Some of the world’s best sprinters are poised to descend on Royal Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships following the release of 2017 TJ Smith Stakes first acceptances.

Terravista has been included in 2017 TJ Smith Stakes first acceptances. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

The featured sprint is shaping towards being a showdown between some of the country’s best three-year-olds as Extreme Choice, Flying Artie, Star Turn and Astern have all been included in TJ Smith Stakes first acceptances.

Extreme Choice has been a standout performer throughout his entire racing career so far and broke through for a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).

Clearly furnishing into an even better horse in the lead-up to his three-year-old campaign, the Not A Single Doubt colt resumed in spring for a dominant win amongst open company in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m).

Having returned to the paddock after running fifth in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), Extreme Choice resumed this time for a credible third in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m).

Stable mate Flying Artie has also experienced plenty of success through his short racing career and should relish the conditions of the TJ Smith Stakes.

Running second in the Blue Diamond Stakes and third in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) in autumn, the Artie Schiller colt resumed in spring to win the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) before posting his first Group 1 win in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

Flying Artie failed to fire when seventh in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) first-up this time and has been scratched from Saturday’s Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) as a result of a minor lung ailment.

Star Turn appears as though he is on the verge of a maiden Group 1 victory and that could come in the 2017 TJ Smith Stakes.

Failing to finish outside the minors in spring, which included an impressive win over open company in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m), Star Turn hit the line well for third in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes first-up this time.

Astern won the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) most notably in spring, but is yet to make an appearance at the races in 2017.

Several standout open-age horses have also been included in TJ Smith Stakes first acceptances, including Terravista and Spieth.

Terravista broke through for a maiden win at the highest level in the 2014 edition of the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) and while unable to return to the peak through four subsequent seasons, stormed home to win the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes first-up this time.

Spieth was unlucky not to break through for his first Group 1 win when second in the Darley Classic during the recent Spring Carnival and returned for second in the Lightning Stakes on February 18^th.

Astern and Spieth currently occupy the top line of early 2017 TJ Smith Stakes betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au, at $6 quotes.

2017 TJ Smith Stakes First Acceptances