From last to first.
I Wish I Win has produced a powerful turn-of-foot to claim his first-ever Group 1 win on Saturday afternoon in the TJ Smith Stakes.
It’s been an expertly planned out preparation by trainer Peter Moody, who elected to keep him back to the sprinting trips, rather than look for middle-distance targets such as the All-Star Mile. Paying dividends for the connections with their share of the $3,000,000 in prizemoney heading their way to go along with Group 1 glory.
Jockey had no choice but to go back from the wide draw and on a day where it’s been difficult to make up inroads from the rear of the field, I Wish I Win defied any perceived bias by thundering down the middle of the Royal Randwick circuit.
It was a race that changed complexion turning for home as Nature Strip kicked clear in search of his fourth TJ Smith Stakes in a row, before drifting commodity Giga Kick made his way to the lead with 100m to go.
It was all for the placings however, as I Wish I Win proved too good for his rivals on the day.
2023 TJ Smith Stakes Replay – I Wish I Win
Trainer Peter Moody spoke post-race as to his nervousness heading into race-day with the Heavy 8 track and what winning the TJ Smith Stakes means to him personally.
“That was special,” said Moody.
“Third run in he’s probably peaked today. I laid down at 10.30am this morning and the track was a Good 4, I was a very happy man. Got up at 12.15pm, it was a Heavy 8 and I didn’t want to come to the races.
“I said this ten years ago and probably 12 years ago, it’s always special winning this race because as a 15-year-old I arrived in Bowral street Kensington at the master’s stables, TJ Smith.
“I think I’ve won it three times now, obviously twice with the obvious (Black Caviar) and now this so it’s always a special race to win. Very appreciative of it.”
Jockey Luke Nolen has always had a strong connection with the Moody camp and now with this epic wins says the Everest couple be on the radar in the spring.
“He’s pretty bloody impressive, said Nolen.
“He’s an amazing horse. He didn’t particularly travel well today actually, I was a bit worried. But when we topped the rise he lengthened stride and s*** he gave me a good feel.
“He’s an exceptional horse, he’s got similar traits to the last one (Black Caviar). Very happy to be a part of it and Moods (trainer Peter Moody) owns half of it and he’s a massive slinger so it’s even better.
“We were here on trial for that race (The Everest) in the spring so I reckon they’ll be lining up to get him a slot.”
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