Missy Longstocking silenced doubters and proved her versatility when she won the B J McLachlan Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.
Trainer Liam Birchley and jockey Damian Browne hatched a plan to ride Missy Longstocking conservatively in a bid to ensure she handled her first attempt at 1200m.
“We wanted to try riding her a bit more quietly to cover a few scenarios,” Birchley said.
“If the situation occurred in the Millions where for whatever reason something happened and she ended up back in the field, we wanted to know she would be able to adapt.
“I think she showed today that she can handle being ridden anywhere in the field.”
Browne settled Missy Longstocking just off the pace and was confident the filly would prevail even though she was challenged strongly in the straight.
“I think she’s a better horse ridden in behind them and she was able to pick them up pretty easily when I went full bore on her,” Browne said.
“The last 100 metres she was peaking on her run a little bit but I think Liam has left that little bit there for her grand final in a fortnight.”
Missy Longstocking ($4.80) overhauled the Gai Waterhouse-trained Sweet Idea ($6) soon after straightening to win by 1-1/4 lengths with Architect ($61) giving bookies a huge sight before finishing third, a neck away.
Birchley forecast further improvement in Missy Longstocking leading into the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 12.
“I had her about 90 to 95 per cent fit but she’ll right at her top for the Millions,” he said.
While the filly’s win in the Calaway Gal Stakes at her previous start earned mix reviews, Birchley considered the step up in distance would not prove a problem.
“There weren’t any real doubts in my mind and today was a high pressure race yet she still hit the line quite strongly,” he said.
Bruce Slade, stable manager for Waterhouse, was impressed with the effort of Sweet Idea at her first start since early November.
“That was the perfect race to top her off for the Millions,” Slade said.
“It was only the last 100 metres that she felt the pinch but everything looks exciting going forward to the Magic Millions.”
Michael Nolan’s worst fears were realised when Sir Luminar, heavily backed from $3.60 into $2.90 favouritism, was forced to do too much work from a wide alley before finishing sixth.
