Pimlico: Softer spot for Legal Control

After unsuccessfully chasing Malibu Moonshine in three consecutive open stakes, Legal Control returns to restricted company for the $50,000 Deputed Testamony at Pimlico. The 1 1/16-mile race drew a field of six 3-year-old Maryland-breds.

The last time Legal Control faced statebreds, he won the Maryland Juvenile Championship on New Year's Eve. His form remained sharp in his first meeting against Malibu Moonshine in February, but Legal Control ran progressively worse in their next two confrontations.

Given some time off to regroup by trainer Dickie Small, Legal Control responded with a pair of bullet workouts five days apart.

Monster Chaser, the runner-up to Legal Control in the Maryland Juvenile Championship, should also like the return to statebred company. In four stakes tries against Maryland-breds, Monster Chaser has a win, two seconds, and a third. Trainer Eddie Gaudet said Monster Chaser may not start, however, because of a minor injury sustained in the Sir Barton three weeks ago.