The six-time Group 1 winner was not among the original nominations after coming out of retirement in late winter when he faced an uncertain future.

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But his recent form — Underwood Stakes victory followed by narrow Ladbrokes Stakes defeat — has left Smith leaning towards a Cox Plate tilt with the rejuvenated nine-year-old.

“I have to speak with the Moonee Valley to find out what they’re thinking,” Smith said.

“The horse is going really well. He’s done a great job. But I need some clarification.”

Smith said he was unlikely to take any horses from Warrnambool trainer Jarrod McLean, who has been stood down indefinitely pending the determination of police charges.

Smith met stewards on Saturday to discuss the blocked transfer of six former McLean horses to his yard.

The gallopers, including Mackinnon Stakes winner Trap For Fool, are owned by Smith’s largest owner Geoff Evans.

Smith said he fully understood the stewards’ decision.

“The application has not been submitted and I understand the other side of it (the connection to McLean),” he said.

“I have no issue with that at all.”

Smith spoke with trainers Wayne Hawkes and James Cummings at the weekend over perceived slurs on his character.

Smith said he “looked both gentlemen in the eye” and told them he was a clean trainer.

“I’ve come here (Victoria) as a breath of fresh air,” he said.

“I’m here to train winners and train in my own right.”

Smith was annoyed with Hawkes and Cummings over comments relating to the “magical Warrnambool sand dunes”, an apparent reference to his friendship with disgraced trainer Darren Weir.

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Smith now operates out of Weir’s former stables after McLean — Weir’s ex-stable foreman — unsuccessfully attempted to take over the boxes.

Tensions flared after Black Heart Bart won the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at $101, with Smith reacting strongly to comments by Hawkes and Cummings.

Smith has been a revelation since establishing a Victorian base, nursing crocks Scales Of Justice and Black Heart Bart to Group 1 success.