One of Australia premier sprinting races, the TJ Smith Stakes is run at Randwick Racecourse over 1,200 metres at weight-for-age. Total prizemoney is $2.5 million. The race is one of the main features on the first day of The Championships, which is the highlight of the Sydney Autumn carnival.
TJ Smith Stakes: Key runners
Professional punter Cameron O’Brien runs the Key Race Insights service for Champion Bets. The below is just some of Cameron’s runner comments for this race. Key Race Insights members receive Cameron’s full report for every Group 1 and $1 million race in Australia. This is for those who want to win on the big races, and includes his historical race profile, speed map, full rated market and recommended bets. And it’s less than $5 per race! Check out Key Race Insights here.
NATURE STRIP won this race last year going 120 off the same two lead-in runs, and is drawn well here so he should find the rail, which is when he races best. Last year was a Heavy 8, similar to this track, so he’ll get his chance to go similarly to his 120 again. He might have Eduardo pestering him though!
EDUARDO has found a new level in his two wins this prep, as a seven-year-old! Quite remarkable, but he’s obviously racing super and he gets his chance again. Probably doesn’t get the rail this time as I expect NATURE STRIP to kick up and hold him out. They may go toe to toe again here!
SEPTEMBER RUN is a talented filly who has performed on soft tracks… but hasn’t yet seen one this soft. Brilliant run in the Lightning first-up, then she disappointed in the Newmarket. She was unsuited at The Balley last time out, but then did work home well with the bias against her there. This more fair track should suit and I think we can see a big run here.
BIVOUAC was brilliant last Spring in the Darley – albeit down the straight, which is perhaps his favourite. The jury is out on him this prep with two well below-par runs, and a recent trial that was fair at best. Will the real BIVOUAC please stand up?
MASKED CRUSADER is still just a four-year old and keeps improving his figures. It was a big win with a brilliant ride from Pike at The Valley last time out. He rated well there and I can’t say that’s necessarily his top, he still will need another level on top of that if he’s to challenge the likes of NATURE STRIP and EDUARDO.
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