Horse Racing Tips for The TJ Smith 2026

Just when you thought it could not get better than last Saturday’s epic duel between Aeliana and Dubai Honour in the Tancred Stakes, we now arrive at Day 1 of The Championships at Randwick Racecourse.

Four Group 1 races headline the program, including one of the premier sprint races in the world, the T.J. Smith Stakes.

It is a race that consistently attracts the nation’s best sprinters, and this year’s edition is no different.

A high-quality field has assembled for what shapes as a fascinating 1200m contest.

The three year old colt Tentyris sits at the head of the market around $3.40, presenting a fair price for his supporters.

The key question is whether he can measure up against seasoned Group 1 sprinters at the elite level.

At the same time, last year’s winner Briasa looks to join the likes of Nature Strip, Chautauqua and Black Caviar as multiple winners of this feature.

There is plenty to dissect.

 

 

Cody Lane – T.J. Smith Stakes Preview 2026

Track Conditions

Current Rating: Soft 6

Expected Rating: Soft 6. Rain is forecast across Friday and Saturday, so conditions should remain in the soft range.

Running Rail: True

Track Bias: None expected

 

Speed Map and Race Shape

Leaders:

Overpass and Mazu

On pace:

Joliestar and Briasa

Midfield:

Jimmysstar and Magic Time

Rear:

Tentyris, Skybird and Giga Kick

 

Race Shape:

Overpass and Mazu should ensure a solid tempo, which will give every runner their chance.

This sets up a race where positioning and timing will be crucial.

 

 

T.J. Smith Stakes Facts You Must Consider

• Barriers 8 and 11 have been the most successful in the last 15 years, with three winners each.
• Briasa jumps from barrier 8 this year.
• Eight fillies and mares have won this race since its introduction in 1997.
• Six three year olds have been successful in that time.
• 58.5kg has been the key weight, carried by 11 of the last 14 winners.
• Since 2015, only two favourites have won, with the average winning price sitting at $7.05.

 

Selections and Analysis

1st – #1 Jimmysstar $4.60

He was disappointing first-up in the William Reid Stakes as a short-priced favourite, but there is a strong case to forgive that run.

His spring form reads extremely well against many of these, and a return to that level would see him right in the finish.

If he begins cleanly, he can settle closer to the speed, potentially landing on the rail in a similar position to his Russell Balding win.

He will appreciate getting onto a soft track, and the return of Ethan Brown is a positive.

At his best, he is the horse to beat.

 

 

2nd – #6 Joliestar $3.90

She looks the clear map horse.

In races of this quality, the runner that gets the best run often wins, and she profiles to land in the ideal stalking position just off the speed.

The combination of Chris Waller and James McDonald has been dominant throughout the Autumn, and she maps to take full advantage of that.

The only concern is the track. If conditions deteriorate beyond a Soft 7, she becomes harder to trust.

 

3rd – #3 Giga Kick $7.00

His fourth placing in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes over 1000m suggested he is building nicely towards this.

The rise to 1200m suits, and his chances improve the wetter the track gets.

While he may not be at his absolute peak, he has already shown he can win at this level and cannot be overlooked.

 

 

4th – #4 Overpass $11.00

He will give them something to chase.

With Mazu engaged, the pressure increases up front, but he is still expected to run boldly.

His fresh performances have been strong, including a big run in The Everest, and he handles soft ground well.

If left alone in front, he could take catching.

 

For thousands more tips including free selections for today's racing, head to Australia's best racing tips market at thegreattipoff.com.