Autumn sprint racing will reach its peak again at Royal Randwick on Saturday when a world class field of eleven contests the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes.
Six of the eleven confirmed starters in the TJ Smith Stakes field have tasted success at the highest level previously, but every horse has claims, and it could very well prove to be the race of the season.
Check out my complete 2021 TJ Smith Stakes tips below thanks to bookmaker Neds.
TJ Smith Stakes – Winner
Masked Crusader was responsible for one of the autumn’s most impressive performances last time out and I’m putting him on top of my TJ Smith Stakes tips.
The Toronado gelding has always hinted at above-average talent since making his competitive debut, but he has really started to realise it this time in.
He was an easy winner of the Southern Cross Stakes when fresh and ran third behind Savatiano in the Canterbury Stakes, before mustering a turn of foot for the ages to win the William Reid Stakes at The Valley, aided by a Willie Pike special.
The wizard won’t be in the saddle on Saturday, but Kerrin McEvoy will be, and the $8.50 we’re getting at publish could prove to be big overs.
TJ Smith Stakes – 2nd
He hasn’t shown his best form in two starts this time, but with Nature Strip and Eduardo surely setting a breakneck speed up front, I think that the TJ Smith Stakes will be set for a horse like Bivouac to fly home and into the finish.
The Exceed And Excel entire’s form and record have been well documented but in short, he is a three-time Group 1 winner and ranks amongst the world’s best sprinters.
He was flat when fifth in the Lightning Stakes when resuming, but was noticeably better into fourth in the Canterbury Stakes, and I like that he has had a trial since that last-start effort.
TJ Smith Stakes – 3rd
Libertini was undone by a poor barrier, but still hit the line well to finish third behind Masked Crusader in the William Reid when resuming, and she can fight out the finish of the TJ Smith Stakes.
The I Am Invincible mare has been the stable star for Anthony Cummings since making her debut, and is undoubtedly one of the country’s best horses that is yet to record a Group 1 win.
She has been competitive in races of this quality throughout her career, and she would not look out of place in the TJ Smith Stakes winner’s stall.
TJ Smith Stakes – 4th
I was tossing up between Eduardo and Nature Strip holding on and into the finish of the TJ Smith Stakes, and I think that this bloke is in better condition.
The Host gelding has been a great horse throughout his career, but he has certainly gone to another level since transferring to the care of Joe Pride, and certainly this time in.
His first-up run and win in the Challenge Stakes was franked when he ran them ragged and kicked away to win his first Group 1 crown in The Galaxy last time out, and he’ll only be better third-up on Saturday.
TJ Smith Stakes Tips
Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #5 Masked Crusader
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
