After coming perilously close to defeating Live To Tell in the G3 Gimcrack Stakes (1100m) at Ascot two weeks ago, trainer Dan Morton gives his filly a top chance of going one better in Saturday’s G2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m).
A winner of the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at her previous start in February, Super Smink had the Gimcrack Stakes in her keeping with 50m remaining, but couldn’t withstand the finishing burst of Live To Tell.
The Territories filly, trained by Simon Miller, settled last and looked to have the task ahead of her when turning for home, but under jockey Pat Carbery she sprouted wings late to grab Super Smink in the shadows of the post.
Following her second win from three starts and the second leg of a feature double after the Listed Supremacy Stakes (1000m), Live To Tell is the raging $1.80 favourite to win the Karrakatta Plate and deliver Miller his fifth success in Perth’s premier two-year-old race.
Morton says he couldn’t be happier with Super Smink and believes the daughter of Super One, who has one wins and two placings from her three races, will strip fitter after going into the Gimcrack Stakes off a 42 day break.
Morton is confident Super Smink, on the second line of betr at $4.80, can turn the tables on Live To Tell in the Karrakatta Plate.
“I couldn’t be happier with her and she’s had a faultless preparation,” Morton told The Races WA.
“She will strip fitter after six weeks between runs and with another run under her belt she’s had race experience.
“I’ve always had a lot of time for her and it’s not like she has popped out of nowhere.
“Before she even trialled I liked her a lot.
“I’m going into the Karrakatta Plate happy and confident.”
In a field of 13 starters, Super Smink has drawn barrier six with Chris Parnham to partner.
The ace jockey opting for Super Smink over Ripcord, who he rode to victory in the Listed Perth Stakes.
Despite Live To Tell dominating betting, Morton believes the Karrakatta Plate is wide open.
“There are a lot of variables in a two-year-old race,” Morton said.
“You never know how they are going to improve race to race.
“I tend not to overthink it and just concentrate on my own and what I can control.”