Lindsey Smith won’t pass up chance for All-Star Mile wildcard with Corner Pocket

Lindsey Smith wants to protect Corner Pocket’s winning streak but couldn’t resist an opportunity to win a golden ticket into the All-Star Mile.

Corner Pocket winning The Elms Handicap at Flemington last start. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Trainer Lindsey Smith is undecided on whether Corner Pocket should lead or stalk raging favourite Zaaki in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes on Saturday at Flemington.

Smith thought about saving Corner Pocket, riding an eight-win streak, for an easier task next week but an All-Star Mile golden ticket to the Blamey winner forced a “throw at the stumps”.

Corner Pocket, who has gone from a Hamilton maiden to Listed winner in 15 months, is a $9.50 chance with TAB behind Zaaki ($2.15), Inspirational Girl ($3.90) and Mr Brightside ($4.40).

“My horse is into that range now so he’s going to meet a lot of horses like him (Zaaki),” Smith said.

“He’s drawn well and hasn’t been beaten for a while, so you never know your luck.

“For where this leads (All-Star Mile) he's got to go … it’s what the race is all about, you get the golden ticket or he might be an Oompa Loompa.”

Corner Pocket showed maturity and improvement first-up winning the Listed Elms Handicap from off the speed.

Last preparation the five-year-old dictated races from the front, running opposition into the ground.

“I haven't made my mind up what to do with him yet (lead or take a sit),” Smith said.

“I'll sleep on that … might keep it up my sleeve, worry about that as I’m legging him (Bates) on.”

Corner Pocket has won his past eight races. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

While multiple Group 1 winner and All-Star Mile top seed Zaaki is in a different league, Corner Pocket beat Mr Brightside, albeit with a weight advantage, last start.

Smith also has a first-hand account of Inspirational Girl’s West Australian form.

“She’s beaten Too Close The Sun a couple of times, fair and square, but if I was to put a line through Corner Pocket and Too Close The Sun, Corner Pocket is a better horse.

“So that’s the only real gauge I‘ve got and she’s second favourite.

“It‘s one of these situations, you get beat you’re not really worried, we’re chasing the golden ticket.

“I‘ve always underestimated him and I’ll mostly go there the same way, but if he wins on Saturday, well then I’ll become a true believer.”

Originally published as Lindsey Smith won’t pass up chance for All-Star Mile wildcard with Corner Pocket