Super Estrella In Big Race Holding Pattern

ANY convincing trainer David Smith needed that Super Estrella was a budding superstar of the Australian staying ranks he received in spades at Dapto last Thursday night.

The hugely exciting daughter of Fernando Bale took out the NSW National Distance Championship (729m) in spirited manner in what was her first time stretching out to the half-mile journey.

"From the moment she started racing I've said to people that if I can't win a real big race with her I don't think I'll ever win one," Smith said.

"She did exceptionally well to win last week when she really had no right to do so in the run. She's an unbelievable chaser and is so fearless in her races, she'll go inside or outside to take runs – really just whatever it takes.

“And she can do it over any distance as well.”

Winner at 14 of her 34 starts, Super Estrella has been in sparkling form, winning six of her past eight, including near track record runs at Bulli and Richmond in middle distance demolitions.

But with the ongoing Covid-19 crisis putting paid to a number of feature races in NSW, Smith admits making any solid plans with his star young stayer is proving problematic.

"The current situation has made things really tough," Smith said.

FIELDS AND FORM BULLI WEDNESDAY

"I'd kept her and Ice Cream Story to 500 so they could go in the Group 1 Peter Mosman Opal which was cancelled and then the Sydney Cup went the same way.

"And now the levelling out of prizemoney (during Covid) has made it difficult as well. A lot of ground has been made in keeping good stayers in NSW so you don't want to see any of that lost.

"If the good dogs are starved of opportunity for too long you can't blame owners for sending them interstate."

Smith is remaining hopeful that a trip south for the Spring riches on offer in Victoria will still be within reach when the time arises.

"That's the plan," Smith said. "If we can get down there for the big races I'll definitely be chasing them. I've got no doubt there's a big race in Super Estrella – she's still only very young. Races like the Hume Cup and Bold Trease would be ideal."

On Wednesday night, Smith will turn his attention to Bulli where he boasts a string of top chances.

In 2021, the Elderslie trainer has lined up 79 runners at Bulli for 24 winners and 27 placegetters.

"I'm having some good luck at Bulli," Smith said.

“I trial there quite a bit and the dogs are going really well there. I haven't had a good look at the races yet but Rodeo Ethics and Outlaw Ethics are both going really well.

“Rodeo Ethics just doesn't accelerate through the bends. He gives up a lot of ground turning but providing he gets through the corner in front he's hard to beat."