Jockey Damian Browne believes Missy Longstocking’s versatility will be the key to her Magic Millions Classic prospects.
While leading fancies Assail and Clevadude have clearly established on-pace racing patterns, Missy Longstocking has shown she is not one-dimensional according to Browne.
“With most two-year-olds you’ll find they either want to lead or get out the back if they are staying types,” Browne said.
“But this filly has a lot more versatility because you can position her in a race and thankfully she can adapt to any situation.
“That’s a big asset for a young horse going into a race like the Magic Millions.”
Browne was ecstatic when Missy Longstocking drew gate five draw and will move in one spot for Saturday’s race at the Gold Coast following the scratching of Purrific.
“I was hoping to draw inside eight but four is perfect really,” he said.
“It gives me good options whereas it probably makes things a bit more difficult for Clevadude from his wide barrier.”
Browne expects the Millions to be run at the usual breakneck speed.
“I’m sure Clevadude will still push forward from out there and there are other horses that will dig up underneath him so you would think there’ll be good speed,” he said.
“I can see us running fifth or sixth a couple of pairs back and I know she’ll be strong at the finish.”.
When Missy Longstocking won the McLachlan Stakes at Doomben on December 29 she was inclined to lose focus when she hit the lead in the straight but Browne doesn’t believe she has any serious flaws.
“My job will be to time my run on her because I feel if she’s got something in front of her she’ll chase a lot harder,” he said.
Browne’s confidence in Missy Longstocking received another boost after speaking with trainer Liam Birchley following the filly’s final serious trackwork session on Tuesday.
“Liam said she’s come on that little bit more since she won at Doomben which is pleasing to hear so she should be in peak condition on Saturday,” he said.
The closest Browne has come to winning the Millions was two years ago when Pepper Jet finished fourth to Karuta Queen but he rates Missy Longstocking as clearly superior.
