Sprinting star Redzel put in a sizzling barrier trial performance this morning in preparation for 2018 Group 1 $2.5m Darley T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on day one of The Championships on April 7.
Redzel, above, was in fine form with a Randwick barrier trial win in preparation for the 2018 T J Smith Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Redzel is currently the $2.40 favourite for the T J Smith Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au and did his chances no harm with an all the way three lengths win in a 1000m barrier trial on the Kensington track at Randwick today.
Co-trainer Peter Snowden was happy with Redzel’s performance and said that Snitzel five year old is on target for the T J Smith Stakes in just under two weeks time.
“It was a good trial and he came through it nicely so I’d expect that to set him up well for Saturday week,” Snowden told racing.com.
“He trialled great.”
“It is always a great race and it will be no exception this year with the last start win of the filly In Her Time – she was very good – and there are always a lot of good sprinters around this time of year.”
T J Smith Stakes $6.50 second favourite In Her Time put herself into contention for the weight for age feature sprint with a brilliant first up win on a soft track in the Group 1 $700,000 The PFD Food Services Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill last Saturday.
On the third line of betting at $8 is the Darren Weir trained Brave Smash who will be included in the final T J Smith Stakes field after the stable indicated that they will pay the $55,000 late entry fee.
Brave Smash wrapped up his 2017 Spring Carnival campaign with a flashing third behind Redzel and Vega Magic in the $10m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick, over the same course and distance as the T J Smith Stakes.
The five year old stallion then continued on with his good Spring form into the 2018 Autumn Carnival with a third to Hartnell in the Group 1 $500,000 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, a win in the Group 1 $500,000 italktravel Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Brave Smash then continued his outstanding Autumn form when he made up plenty of ground in the run to the line for a slashing second, beaten a nose by Redkirk Warrior, in the Group 1 $1.25m Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 10.
Early betting for the T J Smith Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $2.40 Redzel, $6.50 In Her Time, $8 Brave Smash, $10 English, $14 Vega Magic, $15 Viridine, $$21 Hellbent, $26 Jungle Edge, Trapeze Artist, $34 Clearly Innocent, Global Glamour, Supido, $41 Le Romain, Secret Agenda, Snitty Kitty, Sugar Bella, Tulip, $51 or better the rest.
