2022 TJ Smith Stakes Race Details
Race 8 at Randwick on Saturday 02 April 2022
The TJ Smith Stakes is a Group 1 1200 metre weight for age race with no age restriction that is run by the Australian Turf Club in April. It is normally run at Randwick during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the TJ Smith Stakes page.
TJ Smith Stakes 2022 Preview
Track: Heavy Weather: Showers.
Eleven runners have accepted for the $2,500,000 Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Bjorn Baker stable is saddling up three runners in the event whilst the other stables only have one entry each.
Nature Strip is looking to defend his title for the third year in a row and become the first horse since Chautauqua to win three straight TJ Smiths. He has opened up the early favourite after an average run in the Challenge Stakes behind rival and second favourite Eduardo. He himself only just held on in the Challenge Stakes from a fast-finishing Shelby Sixtysix and once again will have a query over his head at 1200m.
Shelby Sixtysix is on the third line of betting after what can be described as a once-in-a-lifetime preparation, winning the Maurice McCarten and Galaxy.
TJ Smith Stakes Runner by Runner
1. Nature Strip (11)
Was average last start but did wind up with a poor recovery. Grand final trainer, Grand final horse. 1200m ideal. Take on trust.
2. Eduardo (3)
He is going to love the conditions which is going to help him in his step up to 1200m. Drawn well. A chance.
3. Masked Crusader (1)
Hasn’t had a good prep thus far but does start to produce his best third-up and beyond over 1200m+. Won’t mind the conditions and drawn well.
4. Zoutori (7)
Unknown in heavy and looks outclassed.
5. Count De Rupee (4)
Forget the first-up run. Handles the conditions, is drawn well, and can run a big race.
6. Shelby Sixtysix (10)
The in-form horse. Will be hitting the line late. Will need to hit a new level.
7. Rule of Law (5)
Can’t have.
8. Roch N Horse (8)
Shocked winning the Newmarket. Assume the track won’t be an issue. Place chance.
9. Overpass (2)
Should have finished closer last start. Drawn and maps well. Place chance.
10. Belluci Babe (9)
Running well but can’t have here.
11. Paulele (6)
Can’t have.
TJ Smith Stakes 2022 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.
|
Josh’s Tips
|
Jo’s Tips | |
| 3 Masked Crusader | 6 Shelby Sixtysix | |
| 1 Nature Strip | 2 Eduardo | |
| 2 Eduardo | 1 Nature Strip | |
| 9 Overpass | 8 Roch ‘N’ Horse |
Previews for other races this week
Group 1 Doncaster Mile 2022 (Randwick 1600m)
Group 1 Australian Derby 2022 (Randwick 2400m)
Group 1 Inglis Sires 2022 (Randwick 1400m)
Country Championships Final 2022 (Randwick 1400m)
Group 2 Chairman’s Quality 2022 (Randwick 2600m)
Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes 2022 (Randwick 1600m)
Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes 2022 (Randwick 2000m)
Group 3 P J Bell Stakes 2022 (Randwick 1200m)
Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes 2022 (Randwick 1100m)
Group 2 Karrakatta Plate 2022 (Ascot 1200m)
Listed Old Comrade Stakes 2022 (Ascot 1600m)
Listed Bendigo Guineas 2022 Bendigo 1400m)
Listed Golden Mile 2022 (Bendigo 1600m)
Listed Manihi Classic 2022 (Morphettville 1100m)
2022 TJ Smith Stakes Final Results
| Result | Horse | Margin |
| 1st | 1 Nature Strip | |
| 2nd | 2 Eduardo | 3.36 lengths |
| 3rd | 11 Paulele | 4.5 lengths |
| 4th | 10 Belluci Babe | 5.27 lengths |
The track was rated as Heavy 9.
Scratchings: –