Smart Missile can overcome barrier 17 of 17 in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

Glen Boss probably has the biggest assignment this Saturday at Caulfield Racecourse but as far as he’s concerned he’s also got the best horse to get the job done.

Boss will ride Smart Missile in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes but will have to weave a bit of magic from gate 17 of 17.

The outside barriers have had some success in this event in the past but there’s no doubt something a little tighter would have been preferable.

“It’s certainly not the end of the world, in the ideal world of course we’d always like to draw in,” he said.

One issue Boss says he won’t encounter is Smart Missile getting lost in running after the colt established himself perfectly to the Melbourne way of going.

“He’s settled in really well and actually done well since he’s got down here,” he said.

“He’s taken to our direction like a duck to water, he’s just thriving.”

The horse has had a number of gallops on both the inside and outside rail and Boss says where some horses have been caught out he’s progressed with no issues.

“He was absolutely perfect for me on Tuesday, worked behind one and passed it and put a few lengths on it…I was very very happy,” he said.

As for the early part of the race, Boss says he doesn’t know exactly what he’ll do yet but whatever he does he’ll do with confidence.

“It’s a tricky start (Caulfield 1400m)…it’s probably one of the more tricky stars we’ve got,” he said.

“You make a commitment either way as to what you’re going to do…if you come out in no man’s land and aren’t committed to doing anything that’s when you run into trouble.

“Looks to be reasonable pace, it depends on how he jumps…I haven’t put a lot of thought into how I’m going to ride him yet.”

Boss has been bullish about this horse just about from day one and despite the bad luck that seems to follow him in Group 1 races he’s genuinely excited about this Saturday.

“I’ve got so much confidence in this colt, I’m just looking forward so much to what he’s going to do in the spring,” he said.

“He’s six months away from going to be at his best, but his best at the moment is still pretty good.”