The second of the Group l races at Randwick this Saturday is the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), where the market says it is going to be a ripping event.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 TJ Smith Stakes.
2026 TJ Smith Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Jimmysstar: Pre William Reid, I was all over Jimmysstar for this race, and still have Futures tickets on him, so he does command respect, but I am not as confident about him after the William Reid. The run was a total forgive given he was in the quicksand, he pulled up with black eyes, swallowed a fair amount of turf…just forget he went around. jumped out like a rocket prior and has runs on the board.
2. Briasa: Won the race last year, aided by the peach run in transit. Doubt he gets it here in 2026 and the first up run was just fair.
3. Giga Kick: Giga Kick is a big time performer and the forecast for rain later in the week, maybe even on the day, is music to his ears. Ridden far too warm fresh in the Lightning and tired late before getting too far out of his ground in the Challenge behind Generosity. Trialled well last week and love him up to 1200m.
4. Overpass: Bomb fresh horse that looks prepped right up for a first up assault en route to The Quokka. Star sprinter that will likely lead this field up and give an almighty sight.
5. Mazu: Racing well, won’t mind rain hitting the track, but just lacks the class.
6. Joliestar: She has had the perfect preparation. Several weeks since letting down with purpose to win the Canterbury Stakes, driving hard late from off speed to score. She is the best fresh horse in Australia and her trial last week…my goodness, she was absolutely jogging. Humming and confident she goes close.
7. Tentyris: I have made it no secret that he is overrated I feel. The Lightning, visually stunning, clock as well…but what did he beat? Likewise in the Spring. I think there are real holes in his form and he’s priced on the first up win. Very keen to risk.
8. Magic Time: Total forgive in the William Reid when wide no cover, very wide no cover. Better suited here, she can run a much improved race.
9. Skybird: Take away the Lightning win from last year…and she hasn’t done a great deal. I dare say they’ll have eyes on the Sangster/Goodwood vs this race.
2026 TJ Smith Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$50 Win Joliestar and Jimmysstar
Group l Strategy Outlay: $5300
Group l Strategy Return: $4163
TJ Smith Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JIMMYSSTAR (NZ) | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 2 | 58.5kg |
| 2 | BRIASA | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Tyler Schiller | 8 | 58.5kg |
| 3 | GIGA KICK | Clayton Douglas | Zac Purton | 6 | 58.5kg |
| 4 | OVERPASS | Bjorn Baker | Joshua Parr | 7 | 58.5kg |
| 5 | MAZU | Joseph Pride | Ms Rachel King | 9 | 58.5kg |
| 6 | JOLIESTAR | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 5 | 56.5kg |
| 7 | TENTYRIS | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Mark Zahra | 1 | 56.5kg |
| 8 | MAGIC TIME | Grahame Begg | Michael Dee | 3 | 56.5kg |
| 9 | SKYBIRD | Mitchell Freedman | John Allen | 4 | 56.5kg |
TJ Smith Stakes Odds
2026 TJ Smith Stakes Speed Map
Overpass and Mazu look the main speed, in that order. Can see Magic Time and Joliestar being the next pair, with the pair behind being likely Tentyris and Jimmysstar. The front two will ensure a very genuine speed.
