The T J Smith Stakes is a yearly event that draws Australia’s top sprinters competing for a big slice of the prize money, creating an exciting race. Since it’s held near the end of the Sydney Autumn Carnival, bettors have the benefit of seeing the horses perform in several lead-up races before placing their final bets!

Race overview

• Date: Saturday, April 6th, 2024
• Location: Randwick Racecourse, Sydney
• Distance: 1200 Meters
• Conditions: WFA
• Status: Group 1 race
• Prize Money: $3,000,000 AUD

Runner by runner

1. I Wish I Win (4) – TJ Smith Stakes winner. Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign second of 12 at this track Everest October 14 over 1200m, a long neck behind Think About It with 58.5kg at $5. Previously first up; third of 14 at Caulfield in the G1 Memsie September 2 over 1400m, 0.5 len behind Mr Brightside carrying 59kg at $4.50. Has a dynamite fresh record and conditions suit.

2. Private Eye (14) – Group 1 winner. Most recently 11th of 14 at Rosehill in the G1 The Galaxy on March 23 over 1100m, 5 len behind Zapateo with 58kg at $6.50. The start before that from last on the turn second last of 7 at this track in the G2 Challenge on March 9 over 1000m, 1.5 len behind Passive Aggressive carrying 58.5kg at $2.30. Deserves another chance.

3. Mazu (12) – Group 1 winner. Second-up. First-up after four months sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 7 at this track in the G2 Challenge on March 9 over 1000m, 1.3 len behind Passive Aggressive with 58.5kg at $5.50. Previously second-up second last of 12 at this track Everest on October 14 over 1200m, 5 len behind Think About It carrying 58.5kg at $51. Comes into calculations with the anticipated rain.

4. Coal Crusher (10) – Group 2 placegetter. At the latest run 5th of 15 at Rosehill in the G3 St Kingdom on March 30 over 1200m, 2.5 len behind Bandi’s Boy with 59.5kg at $9. Before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 7 at this track in the G1 Cant Stks on March 9 over 1300m, 2.5 len behind Lady Laguna with 59kg at $13. Thereabouts last time but others are preferred.

5. Aft Cabin (8) – Group 2 winner. Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 3rd of 7 at this track in the G2 Challenge on March 9 over 1000m, 0.8 len behind Passive Aggressive carrying 58.5kg at $6. Last start 12th of 14 at Rosehill in the G1 The Galaxy on March 23 over 1100m, 7 len behind Zapateo with 55kg at $6. Definite winning chance on best form. Keep safe.

6. Buenos Noches (15) – Multiple Group 1 placegetter. Most recently 10th of 14 at Rosehill in the G1 The Galaxy on March 23 over 1100m, 4.5 len behind Zapateo carrying 55kg at $19. The run before that 9th of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket on March 9 over 1200m, 4.5 len behind Cylinder carrying 55.5kg at $5. Tested from a wide gate.

7. Johnny Rocker (3) – Group 1 placegetter. Most recently 2nd of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G1 William Reid on March 23 over 1200m, head behind Imperatriz with 58.5kg at $67. The race before that raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 1.0 len at Moonee Valley Bm78 March 8 over 1200m defeating Midtown Boss carrying 56kg at $5. Don’t dismiss.

8. Imperatriz (6) – William Reid Stakes winner. Going well. Last start favourite; won by a head at Moonee Valley G1 William Reid March 23 over 1200m defeating Johnny Rocker carrying 56.5kg at $1.70. Before that ran on from midfield; 2nd of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket on March 9 over 1200m, 1.3 len behind Cylinder with 58kg at $2.80. Got the job done last time and is a leading hope again.

9. Bella Nipotina (11) – Manikato Stakes winner. Useful mare. At the latest run 4th of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G1 William Reid on March 23 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Imperatriz with 56.5kg at $5. The start before that 5th of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket on March 9 over 1200m, 2 len behind Cylinder carrying 55.5kg at $15. Watch for a big final furlong.

10. Espiona (13) – Coolmore Classic winner. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 3rd of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning on February 17 over 1000m, 0.7 len behind Imperatriz carrying 56.5kg at $26. Last start came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 7 at this track in the G1 Cant Stks on March 9 over 1300m, 1.4 len behind Lady Laguna with 57kg at $2.40. Swooper to watch for late in the piece.

11. Sunshine In Paris (9) – Surround Stakes winner. Having second run back today. Last run came from midfield; 2nd of 14 at Rosehill in the G1 The Galaxy on March 23 over 1100m, nose behind Zapateo carrying 53.5kg at $5.50. At only start last preparation favourite; won by 0.9 len at Rosehill G2 Sheraco September 9 over 1200m defeating Espiona carrying 58kg at $8.50. Fitter now and among the top chances.

12. Cylinder (7) – Newmarket Handicap winner. Most recently ran last of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G1 William Reid on March 23 over 1200m, 6 len behind Imperatriz carrying 56kg at $9. The race before that ran on from midfield and won by 1.3 len at Flemington G1 Newmarket March 9 over 1200m defeating Imperatriz with 51.5kg at $11. No threat last time out but this suits.

13. Magic Time (1) – Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner. Second run back. First-up after four months sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket on March 9 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Cylinder with 53kg at $5. Previously second-up won by 1.4 len at Rosehill G3 Nivison October 7 over 1200m defeating Parisal with 56.5kg at $2.50. Has a good record this track and trip.

14. Chain Of Lightning (2) – Group 2 winner. Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up got back early 12th of 15 at Caulfield in the G1 Oakleigh Plt on February 24 over 1100m, 2.75 len behind Queman carrying 53.5kg at $26. Last start ran on from midfield and won by 0.8 len at Rosehill G3 B/Day Card March 23 over 1200m defeating Tashi with 58.5kg at $16. Well drawn and looks a genuine hope.

15. Willinga Beast (5) – Multiple Group 2 placegetter. Second run back. First-up after two months ran on from midfield; 2nd of 16 at Gosford Provmid Champ on March 16 over 1200m, 1.0 len behind Shadows Of Love with 54kg at $6.50. Previously second-up 6th of 10 at Caulfield in the LR Alinghi on October 21 over 1100m, 1.75 len behind Lempicka with 56kg at $13. Fitter but others appeal more.

Our tips for the day!

William Reid Stakes winner IMPERATRIZ (8) has a superb record with 19 wins and 4 placings from her 26 starts, won at Moonee Valley in a Group 1 over 1200m last time out. Her class should see her go close. Group 1 winner PRIVATE EYE (2) has been in the market at his last couple of starts but hasn’t made an impression, last start running 11th at Rosehill. Expecting a strong run in this field. Surround Stakes winner SUNSHINE IN PARIS (11) has notched up two wins from three starts at Randwick, rates an each way chance. Group 2 winner CHAIN OF LIGHTNING (14) bounced back to winning form at Rosehill last start and rates a chance in this field. Group 2 winner AFT CABIN (5) can feature.

Tips: (8) – (2) – (11) – (14) – (5)