Legal Move sharp and dropping

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Legal Move established himself as Woodbine's leading sprinter two weeks ago, when he won the Jacques Cartier Stakes in open company convincingly. He should be formidable against Ontario-sired stock on Saturday in the $125,000 New Providence Stakes.

Legal Move made a good living last year in restricted 3-year-old stakes, under the guidance of trainer Mark Casse. He failed to muster much of a challenge in his season opener on the grass at the Fair Grounds, but has been razor-sharp since returning to Woodbine.

Legal Move rallied wide from midpack to win both the six-furlong Jacques Cartier and the 5 1/2-furlong allowance prep for that race. He was awarded a 96 Beyer Figure on both occasions.

Casse believes that Legal Move will be able to handle the fairly quick return to action.

"I think he'll be fine coming back in two weeks," Casse said. "After this, we'll give him a little break. He really moved forward after the prep, and trained excellent into the Jacques Cartier. Since then, he's trained well. He seems to be bigger and stronger this year. He has a great mind."

The six-furlong New Providence drew 10 others, including Dancer's Bajan, Dave the Knave, Main Executive, and Cool Selection.

Dancer's Bajan defeated Legal Move while winning two stakes in 2006 and in the 2007 Deputy Minister Stakes. He was second to Legal Move last June in the Achievement Stakes.

Dancer's Bajan hasn't started since finishing third Dec. 8 in the Sir Barton Stakes, but trainer Bob Tiller said the flashy chestnut has trained encouragingly.

"He's in good order," said Tiller. "It might be a touch short for him, but depending on how the track's playing, he should come running. He prefers six and a half or seven-eighths, and I still think he'll go long."

Tiller bypassed several open races with Dancer's Bajan. "There are other races for him later on, and we want to have a fresh horse," he said. "We're looking to have a good year with him."

Dave the Knave captured last year's New Providence following a winter layoff, and will try to do it again this year.

Half-brothers Main Executive and Cool Selection both have speed. Main Executive led all the way in the 2006 New Providence, and he finished sixth in the race last year.