Sunshine In Paris tunes up for the 2025 TJ Smith Stakes
Sunshine In Paris took another step towards the T J Smith Stakes with an impressive exhibition gallop at Randwick’s Kensington track on Wednesday.
The Group 1 Champions Sprint winner partnered with race jockey Chad Schofield for a 1000m workout alongside stablemate Lilac, narrowly edging her out at the finish.
The duo clocked 1:02.31, with a sharp final 600m in 35.86 seconds, a performance that co-trainer Rob Archibald described as ideal preparation.
“We had the option of a trial or a race-day gallop, and we decided a day out at the races would suit better,” Archibald said.
“She led up nicely, relaxed beautifully, and when given a little squeeze, she hit the line strongly. That’s exactly what we wanted to see, and she pulled up barely having a blow.”
Sunshine In Paris is currently third in T J Smith Stakes (1200m) betting, sitting at $6 behind Newmarket Handicap winner Joliestar ($3.50) and unbeaten sprinter Private Harry, who extended his streak to five wins with victory in The Galaxy (1100m) on Saturday.
The $3 million T J Smith Stakes, a highlight of the Sydney Autumn Carnival, will take place at Randwick on April 5, as part of the prestigious Doncaster Mile program.
Meanwhile, Soulcombe, who is working his way back from a leg injury, also had a hit-out between races at Randwick. The Chris Waller-trained stayer galloped solo over 1000m in 1:05.73, with his final 600m clocked at 38.05 seconds.
Soulcombe hasn’t raced since his runner-up finish behind Without A Fight in the 2023 Melbourne Cup but is progressing well towards his return.
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