With Everest winner Bella Nipotina now retired and rising star Private Harry not lining up, the door has opened for a new champion in Saturday’s Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick — and the connections of Sunshine In Paris are aiming to seize the opportunity.
Sunshine In Paris finished a close fifth in last year’s edition of the race, beaten less than a length. Since then, she’s added a major victory to her resume, claiming the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington during the spring carnival.
“When a horse like Bella Nipotina gets retired, it opens the way a little bit,” co-trainer Rob Archibald said.
“For the last couple of years she hasn’t been too far away. She just needs a couple of little things to go her way.
She has shown she can mix it with the best of them already, it’s just who gets the right run on the day.
But she is right there, she is in great order and we’re very happy with her.”
The mare resumed with a strong fourth behind Royal Patronage in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) and has been kept fresh with a gallop between races on the Kensington track last week.
Drawn barrier 11, Sunshine In Paris will rely on her trademark finishing burst to overcome the wide draw.
“She was excellent first-up. If she can just improve a length she shouldn’t be too far away in a TJ,” Archibald said.
Saturday’s T J Smith Stakes features a strong representation of mares, including Newmarket Handicap winner Joliestar and the consistent Kimochi.
Joliestar, who claimed the prestigious Newmarket Handicap last start, is the early favourite. Trainer Chris Waller reports she has recovered well from her Melbourne trip and is primed to run another big race.
“She travelled back from Melbourne really well and she has had a good enough time between runs,” Waller said.
“She has got her confidence back.”
Kimochi will need to overcome a tough draw in barrier 13, but trainer Gary Portelli is upbeat about her chances.
“She is bouncing around like an absolute machine at the moment, I can’t wait to get her out there,” Portelli said.
“The 1200 metres and back on a big track should suit her.”
