On first impressions, trainer Dan Morton didn’t like the performance put up by Super Smink in the Group 1 C.F.Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield two weeks ago.
Expecting a big show from his top mare, Dan Morton was left to ponder her seventh placing behind Another Wil and Mr Brightside in her interstate debut.
But on review Morton believes the seven-length defeat is better than what it looked considering Super Smink was on the worst part of the Caulfield track.
Sticking to the fence throughout, the four-year-mare didn’t savage the line as Morton had expected, but despite the defeat, he hasn’t lost faith in her.
Super Smink goes back to Caulfield on Saturday for the second leg of her Group 1 assault in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) and Morton is buoyant about her chances.
“On the day it was a bit of a head scratcher because I’m not used to her not attacking the line,” Morton told Racing WA.
“But after reviewing it and the way the track played, the general consensus was the inside wasn’t where you needed to be.
“That said, there’s no sugar coating it, she popped late, it looked to me she was going to run into third or fourth.
“Weighing it all up she’s pulled up really well and I know she’ll come forward from the run.
“All things added up I’m pretty happy going forward and feel like we are going to improve.
“I’ve said it a hundred times, we’re under no illusion, we know what we are up against.
“But, I’ve got a lot of confidence in her, she’s a four-year-old mare on the rise.
“I have no doubt about that and she looks mint.”
A $1.2 million prize winner, Super Smink was bought for a modest $45,000 at Perth’s Magic Millions yearling sale three years ago.
She created history as a two-year-old, becoming the first horse to win the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m), Karrakatta Plate (1200m) and WA Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).
Her other feature highlights include the Belgravia Stakes (1200m) and the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m).
Super Smink is currently $31 with wagering companies in their all-in Futurity Stakes market.
The daughter of Super One will have a new rider second up in Melbourne, Billy Egan taking over from John Allen.
Mr Brightside the dominant $1.70 market leader with online betting sites.
Morton is hoping Super Smink can reach the All-Star Mile after Saturday’s Futurity.
