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.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...