The Mick Price-trained Lankan Rupee has eased from $3.50 to $3.80 at Sportingbet.com.au for Saturday’s Darley T.J. Smith Stakes after drawing the inside gate for the $2.5 million dollar Group 1 race of The Championships at Royal Randwick.
Lankan Rupee remains favourite ahead of Buffering ($6.50), Gordon Lord Byron ($7.50) and Zoustar ($11).
“It’s a huge field and there’s rain on the radar so we expect plenty of horses to be backed,”Sportingbet.com.au’s Andrew Brown said.
“Lankan Rupee showed in a recent trial he’ll handle the wet but that could prove an awkward draw for him if he fails to begin well.”
Sportingbet.com.au rated Lankan Rupee a $15 chance when it opened its market in late February. He firmed to $5 after his Newmarket Handicap victory and has been well supported since.
2014 TJ Smith Stakes
Sportingbet.com.au market
Lankan Rupee $3.80 (was $3.50)
Buffering $6.50 (was $5.50)
Gordon Lord Byron $7.50 (was $8)
Zoustar $11 (was $8)
Rebel Dane $12 (was $10)
Snitzerland $17 (was $12)
Sweet Idea $17 (was $14)
Steps In Time $17 (was $15)
Villa Verde $17 (was $18)
Shamexpress $17 (steady)
Fontelina $19 (was $18)
Others $21+