TJ Smith Stakes Tips, Best Bets, Field and Odds

The Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) will be run at Royal Randwick on Saturday, April 10 and we provide you with a comprehensive guide to the weight for age sprint.

The TJ Smith Stakes 2027 is Australia’s premier weight-for-age sprint — a $3 million Group 1 over 1200m down the famous Randwick straight, run on Day 1 of The Championships, Saturday 3 April 2027. Named after legendary trainer T.J. Smith, it’s the autumn sprinters’ championship. This is our complete guide: the 2027 date and start times, the field, tips and best bets, live odds, the form guide, how to watch, past winners and FAQs — updated all autumn with the latest field, odds and our best bets.

The TJ Smith Stakes 2027: Key Details

Detail	Value
Race	TJ Smith Stakes (Group 1, WFA)
Date	Saturday 3 April 2027 (The Championships Day 1)
Start time	~4:00pm AEDT (confirmed race week)
Venue	Royal Randwick, Sydney (straight 1200m)
Distance	1200m
Conditions	Group 1, weight-for-age
Prize money	$3 million
Broadcast	Channel 7 / 7plus, Sky Racing, Racing.com + bookmaker streams

 

When is the TJ Smith Stakes & What Time?

The TJ Smith Stakes is run on Day 1 of The Championships — the first Saturday of April at Royal Randwick. In 2027 that’s Saturday 3 April, with the sprint jumping in the afternoon (approximately 4:00pm AEDT; the exact time is confirmed race week). Local start times by state:

State	Local start time
NSW / VIC / ACT / TAS	~4:00pm AEDT
Queensland	~3:00pm AEST
South Australia	~3:30pm ACDT
Northern Territory	~2:30pm ACST
Western Australia	~1:00pm AWST

 

The Sprinters’ Championship & Its Roll of Honour

The TJ Smith Stakes is the autumn championship for sprinters — the weight-for-age 1200m showdown that headlines Day 1 of The Championships. Named after the legendary trainer Tommy (T.J.) Smith, its honour roll is a who’s who of Australian speed: Black Caviar (2011, 2013), Chautauqua (a hat-trick from 2015–17) and Nature Strip (three straight, 2020–22). Run down the Randwick straight, it’s a pure, brutal test of class and acceleration — and the form often points straight to Royal Ascot and the spring’s big sprints.

The TJ Smith Stakes 2027 Field & Barrier Draw

The TJ Smith gathers the best sprinters in the land for a 1200m blast down the Randwick straight. With no turn, it’s about brilliant speed, a clean run and where horses settle across the track; the barrier can matter with the rail position and the pace. The field firms through the autumn sprint races. Check back for the confirmed 2027 field and barriers.

TJ Smith Stakes Tips, Best Bets & Predictions

Our tipsters post their TJ Smith Stakes best bets and value selections once the field and barriers are confirmed. A weight-for-age Group 1 sprint rewards proven elite speed, a soft run in transit and a horse handling the unique straight course. Win and each-way are the staples, with the exotics worth a look in a deep sprint field. Bookmark this page for our final selections.

How to Bet on the TJ Smith Stakes

All the standard markets apply — win and each-way, plus exotics (quinella, exacta, trifecta and first-four) that can pay well in a competitive sprint. Futures move through the autumn carnival. Prices vary between bookmakers, so always compare and take the best available — see our toplist below.

TJ Smith Stakes Odds & Favourites

TJ Smith markets firm through the autumn as the field is confirmed. It is often a strong race for the elite — Joliestar won as favourite in 2026 and Nature Strip dominated for three years — but a deep sprint field can still reward value. For live TJ Smith Stakes odds and the best price on every runner, compare the bookmakers below.

TJ Smith Stakes Form Guide

The key form lines are the autumn sprints — the Lightning Stakes, Black Caviar Lightning, Newmarket Handicap, Challenge Stakes and Canterbury Stakes — plus elite spring sprint form carried over. Look for proven Group 1 speed, a fair barrier and a horse peaking for The Championships. The TJ Smith shares Day 1 with the Doncaster Mile, and the autumn sprint form mirrors the spring’s The Everest.

TJ Smith Stakes Recent Winners & 2026 Result

The 2026 TJ Smith Stakes was won by Joliestar (Chris Waller / James McDonald), her fifth Group 1, beating Giga Kick and Skybird — see the full 2026 results & finishing order. Recent winners:

Year	Winner	Note
2026	Joliestar	5th Group 1; beat Giga Kick
2025	Briasa
2024	Chain Of Lightning
2023	I Wish I Win
2022	Nature Strip	Third straight (2020–22)
2021	Nature Strip

 

History & Background

Named in honour of the legendary trainer Tommy Smith, the TJ Smith Stakes has grown into Australia’s defining autumn sprint and a cornerstone of The Championships at Royal Randwick. Black Caviar, Chautauqua and Nature Strip have all stamped their class on it, and a win here cements a sprinter among the greats. It headlines Day 1 of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival alongside the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

How to Watch the TJ Smith Stakes (Live Stream & TV)

The Championships Day 1 is shown free-to-air on Channel 7 and 7plus, plus Sky Racing and Racing.com, and you can live stream the race free with most licensed Australian bookmakers once your account is funded. Replays go up on the Australian Turf Club and Racing.com channels shortly after.

Best Bookmakers for the TJ Smith Stakes

For a full comparison of the top Australian racing bookmakers — best odds, futures and live streaming — see our best horse racing betting sites in Australia guide.

TJ Smith Stakes FAQs

When is the TJ Smith Stakes 2027?

Saturday 3 April 2027 — Day 1 of The Championships — at Royal Randwick, over 1200m.

How much is the TJ Smith Stakes worth?

$3 million, at Group 1 weight-for-age level.

What time is the TJ Smith Stakes?

Mid-afternoon — approximately 4:00pm AEDT — with the exact jump time confirmed race week.

Who won the 2026 TJ Smith Stakes?

Joliestar, for Chris Waller and James McDonald — her fifth Group 1 win.

What distance is the TJ Smith Stakes?

1200m, run down the Randwick straight at weight-for-age.

Who is the TJ Smith Stakes named after?

The legendary trainer Tommy (T.J.) Smith. Multiple winners include Black Caviar, Chautauqua and Nature Strip.

How can I watch the TJ Smith Stakes?

Free-to-air on Channel 7 and 7plus, plus Sky Racing and Racing.com, with free live streams via most bookmakers.