Joao ‘The Magic Man’ Moreira was rewarded with an early result when he guided McCreery to an easy win in the Group 3 $125,000 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill today.
Joao Moreira and McCreery combine to win the Kingston Town Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.
Trainer Chris Waller lured Moreira to Sydney to ride top fancy Omei Sword in the Group 1 $1m De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose (1400m) and Hong Kong’s leading jockey was quick into action with a top class ride on McCreery.
“I thought he could handier at the step up in distance but be pleased himself and had a great position in the race,” Moreira said.
“He had a great turn of foot turning for home. That was very impressive win and I was delighted to be on board.”
Moreira settled McCreery just worse than midfield and made his move coming to the home turn.
McCreery ($3.60) made a winning break at the top of the straight and the five year old was that far in front at the 200m, Moreira started to ease him down when nothing else was challenging.
Sir John Hawkwood ($6) ran an honest race for second without threatening with the $2.50 favourite Allergic struggling into third spot.
McCreery was stepping up in distance after winning the Listed $100,000 Rowley Mile over 1600m at Hawkesbury on August 18 and Waller removed the blinkers from the five year old to help settle better over the 2000m.
McCreery has now won five times from eleven starts and the Group 1 $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on October 1 could be on the agenda for the improving stayer.
