Jockey Declan Bates and Corner Pocket combine for ninth win in Chester Manifold Stakes at Flemington

A festive season reunion propelled smart galloper Corner Pocket to victory in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

Regular rider Declan Bates had missed Corner Pocket’s last two runs as trainer Lindsey Smith opted to engage a claiming apprentice for the talented performer but the Irishman was back aboard for the New Year’s Day feature.

Bates had ridden Corner Pocket to all eight career wins before the Chester Manifold Stakes.

The jockey’s knowledge of the gelding came to the fore as Corner Pocket staved off the game Looks Like Elvis and Pal D’Oro to notch his second stakes win.

Corner Pocket went unbeaten in five runs in 2021 and started 2023 with a fighting performance.

“I just love this horse,” Bates said.

“I don’t get too attached to many but I have a real soft spot for this fellow.”

Bates said Corner Pocket was a simple horse to ride because the seven-year-old was always prepared to give everything to win.

“He’s the most straightforward horse you could ever ride. You could put him anywhere,” Bates said.

“When you go for him, I’ve never ridden a horse that the more you ask, the more he’ll put his life on the line and give you everything.

“He was too good today.”

Earlier, top jockey Craig Williams continued his hot form with a treble in the first five races at Flemington.

Williams steered home a winning double at The Valley on Saturday before starting 2023 in impressive fashion.

Williams piloted the Godolphin two-year-old Exploring ($2.15 fav) to win the opening race of the day for trainer James Cummings.

Godolphin’s Melbourne representative Sean Keogh said Exploring could progress to the Blue Diamond series at Sandown in the coming weeks.

“He (Williams) was patient through the mid-stages and she gave a good kick and put them away in good style.

“She’s super precocious and Sandown is more of a dog leg turn than a corner so that might be suitable.”

Williams booted home the $1.85 favourite Papillon Club to win the Australian Trainers’ Association Plate (1400m) for Cranbourne horseman Greg Eurell.

The jockey completed his treble on the Tom Dabernig-trained Hasseltoff ($4.20 fav) in the 2023 Stud & Stable Staff Awards (1700m).

Originally published as Jockey Declan Bates and Corner Pocket combine for ninth win in Chester Manifold Stakes at Flemington