Sunshine In Paris has ramped up preparations for the T J Smith Stakes with a stylish exhibition gallop between races on Randwick’s Kensington track.
The Group 1 Champions Sprint winner worked over 1000m with race jockey Chad Schofield in the saddle on Wednesday, shading stablemate Lilac by a nose on the line.
The pair clocked 1:02.31, running their final 600m sectional in 35.86 seconds in an effort that co-trainer Rob Archibald said ticked all the boxes.
“It was either a gallop at the races or a trial and we opted to give them the day out,” Archibald said.
“Sunshine In Paris led up, she travelled really nicely, relaxed well and then given a little squeeze she was excellent through the line.
“From our point of view that was perfect and she has pulled up hardly having a blow.”
Sunshine In Paris is on the third line of T J Smith Stakes (1200m) odds at $6, behind Newmarket Handicap winner Joliestar ($3.50 fav) and emerging sprint sensation Private Harry, who extended his unbeaten record to five in The Galaxy (1100m) on Saturday.
The $3 million T J Smith Stakes is one of the jewels in the crown of the Sydney autumn carnival and is part of the rich Doncaster Mile program at Randwick on April 5.
Stayer Soulcombe was also given a gallop between races at the midweek meeting, working solo over 1000m in a leisurely 1:05.73, his final 600m in 38.05 seconds.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding is on the comeback trail from a leg injury and hasn’t raced since finishing runner-up to Without A Fight in the 2023 Melbourne Cup.
