All three contenders are on the same handicap mark in a tricky affair. Mick Thonic seems to have lost his way of late, though, and is probably best watched whilst Pearls Legend has produced the best of his form on better ground. He is a course and distance winner, however, and is arguably the best of the trio at his best. Nevertheless, TARA BRIDGE has been given a light season by Chris Gordon and delivered two wins from four starts. Crucially, he's provided one of those successes on heavy ground and his proven ability to handle conditions may prove the determining factor.
Mick Thonic (FR) 7-1 (11-3) Tracked leader 2nd and raced wide, led 4 out until next, weakened 2 out, 4th of 8, at Hereford 2m hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Tara Bridge 5-4fav (11-12) Tracking leader when pitched on landing and fell 1st, at Sandown 2m hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Pearls Legend 10-1 (10-3) Chased clear leading pair until before 3rd, struggling 6th, soon lost touch, tailed off, last of 4, 36l behind Speredek (10-11) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) hvy in Jan.