Ultra-consistent Canberra-trained sprinter Fell Swoop is gearing up for an autumn return that will see him take on a stellar field at Randwick third-up in the TJ Smith Stakes 2017.

The five-year-old son of Not A Single Doubt is yet to post an elite-level win, but that is certainly not from lack of trying.

The $45,000 bargain buy contested his first Group 1 race last Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival when runner-up to Flamberge at Caulfield in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) – defeated by a nostril flare.

Over the remainder of 2016 the galloper would go on to race in a further six top level races stacking up an imposing – if not somewhat frustrating – record for Dale and connections.

“It’s an amazing record,” Dale told Racing Victoria on Wednesday speaking about the now $1.34 million earner.

“Without winning one [a Group 1], you can’t have gone much better than he did.

“He’s done a sensational job.”

At Rosehill last March Fell Swoop crossed one and a half lengths fourth to Griante in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) before his second to successful defending champ Chautauqua in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m).

That $1.5 million Royal Randwick feature runs this season on April 1 on Day 1 of ‘The Championships’ and is again on the agenda for Fell Swoop.

“We’re just mapping out a program for him to ultimately end up third-up into the TJ again this year,” Dale confirmed.

“He’s on track to have an official trial in 16 days’ time in Canberra and then be first-up in either the Lightning or the Oakleigh Plate.”

The $750,000 Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) runs at Flemington on February 18, while the 2017 Oakleigh Plate takes place on Blue Diamond Stakes Day a week later.

The horse also enjoyed a smart spring bid in Melbourne including his second to upset winner Rebel Dane at the Valley in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) and the last start third when a half-length off Malaguerra in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m).

In all seven of his Group 1 assignments Fell Swoop has never been beaten by more than 2.6 lengths.

That margin was when he finished sixth in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) in Brisbane during the winter carnival and was his worst Group 1 race result to date.

Dale though doesn’t believe Fell Swoop has to do much improving to finally break that elite level duck.

“It’s not about that he has to improve, it’s just that he needs things to go the right way,” he said.

“Obviously in the Darley, he didn’t get any cover and anyone that was there [at Flemington] that day will understand there was a headwind – probably the biggest headwind you’d run into – so without cover, his run was sensational.

“In the Oakleigh Plate he got held up for a fair period of time and just got beaten so he’s been a little unlucky in a couple of those Group 1s.

“They don’t give them away so we’re just going to set him down that path again and hope to find a race where everything suits and gels.”

Current all-in TJ Smith Stakes betting at Ladbrokes.com.au has Chautauqua as the $5 favourite to post a third consecutive win in the sprint classic.

Fell Swoop meanwhile can be found further down the pre-field TJ Smith Stakes odds at a quote of $31.

Chautauqua is a rival Dale and his horse are familiar with, but the trainer is concerned about the gun crop of three-year-olds Fell Swoop will face in the autumn including the Mick Price-trained duo of Extreme Choice and Flying Artie.

“Every year with sprinters, the next three-year-old crop is the worry and it does appear to be as deep a lot of three-year-olds as we’ve had in a long time so it will be interesting to see how they shape up,” Dale said.

“But he’s been so competitive in those Group 1s over the last 12 months and there is no reason to shy away.”

To back Fell Swoop at the best Group 1 autumn racing odds visit Ladbrokes.com.au now – home of Odds Boost (T&Cs apply).