Going through a running rail probably isn't the best possible preparation for a crack at a Group I race.
Theanswermyfriend was fortunate he races in the days of plastic running rails when he was shunted off the track in a trial at Cranbourne on Monday.
Theanswermyfriend and jockey Michael Dee found themselves on the inside of the track when the Robbie Laing-trained Little Indian made a sudden left turn shortly after the start of the trial.
"He came out probably half a length slow and the thing outside him just went left and they went through the running rail, the pair of them," Smerdon said.
"Luckily it just collapses but Mick had to pull him up. It didn't worry him too much because the rail just gave way."
Smerdon said Theanswermyfriend was uninjured in the incident but the son of High Chaparral was a shade below his best in his work at Caulfield on Tuesday morning.
"His work was OK and Ryan Maloney, who rides him all the time, said it wasn't as good as he has worked," Smerdon said.
"He had a torrid 48 hours. He went all the way to Cranbourne, had the incident and came back."
Smerdon said Theanswermyfriend will be fine for Saturday's $500,000 race but the Caulfield trainer said there could be a change of tactics for the four-year-old.
Theanswermyfriend led at a quick pace before fading to finish fifth to Santa Ana Lane in the Group I Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 1 but Smerdon said the gelding might not lead on Saturday.
"He just went way too fast the other because he missed the start and then got pushed on to lead and maybe he should have just popped in (behind the lead)," Smerdon said.
"He doesn't have to lead and maybe not leading is a better option. Maybe we have become a bit preoccupied about leading with him."
Michael Dee will ride Theanswermyfriend at 52kg in the Toorak Handicap and the pair will begin from barrier five if the emergency Mask Of Time does not gain a start.
