfaced on Sept. 24 in another $50,000 claimer, this one going a mile, and set slow fractions en route to a decisive victory over El General. Most recently, going six furlongs in a $62,500 optional claimer, he parlayed a stalking trip into a daylight score, earning a 92 Beyer Speed Figure.

Sir Blitz has never run 1 1/16 miles on the grass, but he led throughout a nine-furlong turf route last October. Will his bubble burst on Friday? He usually runs on or near the lead when competing over middle distances, and there's plenty of speed in this field, so he could be a vulnerable favorite.

Constant Montpellier retains the mount on Sir Blitz for trainer Danny Vella, a combination that is 6 for 37 at the meeting.

Other contenders include Sky Conqueror, P.J.'s Paulie Boy, and Young Apprentice.

Sky Conqueror won both of his outings this month, the first of which was a 1 1/16-mile maiden special over yielding ground. He came from seven lengths back to capture an allowance at 1 1/4 miles 12 days ago.

Sky Conqueror is coupled with Ballen Isle, who finished fourth last time out in a $40,000 conditioned claimer.

P.J.'s Paulie Boy is winless in five starts this year, but he hit the board in four of those races. He recorded back-to-back seconds in $80,000 optional claiming company in August and September, and was recently a stalking third going 1 1/4 miles against $62,500 opposition.

Young Apprentice was stuck in traffic early in the stretch in his last start, and wound up third as the favorite. He was claimed then for $40,000 by trainer Sid Attard, who possesses excellent statistics first-time off the claim.

Ever So Free looks best of the three main-track-only entrants. A 3-year-old trained by Abraham Katryan, Ever So Free won his first two starts impressively in July before finishing second in the Elgin Stakes and third in the Ontario Derby.