The T J Smith Stakes is wide open this year following the retirement of Everest winner Bella Nipotina and the defection of Private Harry, with Sunshine In Paris among the hopefuls.
The mare, who finished fifth in last year’s race, has since won the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington and is in strong form ahead of Saturday’s race. Co-trainer Rob Archibald believes the retirement of Bella Nipotina has created an opportunity.
“When a horse like Bella Nipotina gets retired, it opens the way a little bit,” Archibald said. “She just needs a couple of little things to go her way.”
Sunshine In Paris has been kept fresh since resuming with a solid fourth in the Canterbury Stakes and recently tuned up with an exhibition gallop. Despite drawing barrier 11, Archibald feels the backmarker’s racing style should help offset the awkward position.
With almost half of the T J Smith Stakes field being mares, including favourite Joliestar, who won the Newmarket Handicap, and the underrated Kimochi, it promises to be a competitive race.