Super Smink launches spring campaign in the Belgravia Stakes

Super Smink is primed to give the Ascot Pinnacles carnival a big shake in upcoming weeks, but trainer Dan Morton believes the gun filly is vulnerable first up at Ascot on Saturday.

Perth’s reigning 2YO Horse Of The Year launches her much-anticipated spring campaign in the Listed Macmahon Belgravia Stakes (1200m) and Dan Morton is cautious on her prospects.

Looking for a change of fortune after losing Kissonallforcheeks and She’s Fit to injury in recent months , Super Smink is Morton’s banner horse after her explosive juvenile season.

The Super One filly won three races and placed twice from five starts, creating history as the first winner of the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m), Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) and Group 3 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).

Picked up for $45,000 at the Perth Magic Millions sale, Super Smink hasn’t raced since the Sires’ in April, but looked to be in good fettle after a closing fourth without being fully tested to Admiration Express in a Lark Hill trial.

“She’s got all the right attributes, but has to come back obviously as a three-year-old,” Morton told The Races WA.

“They have to come back with the same zest and want to do it in the best of company.

“It’s a fair step, but so far so good and she’s heading in the right direction.

“I’m always a bit guarded and this race is a long way from her grand final.

“There are already some smart three-year-olds in the race who are very fit.

“Mitchell Pateman’s Almighty Class and a couple of Simon Miller’s.

“But her trial was good and it wasn’t over taxing.

“Potentially she’s a horse who can take us deep into the spring.”

After a handful of races, Super Smink has amassed just over half a million dollars in stake earnings.

In a field of 12 Belgravia starters, she has drawn barrier six and will be ridden by Chris Parnham.

Parnham won the 2022 edition of the Belgravia Stakes on Searchin’ Rocs.

Morton can join his father, Len, on the Belgravia Stakes honour roll after he prepared Millpak (2002).

Meanwhile Morton said Alaskan God and Stafford’s Lad have returned to Perth after their respective Melbourne campaigns.

Alaskan God will target the Lee Steere Stakes (1400m), Group One Railway Stakes (1600m), Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) and Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m).

Morton has yet to map out a plan for Stafford’s Lad.