Fitness won’t be a problem for Missy Longstocking in the B J McLachlan Stakes at Doomben.
Missy Longstocking has won her past two starts at 1000m but trainer Liam Birchley believes she won’t have any trouble coping with an extra 200m on Saturday.
“She was strong at the finish of the Calaway Gal so I’d expect the extra distance on Saturday will be more of a help to her than a negative,” he said.
When Missy Longstocking won the Calaway Gal Stakes (1000m) at Eagle Farm on December 8 she earned mixed reviews but Birchley said she was well below peak condition for that race.
“Her fitness would’ve been only around the eighty per cent level that day but she’s a lot fitter for this race,” he said.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way she’s gone on since then and although this race looks stronger race she’s done everything right.”
While many of Missy Longstocking’s rivals will be making a last-ditch attempt to qualify for the Magic Millions on January 12, Birchley says being guaranteed a start at the Gold Coast has made his job a lot easier.
“I haven’t had to push her to try and qualify her and the pressure has been off in that regard which makes life a lot easier,” he said.
Doomben has been rated in the slow range after nearly 25mm of rain fell at the course on Tuesday night with more showers expected before Saturday’s meeting.
“Even though she hasn’t raced on a wet track yet, most of the Sequalos get through that sort of going and she’s out of a Thunder Gulch mare,” Birchley said.
“On breeding alone you’d think she was bred to be a wet tracker.”
Birchley is hoping for more rain for Pepperwood in the Bernborough Handicap (1615m) as well as a fast tempo.
“It would be handy if the rain was able to hang around for a few more days for him because he likes tracks with a bit of give in them,” he said.
“He’s been going well this campaign but the races just haven’t been run to suit because they’ve been walking early and turning it into a sprint home.”
