Trainer Dan Morton has shrugged aside Super Smink’s horror barrier draw and still thinks she can win the Group 1 Swan Draught-Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday.
A layer of complexity was added to Super Smink’s Railway Stakes bid after she was handed barrier 18, but Dan Morton is keeping the faith with his gun mare.
After a frustrating patch since winning the Belgravia Stakes (1200m) last October, Super Smink has found her groove this campaign, boldly evidenced last start.
After placings in the Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m) and Eurythmic Stakes (1400m), Super Smink took out the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) with a swarming finish.
Morton hopes with a slice of lady luck and a sublime ride from ace jockey, Chris Parnham, Super Smink can be in contention to win her biggest race.
“It’s not ideal, but you deal with what you get,” Morton said on Tabradio.
“It’s out of your hands, there is nothing you can do about it.
“Chris (Parnham) will have a plan and we’ll see what unfolds.
“She finishes super and she’s going to be in the second half, but if things pan out for you, she’ll finish strong.
“She’s had a trouble-free prep which is sort of rare and I feel like we are going to get her there in great shape.
“I’d still like to think she’s a realistic chance and she can gives us a good show.
“She’s a high-class mare.”
Despite the barrier draw she was handed, Super Smink has only eased a point from $9 to $10.
She’s rated one of the best of the locals along with Zipaway, who holds second favouritism at $7.
Heading the market is interstate raider, Light Infantry Man, who met further support after drawing ideally.
One of five interstate raiders and forming a two-pronged attack for training supremo, Ciaran Maher, he’s $4.20.
From barrier two, the international import and last start Listed winner at Flemington, will be in the hands of gun jockey, James McDonald.
Before Super Smink’s Group 1 assignment, Morton will saddle up Ron’s Finalflutter in the Group 2 Whiteclaw-WA Guineas (1600m).
The Written Tycoon filly backs up after her second to Storyville in last Saturday’s Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).
“She came through good, but again the barrier gods have not been kind,” Morton said.
“Her better races are when she’s coiled up and rattling home, so you’d imagine she will get that chance.”
Ron’s Finalflutter has drawn barrier 14 and has Steven Parnham as her partner, taking over from his brother, Brad, who rides $2.35 betting favourite, September Born.
Ron’s Finalflutter’s conqueror in the Champion Fillies Stakes, Storyville, is on the next line at $4.60.
Ron’s Finalflutter is currently quoted a $34 chance with online betting sites.
Meanwhile, in the Listed A.J.Scahill Cup (2100m), Morton is excited about the prospects of In Good Order.
