Facts and Figures on the TJ Smith Stakes

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HISTORY

* Named in honour of Randwick's most famous trainer whose daughter Gai Waterhouse has won the race with Phoenix Park in 2002, Shamekha in 2005 and Bentley Biscuit in 2007

* First run in 1997 when won by Mahogany

* Elevated to Group One status in 2005

* Some outstanding sprinters have won the race including Apache Cat (2008), Takeover Target (2009) and Black Caviar (2011 and 2013)

* Final race for Black Caviar before her retirement.

* The champion mare also holds the race record of 1:08.71 set in 2011

TALKING POINTS

* Six favourites have won the race since its inception

* Chautauqua chasing back-to-back TJ Smith wins

WHAT CONNECTIONS ARE SAYING

"He's fit and well and there's no question that he's come on a lot since returning from Melbourne," trainer John O'Shea on Exosphere.

"He's as good as he can be... We just need some rain. He's sort of a four-length, five-length better horse on a rain-affected track." trainer Tony McEvoy on Shiraz.

"It's pretty hard to improve off two Group Ones in a row. He's been a good horse and hopefully with the change of scenery we can keep him ticking over." trainer Simon Zahra on Flamberge.