Morton says Super Smink to put best foot forward in The Gold Rush
Dan Morton has backed his quality mare Super Smink to put her best foot forward and rebound off a fair run in Saturday’s The Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot.
Super Smink got a long way back from a positive draw last Saturday, but was never in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) when ninth to Light Infantry Man.
Following a slashing third in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at her previous start, ambitions were high, but she couldn’t live up to expectations.
A Group 1 went begging, but a rich $1.5 million prize purse remains and Dan Morton can see no reason why she can’t take home the spoils and score a redemptive win.
Helping her cause in the Gold Rush is barrier five, a favourable spot for jockey Chris Parnham with several of the fancies, including Western Empire drawn wide.
Morton said it didn’t go according to script for Super Smink seven days ago in the Northerly Stakes, but he expects her to pull out an improved showing.
“Circumstances meant we didn’t end up in the spot we needed to be in the run (Northerly),” Morton said.
“Things didn’t pan out for her after that, but I guess the plus out of that is she didn’t get knocked around and we get another go.
“I don’t second guess Chris (Parnham) too many times, he knows the mare well and went in with a plan the other day, but it didn’t go to fruition.
“I’m sure he will want to be around midfield-ish and if that’s where she is and she gets an out she’ll go good.”
The Morton and Parnham combination will look to go one better after Kissonallforcheeks was denied victory by interstate raider, The Astrologist in the first edition of the Gold Rush (2023).
Super Smink is in a battle with Western Empire for Tabtouch favouritism.
Western Empire, from the stables of leading pair, Grant and Alana Williams, has been dealt two blows this week, losing jockey, William Pike to injury and copping barrier 15.
Victorian jockey, Billy Egan replaces Pike, who steered home The Astrologist.
Super Smink and Western Empire are current joint $4.80 favourites.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Slick return has Lubrication ready to rumble in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Lubrication has put his hand up for a strong summer campaign after a powerhouse first-up performance that sends him into the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben full of confidence. The gelding enjoyed a breakout moment in May when winning the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton, defeating future...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...