WA mare over the odds in the G1 CF Orr Stakes says trainer
She’s facing a tough test against a high-caliber field, but trainer Dan Morton firmly believes his Perth mare Super Smink isn’t just there to fill out the numbers in her interstate debut this Saturday.
While Morton acknowledges the challenge ahead in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, he remains confident in her ability to compete at a strong level despite her outsider status.
“I’m under no illusions about the task ahead of her,” Morton told Racing WA.
“There’s no hiding, but we’ll get a good measure on where she’s at.
“She is flying and I think she’s ready to let rip in the bigger races.
“We’re out to grab one of these Group 1s and it would look great on her page.
“I’m not sure if she can win, but I would be very disappointed if she wasn’t competitive at best.
“I would be surprised if she didn’t run well.”
The C.F. Orr Stakes is just the first stop in a three-race Group 1 campaign for Super Smink, which includes a return to Caulfield for the Futurity Stakes (1400m) and a major goal of earning a place in the All-Star Mile at Flemington next month.
The four-year-old enters the race after an outstanding run at last year’s Ascot carnival, where she delivered a powerful finish to claim victory in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m).
Three weeks later, she produced a remarkable performance in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m), finishing a fast-closing third behind Port Lockroy, one of four feature race placings across six starts during the Pinnacles campaign.
Morton is confident Super Smink is in peak condition for the C.F. Orr Stakes.
“She only had a couple of weeks off after the carnival at home,” Morton said.
“I don’t think she bottomed out or was overly taxed.
“She has residual fitness and is rock hard fit.”
Despite her impressive Perth form, Super Smink is considered a long shot in the elite C.F. Orr Stakes lineup, sitting at $34 with wagering apps.
Leading the betting markets is Mr Brightside from the Hayes stable, who is aiming to defend his Orr Stakes title and secure his ninth Group 1 triumph, currently priced at $2.40.
Other notable contenders include Schwarz, fresh off a win in the Australia Stakes (1200m), as well as proven Group 1 winners Pinstriped and Private Life.
Morton has enlisted Victorian jockey John Allen to ride Super Smink, with the pair set to jump from barrier five.
“I tend to pick riders that have ridden for me previously,” Morton said.
“John rode Buzzoom for me a couple of years ago with success.
“He got her home in the Listed Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m).
“Hopefully we are successful again on the weekend.”
A surprise victory in the Orr Stakes would push Super Smink’s career earnings close to $2 million—a remarkable return for a horse purchased for just $45,000 at the Magic Millions yearling sale.
Morton is no stranger to big-race success on both the national and international stages.
In 2009, he enjoyed a stellar year with top sprinter Scenic Blast, who secured a Group 1 treble with victories in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) and Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington before triumphing in the King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot.
His staying star Scenic Shot also made waves interstate, claiming Group 1 wins in the MacKinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington and the Doomben Cup (2020m) in Brisbane, capping off a stellar run in Queensland racing.
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