Lindsey Smith to find out if Corner Pocket has spring ability at The Valley

Trainer Lindsey Smith is hoping Corner Pocket will justify a shot at the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes with victory at The Valley on Saturday.

After back-to-back placings the progressive son of Toronado has won six on the bounce to go from a Hamilton maiden to possible stakes contender.

Smith, who welcomed the pressure of maintaining a streak, has an iron grip on a Benchmark 84 with favourite Corner Pocket and “a good back-up” in Mystery Shot, resuming after a five-month break.

“It’s better than having seven duck eggs,” Smith said.

Corowa-trained Front Page, a lightly-raced Listed winner who returns to the races after 11 months, looms as Corner Pocket’s sternest adversary in the eight-horse field.

Smith welcomed a speed duel, as both horses like to dictate the tempo.

“This is maybe, potentially, the best horse he’s come across so we’re about to find out (how good he is),” Smith said.

“I won’t be giving him the lead, if he wants to lead I won’t be just handing it to him. It will be a good race.”

Mystery Shot joins stablemate Corner Pocket at The Valley. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Corner Pocket’s brilliant 2½-length victory at Caulfield on June 26 prompted Smith to reassess his plans.

“We thought we’d raise the bar again and see where he gets to,” Smith said.

“Whether he’s good enough for spring we start to find out on Saturday.

“It’s hard to get a gauge his level of ability, if he works with a maiden horse he finishes a head in front, if he works with a good horse he finishes just in front of the good horse.

“I suppose it’s a good quality to have and he makes a habit out of winning, which is even better.”

Stablemate Mystery Shot, who mixed form last preparation due to a blood issue linked to a mosquito bite potentially, has impressed Smith in recent weeks.

“At his top he’d be right in it, maybe he’s at 85 per cent,” Smith said.

“He’s in good spirits, wants to go to the races, he’s a good back-up.”

Smith has four starters on Saturday at The Valley, including La Vina and Rudhyar.

Originally published asSpring audition for Corner Pocket at The Valley

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