‘Hardest thing for any horse’: Bridge’s fear for Charming Legend

As Bridge prepares unbeaten Charming Legend for the Midway Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday, I relayed to the maestro what Freedman said to me many years ago: “One of the hardest things for any horse to do is win a second race.’’

“Lee’s right,’’ Bridge said when informed of Freedman’s declaration.

“When they win their first start, then often you are in no man’s land trying to place them.

“This horse has only had one start for a maiden win and he’s jumping straight to Saturday class (benchmark 72) so it won’t be easy for him.’’

Charming Legend was impressive on debut winning at Kensington earlier this month and TAB Fixed Odds price assessors have ranked him on the second line of Midway betting at $5.50 behind November Falls, the $4.60 favourite.

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A well-bred three-year-old by Deep Field, Charming Legend was purchased by Hong Kong-based owner Bon Ho for $550,000 at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

Bridge said Charming Legend was given plenty of time to mature and develop which is the reason the gelding did not make his racetrack debut until near the end of his three-year-old season.

“Charming Legend’s a big, lovely horse, I’ve always liked him but he just needed time,’’ Bridge said.

“He’s still very green but he goes ‘good’. He hit the line like a promising horse to win his first start.’’

Bridge also revealed stable star, Celestial Legend, who is also raced by Ho, is back in light work ahead of a spring carnival campaign where he will be aimed at the nation’s second richest race, the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens.

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A two-time Group 1 winner of the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile during the autumn carnival, Celestial Legend will barrier trial later next month before Bridge locks in a new season race preparation.

In early TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Golden Eagle, Celestial Legend is the $4.50 favourite ahead of George Ryder Stakes winner Veight at $8 with Group 1 winners Joliestar and Southport Tycoon at $11.

Originally published as ‘Hardest thing for any horse’: Bridge’s fear for Charming Legend