Smart Missile is set to return to racing the the 2012 Lightning Stakes

Smart Missile looked to be one of the stars of the spring at the beginning of his last preparation but once again it turned out to be a frustrating time for trainer Anthony Cummings and connections.

He ran first up in the Run To The Rose over 1200m back in August, winning in the final couple of strides after putting in a huge last 200m.

From there he went to the Golden Rose, a race where the extra 200m in distance was tipped to further help his cause.

That didn’t eventuate though and he went down to Manawanui after a wayward run up the home straight.

He potentially cost himself a Group 1 win that day, not the first time misfortune has struck the Cummings team in top level races.

They were set to redeem themselves sin the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes but after going back to last at his first test in open company eh gave away too much ground and could only rattle home in 10th.

The big goal though was always the mile trip of the Caulfield Guineas with connections confident that would be where he found his peak.

It wasn’t to be though, Smart Missile dropping out of it at the top of the turn to struggle to fifth position behind a dominant Helmet

Overall the distance test was an experiment that didn’t pay off and syndicate manager Andrew Baddock says they’ll learn from that in the autumn.

“All his indications over the spring were that he’d want ground,” he said.

“We’ll just keep him to the sprints, 1000m and six furlong races.

“He loves hitting the line off a hot speed so we’ll keep him at that.”

They did toy with the idea of freshening him up for a crack at Sepoy in the Coolmore Stud Stakes but they are content with their decision to let it slide.

Smart Missile went to the paddock in fantastic condition and they’re hoping he takes improvement from a decent stint on the sidelines.

“He’s in great order, he came back in good order he’s nice and sound,” Baddock said.

“He’ll have a full six week spell.”

Smart Missile is due to return in Melbourne for the Lightning Stakes before a run of sprints during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.