Wee Nessy back in form with Crockett Stakes victory

[Wandering Eyes]

Wee Nessy ridden by James McDonald wins the Crockett Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)

By champion jockey James McDonald’s very high standards, you would think finishing eight last start was a forgettable result for him and Wee Nessy.

But there was a reason he asked Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr to ride her again – he knew she would be much better in the Crockett Stakes at Moonee Valley.

It is this kind of judgment that makes McDonald the star rider that he is.

2022 Crockett Stakes Replay

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He produced yet another well-judged performance aboard the developing filly, the two going on to win by ¾ of a length, with Bay Thirteen for Matt Laurie in second.

Wee Nessy continued to chip away on the outside in the 1200m Listed sprint worth $175,000, before making her move at the turn and having it wrapped up with 100m to go.

McDonald knew the $8.50 outsider with online bookmakers would take some beating, despite finishing eighth in her last start in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield on October 8.

But it was still less than 2.5-lengths behind winner English Riviera for Tony and Calvin McEvoy.

“I was pretty rapt to be back on her and to get another opportunity on her. I knew her a little bit more,” McDonald told Racing.com.

“The plan was to ride her a little bit quieter, but the tempo of the race didn’t really suit us early.

“She just started trucking into it, so I let her do her thing.

“Obviously, she probably should’ve won last start. So I was pretty rapt to be back on her.

“She’s quite a smart filly.”

Kent was only too happy to give the champion Sydney-based rider another go aboard his filly.

“James wanted to ride her after last start. He said she should’ve won last start,” he said.

“I thought it was a big win because we were unsure about 1200m.

“But to get back in the field and go home early it was very good.”

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