Sizzling has completed the 2-year-old Triple Crown in Queensland today, winning the Group 1 The TJ Smith at Eagle Farm. It wasn’t an easy win for the Snitzel colt, who was made to work for the win by a strong Kabayan.

Sizzling won The TJ Smith at Eagle Farm from Kabayan (inside) - photo © Daniel Costello

The race start was delayed after jockey Glyn Schofield took ill and Dances On Stars had to be re-saddled and weighted for Corey Brown.

Sizzling had a decent start from barrier 3 while the Gai Waterhouse-trained Kabayan won the kick. Last start winner Boban, who started from the inside barrier, bolted away and at the first corner had opened up a 5 length lead over the field while Sizzling settled fifth, one off the rail. At the 700m Boban led, Kabayan was in second and Sizzling had moved up to third.

Coming around the home turn Boban ran wide and once into the straight Kabayan took the lead with the inside run while Sizzling loomed up on the outside. Chris Munce had to work hard with Sizzling who showed his true quality and was able to dig deep and power ahead to win on the line from Kabayan. Academus finished third with Toydini in fourth. Early race leader Boban fell away and finished last.

Trainer Kelso Wood never lost faith in his 2-year-old star.

“He really dug deep”, Wood said.

“I knew he was going to fight him and he’d have a fight on his hands, the other horse.”

It was the second Group 1 win for Kelso Wood, who has also won a Doomben 10,000 with Unequalled in 1993.

Sizzling will now go for a much deserved spell and return for a Melbourne Spring campaign with the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas the likely target.