As one would expect for the prize on offer, a deep field assembles for the G1 TJ Smith S. at Randwick Saturday with last year's winner Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta De Lago {Aus}) bidding to defend his crown. The 5-year-old will jump from barrier 11 under Tommy Berry as he aims to get back to winning ways following his third in the G1 Lexus Newmarket H. at Flemington Mar. 12.
The Hawkes' trainee is not the market choice, however, with the Godolphin runner Exosphere (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}) marginally preferred. The John O'Shea-trained colt has not been seen competitively since finishing fourth to Chautauqua in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning S., a run best ignored according to his trainer. “We just have to forget about his last two runs at Flemington and trust in what he's shown us at home–and that's been outstanding. He's blossomed over the past week or so,” said O'Shea. The trainer has had a trouble-free prep with Exosphere and is confident that he has what it takes to add to his solitary Group 1 success, achieved in the Golden Rose S. at Rosehill last September. “He's fit and well and there's no question that he's come on a lot since returning from Melbourne,” added O'Shea. “He's bright in himself, his coat has improved, we're all very pleased with him. He's drawn barrier four which shouldn't be a problem. I think you'll find he'll settle a bit closer to the pace than last time.”
It is far from a two horse race and wherever Chautauqua finishes Terravista (Aus) (Captain Rio {GB}) should be close to him. That runner finished third in this race last year and also ran Chautauqua to a short head in the Lightning, but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the G1 Banjo Galaxy at Rosehill Mar. 19. Ahead of him on that occasion were the re-opposing Dothraki (Aus) (Mossman), Shiraz (Aus) (Zariz {Aus}), Fell Swoop (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) and English (Aus) (Encosta De Lago {Aus}).
Shiraz finished second in the Banjo Galaxy and his trainer Tony McEvoy is delighted with his condition since, though admits his chance depends a lot on the weather. “He galloped beautifully on Tuesday at Hawkesbury, so he's as good as he can be. We just need some rain. He's sort of a four-length, five-length better horse on a rain-affected track. So if he got the conditions to suit he could run a really good race in the TJ,” said McEvoy.
Gai Waterhouse is hopeful her charge English can also make an impact. The filly won the G2 Challenge S. over a furlong shorter at Randwick Mar. 5 and Waterhouse commented, “I can't see why she can't win it. She got a little bit bogged down last time out [at Rosehill] but she is back on the track where she has won and I think she will go very well.”
This race is an automatic qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in November.
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