Missy Longstocking’s winter carnival campaign is likely to be extended after her win in the Hampden Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Ridden by Damian Browne, Missy Longstocking ($2.70) held off a determined challenge from Enquare ($17) to win by a neck with Jet Down On It ($51) 2-1/2 lengths away third.
Missy Longstocking - Photo by Steve Hart
Trainer Liam Birchley is considering the Mercedes-Benz Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 22 as Missy Longstocking’s final start this campaign.
“I’ll see how she pulls up but it’s a race that would be a good option for her,” Birchley said.
“It’s over 1400 metres but I don’t think that’s too much of a problem. She was quite strong at the finish of the race today.”
Birchley decided to put blinkers on Missy Longstocking after the filly finished ninth in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1350m) at Doomben at her previous start.
“I was worried it might’ve been the wrong decision when she was over-racing for a few strides at one stage of the race,” he said.
“Damian’s the right sort of rider to get them balanced and relaxed and she got some nice easy furlongs which helped her at the finish.”
Jockey Jim Cassidy had an unusual explanation for the defeat of the $2 favourite Cosmic Endeavour who finished fourth after leading.
“Along the back of the track there’s a patch of grass where the ducks have been nibbling and they put clippings to cover it but she spotted it and baulked,” he said.
