Trainers banking on Sunshine for G1 TJ Smith Stakes

The absence of Bella Nipotina and Private Harry has left this year’s Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) wide open, and Sunshine In Paris looks ready to take advantage at Randwick on Saturday.

After finishing less than a length away in fifth place in last year’s edition, the mare returns to the same race with a Group 1 title under her belt, having captured the Champions Sprint (1200m) during the Flemington spring carnival.

“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.”

Sunshine In Paris kicked off her current campaign with a solid fourth in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) and has since tuned up with a public gallop at Kensington.

Barrier 11 presents a test, but her backmarker style means she’s likely to find her rhythm regardless of the draw.

“She was excellent first-up. If she can just improve a length she shouldn’t be too far away in a TJ,” Archibald said.

Several mares feature prominently in this year's T J Smith Stakes, including Newmarket Handicap heroine Joliestar and Kimochi, who has been knocking on the door of a big win.

Gary Portelli is upbeat about Kimochi’s form ahead of her assignment from the widest draw in barrier 13.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Joliestar has come through her southern raid well, with Chris Waller hopeful she can build on her last-start success.

“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.”