KURRINDA MARE A “SUPER CHANCE” FOR STAKES BREAKTHROUGH

SHE is going super – and has earned the chance to score black type.

Hunter-based Kurrinda Bloodstock’s Super Norwest will chase a hat-trick on February 14 in the $250,000 Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick, where she has won her last two starts over the same distance against her own sex.

Kurrinda principal Sean Driver today confirmed Super Norwest’s Triscay mission after conferring with the mare’s trainer Matthew Dale.

“There was a chance she could have backed up next Saturday at Caulfield in the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) against her own sex,” Driver said.

“But she has never been to Melbourne and raced in the opposite direction.

“Super Norwest is in such career best form that it made sense to stay at home and have a crack at the Triscay.”

A five-year-old daughter of Rich Enuff who fetched $125,000 as a 2022 Inglis Classic yearling, Super Norwest has now won six races and been placed as many times.

Her victory, with leading apprentice Braith Nock on board in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m), boosted her earnings to almost $460,000.

“Because it was evident horses were finding it hard to come from behind yesterday, Braith was told to take up the running if nothing else wanted to lead,” Driver said.

“She is such a versatile mare, having sat off the pace when she won at Randwick late last month.

“Matt (Dale) has done a terrific job with her.

“The turning point came even though she was unplaced in a Class 3 Highway Handicap (1200m) at Gosford’s Saturday metropolitan meeting last May.

“Matt changed her gear from ear muffs pre-race to keeping them on her in a race.

“Super Norwest drew near the outside at Gosford and never got on the track, but the important part was that she settled so well.

“She ran second at Randwick next start, then won a Highway at Rosehill Gardens after that.

“Now she can come from behind or lead, has won on both good and soft ground and has been placed on the heavy.”

As much as $8.50 was bet about Super Norwest before she firmed late to start at $6, and defeated Hawkesbury trainer Marc Chevalier’s mare Everyone’s A Star ($17), who tried so bravely to repeat her recent Randwick triumph.

Meanwhile, Kurrinda’s star sprinter Private Harry is under saddle and 10-14 days off joining Chris Waller’s Rosehill stable.

“Private Harry is sound, and will start going three-quarter pace in mid-February,” Driver said.

Talented So You Think three-year-old Gorgeous, who created a big impression when scoring on debut on the Kensington track on January 14, is spelling.

“Our target second-up with her is the Listed Group 3 Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at the Scone carnival on May 16,” Driver said.

“She did so much wrong and yet still managed to win at her first start. She looks to be the real deal.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, JANUARY 25, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS