Warrnambool-trained Corner Pocket has continued on his winning way with a game effort at Caulfield.
Defeated at his first two starts, Corner Pocket has now won six of his eights after taking out Saturday’s Neds Handicap (1440m).
It was a brave performance from the Lindsey Smith-trained galloper who was taken on in the lead by Alsvin which dropped out in the straight, finishing almost 12 lengths from the winner.
Ridden by Declan Bates, Corner Pocket, the $3.40 Sportsbet favourite, raced to a 2-¼ length win from Mr Tipla ($10) with Fundraiser ($7.50) a half-length away third.
Saturday’s win was Corner Pocket’s third in the metropolitan area, but his first in Saturday company.
Assistant trainer Shane Jackson said he was unsure where Smith was likely to take the son of Toronado, but added he would like to protect his winning sequence.
“He improves a bit every time,” Jackson said.
“I think the fence is getting plenty long now and Lindsey will look after this horse.
“That’s his jurisdiction, he makes the plans and he places this horse perfectly.
“He scratched him from Sandown on a heavy track that day to protect his form which he has done and the plan worked out to a tee.
“We’ll just keep ticking away. It’s great.”
Bates, who has been aboard Corner Pocket in his six victories, said on Saturday it was the first time where he felt concerned in the run.
But he said Corner Pocket continues to raise the bar.
“He didn’t come out flying so I gave him a little squeeze to get going,” Bates said.
“I left my options open so that if some of them wanted to go a good gallop I could take a sit, but because I gave him that bit of a squeeze, he was just running in my hands the whole way today.
“You’d have to say that he’s probably lifted his game again.”
