After missing out on a start in the Town Plate with Forever Newyork, he scored the late pick-up ride on the David Pfieffer-trained Ghostly ($7.50) in the feature sprint.

Jason Collett's misfortune proved McDougall's luck and he produced a tip ride to steer Ghostly to victory in a thrilling Town Plate.

Ghostly charged down the outside to score by a half length in a busy finish from Sure And Fast ($14.00) and Oriental Runner ($6.50).

The win continued an amazing arrival in the Southern District for the Albury-based McDougall.

"It's unreal. I only moved here a few months ago, established myself around the area. I've had a lot of luck here and it's great to win a feature race here," McDougall said.

McDougall revealed he was shattered on Thursday morning when he learnt the Gary Colvin-trained Forever Newyork had not made the final field.

But little did he know what was to happen next.

"I picked (the ride) up this morning," he explained.

"I had a ride in the race and I thought he could definitely win. I was spewing when he didn't get a run.

"I was very fortunate enough that David Pfieffer, I've had a few rides for him in town and he felt familiar enough to put me on. He had a short list of jockeys to put on and seen my name and rang my manager and asked."

Ghostly was one of the rides Collett gave up when he withdrew from the Wagga carnival due to illness.

Pfieffer picked out the Town Plate for Ghostly in March and was chuffed to see the plan come off.

"It's outstanding. We targeted this race about six weeks ago, gave him a little freshen up, a trial leading into it. The lead up prep was spot on," Pfieffer said.

"I was very confident he would race well. You've always got to be a bit cautious when you draw a gate like that but I thought he'd be there in the finish."

Ghostly came from barrier 15 to win the Plate. He only had three horses behind him turning into the straight but McDougall got him to the outside, where he did the rest.

"Unfortunately Jason couldn't ride it but Blake's done a great job. He's riding in good form and that's why we chose his services this morning," Pfieffer said.

"He landed in the spot we thought we'd be in, gave it the right path and came with a well-timed run."

My Maher was best of the locals, hitting the line strongly to finish seventh.

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