The retirement of Everest winner Bella Nipotina and defection of rising star Private Harry have left the T J Smith Stakes ripe for the picking and connections of Sunshine In Paris are hoping to capitalise.
The mare finished fifth in the race 12 months ago, beaten less than a length, but arrives at Randwick on Saturday a more accomplished horse having won the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington in the spring.
“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.”
Since resuming with a solid fourth to Royal Patronage in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), Sunshine In Paris has been kept fresh, tuning up with an exhibition gallop between races on the Kensington track last week.
She has drawn awkwardly in barrier 11 but it should be offset by the backmarker’s racing pattern.
“She was excellent first-up. If she can just improve a length she shouldn’t be too far away in a TJ,” Archibald said.
Almost half of Saturday’s T J Smith Stakes (1200m) field are mares, including favourite and last start Newmarket Handicap winner Joliestar and the under-rated Kimochi.
The latter will have to overcome the outside gate in 13 but trainer Gary Portelli couldn’t be happier with her at home.
“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.”
Chris Waller reported Joliestar had taken no harm from her interstate trip to Victoria, albeit he was hoping for a drying track.
“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.”
