Cup Carnival

Headlining the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes nominations is the newly named world’s best sprinter, Black Caviar.

The $1 million TJ Smith Stakes will run as part of Randwick Racecourse’s nine-card program this Saturday April 9, 2011.

The Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes will be run over 1,200 metres and under standard weight-for-age conditions.

There have been 14 nominations for the 18 horse capacity final field, with many trainers choosing once again to steer clear of the super mare; Black Caviar.

Peter Moody feels that Black Caviar is primed to make it 12 unbeaten wins in this Saturday’s TJ Smith Stakes after a seamless recovery from her last start in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes.

“She had an easier time of it in the William Reid than she did in the Newmarket and she came through it so much better,” Moody said.

Peter Moody is confident that the Sydney way of going won’t pose any problems for his superstar.

“Two or three times a week they go that way (Sydney) in their pace work. It is pretty much second nature to my horses,” he said.

“I’ve never used that as an excuse for my horses when they race in Sydney. The only time I had any concern was with Typhoon Tracy in the Coolmore and she was still able to win.”

The Bel Esprit mare has accrued over $2.5 million in prize money during 12-start career.

Among the nominations for the 2011 T.J. Smith Stakes is John McNair’s talented gelding Hay List.

The Statue of Liberty gelding, who has finished behind Black Caviar on two occasions, will attempt to post an upset victory in Saturday’s race against his arch rival.

Hay List has a stellar record that has seen him win 13 of his 17 starts, with the five-year-old most recently winning the Group 2 Challenge Stakes ahead of Keen Commander and Solar Charged last start.

Also included in the 2011 TJ Smith Stakes nominations is John Wallace’s Shoot Out.

Shoot Out will be first-up in the 2011 TJ Smith Stakes, after a previous preparation that saw him win two Group races and place in another three.

Despite the talent Shoot Out possesses, trainer John Wallace is realistic about his horse’s chances of upstaging Black Caviar.

“She (Black Caviar) is a superstar. I’ve never seen a horse cantering when good horses that can gallop are off the bit. She’s an amazing athlete,” Wallace said.

“(Shoot Out) spelled well and he trialled good, but he won’t be able to beat that mare.”

Crystal Lily, Eagle Falls and Swift Alliance also feature in the 2011 TJ Smith Stakes nominations.

2011 TJ Smith Stakes Nominations