Smith finding his Way To The Stars at Caulfield in 2026 WJ Adams Stakes

A strong showing at Caulfield this weekend could open the door to bigger targets for Way To The Stars later in the carnival.

Trainer Matthew Smith has elected to send the seven-year-old to Melbourne for the Listed W.J. Adams Stakes over 1000 metres, rather than take an easier option elsewhere.

The gelding was also an acceptor for the Listed Goldmarket (1100m) on the Gold Coast, but the draw at Caulfield ultimately swayed the decision.

“We have taken the harder option but the draw at the Gold Coast and with the speed in the race I could see him caught wide,” Smith said.

“So we have chosen to take the race with the better barrier.”

Way To The Stars enjoyed success last spring when capturing the Listed Century Stakes (1000m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

He later contested the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1100m), finishing sixth after an awkward run.

His most recent outing resulted in a strong second in the Listed Bribie Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm, where he posted a Racing and Sports rating of 114.

“There isn’t an easy sequence of races for him at this time of year but I thought the Brisbane race was perfect first-up,” Smith said.

“But if he can get around Caulfield then there are other options further into the carnival like the Oakleigh Plate.

“Beast Mode has speed and if he can sit off them, he may be a chance.”

Way To The Stars is currently a $7 chance, with Beast Mode installed as favourite at $3.10.

“This will give us an idea where he’s up to against some decent horses,” Smith said.

“He has to step up but if you want to go forward, this is the sort of race you need to be in.”

Form students can assess the latest racing betting markets for the W.J. Adams Stakes ahead of Saturday.

The post Smith finding his Way To The Stars at Caulfield first appeared on Just Horse Racing.