Saturday’s Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick presents a prime opportunity for Sunshine In Paris, with notable absences clearing the way for a wide-open sprint.
The retirements of Bella Nipotina and the withdrawal of emerging star Private Harry have changed the landscape of this year’s race. Sunshine In Paris, who ran a close fifth in the same event last year, returns with more experience and a Group 1 win to her name after claiming the Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington during the spring.
“When a horse like Bella Nipotina gets retired, it opens the way a little bit,” co-trainer Rob Archibald said.
“For the last couple of years she hasn’t been too far away. She just needs a couple of little things to go her way.
She has shown she can mix it with the best of them already, it’s just who gets the right run on the day.
But she is right there, she is in great order and we’re very happy with her.”
Sunshine In Paris resumed with a strong performance in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), where she finished fourth. She’s been kept ticking over with a gallop between races at Kensington and looks ready for another bold showing.
Despite drawing barrier 11, her usual get-back-and-run-on pattern should help her negate the awkward gate.
“She was excellent first-up. If she can just improve a length she shouldn’t be too far away in a TJ,” Archibald said.
This year’s T J Smith Stakes field features several talented mares, including market leader Joliestar, who was last seen winning the Newmarket Handicap, and the ever-consistent Kimochi.
Chris Waller is optimistic about Joliestar’s condition heading into Saturday’s race following her return from Victoria.
“She travelled back from Melbourne really well and she has had a good enough time between runs,” Waller said.
“She has got her confidence back.”
Kimochi, who has drawn the outside barrier in gate 13, is also expected to run a big race, according to trainer Gary Portelli.
“She is bouncing around like an absolute machine at the moment, I can’t wait to get her out there,” Portelli said.
“The 1200 metres and back on a big track should suit her.”
