Smart Missile's next start will be in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

With a horse that’s won three from four and placed second at Group 1 level it’s tough to see how he could be determined an unlucky horse but for Anthony Cummings that’s surely a feeling he must have for Smart Missile.

Whether it be getting scratched at the gates before the Golden Slipper or copping contact and seemingly throwing away a win in the Golden Rose, the colt just keeps finding ways to blow top level opportunities.

He will be given another shot this weekend though when Cummings sends him to open company for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes over 1400m.

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude was another option but you can understand that Cummings is losing patience for a Group 1 few would argue he probably deserves.

“He’s entitled to his chance at a Group 1 success,” Cummings said.

This could well be one of his more difficult assignments though given there will be a capacity field of proven open class company.

“I thought probably Woorim would be the hardest to beat,” Cummings said.

One issue he says they won’t have though are problems with the Caulfield way of going or the track itself.

“He galloped on the inside rail on Saturday morning, he was on the outside rail this morning,” he said.

“It’s as if he’s been here all his life.”

Cummings hasn’t been forced to do too much work with the horse, he’s just hoping a bit of luck finally comes his way when it matters.

“He sat off another horse that’s running in a short race, beat it home a couple of lengths on the line,” he said.

“He’s in good shape and he’s going the right way.”

Glen Boss will maintain the ride despite finding a few issues in the Golden Rose but you get the feeling he wouldn’t want to be making too many mistakes in the Sir Rupert Clarke stakes.

“Bossy continues to be a pretty good rap for him, the horse sells himself whenever he goes out,” Cummings said.