Once again, on paper there looks as though there should be genuine speed in this event. The good barrier draws for SPLIT OF A SECOND and JIMSON THE DRAGON should ensure both get economical runs and they look the main contenders to me. Split Of A Second posted the best final-400m (22.35) at the IJC meeting (December 5) when swooping from back in the field and there was more authority in the performance than the margin suggests. His win prior he settled closer to the leaders which should be the case here tonight with a clean getaway. In addition, he defeated Hard Promise then, who won by two lengths on New Years Day. Jimson The Dragon is a progressive galloper having career start number two and came through his debut well. Obviously, venturing to the city circuit for the first time for a race means he enters unknown territory. That said he handled his trail at the Valley in mid-December pretty well. SHARPMIND closed well last time when ridden negatively from a wide gate and he warrants respect this time. I like the blinkers going on LONDON MASTER but from the outside gate he has a tough task even though he might get the tempo to suit his racing pattern.