Exosphere Works Well Ahead Of TJ Smith

The workout was "leisurely" but the reaction among the Godolphin team was distinctly upbeat after Exosphere completed his final gallop in preparation for the G1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, April 2.

"It was a fairly leisurely piece of work, but he did it well. We're looking forward to everyone seeing what he can do," said trainer John O'Shea.

With race rider James McDonald up, Exosphere worked over 1000m with stablemate Painted Firetail, quickening over the final 200 without coming off the bit.

"That's exactly what I wanted him to do, he's fit and well and there's no question that he's come on a lot since returning from Melbourne. He's bright in himself, his coat has improved, we're all very pleased with him," O'Shea added.

Exosphere goes into Saturday's race off the back of two unplaced runs in Melbourne, one last Spring and the other in last month's G1 Lightning Stakes when the vagaries of the Flemington track played against him.

While O'Shea was disappointed with the result in the Lightning Stakes, he was full of praise for the horse.

"We're not dwelling on it because it was an outstanding run," he said.

"His trial at Randwick the other day showed us he was in very good shape and his work this morning confirmed that."

Exosphere, a son of the champion racehorse and sire Lonhro, meets strong opposition in the TJ Smith, including the Lightning Stakes winner Chautauqua and Flamberge, a G1 winner at his past two starts.

But he is returning to Randwick, the scene of perhaps his most spectacular victory when he came from 10 lengths off the pace to beat a strong field of three-year-olds, including subsequent G1 winner Japonisme, in the G2 Roman Consul Stakes.

"We all know what a turn of foot he has and he showed in his Roman Consul win at Randwick last Spring that he is right at home there," O'Shea said.

"He's drawn barrier four which shouldn't be a problem. I think you'll find he'll settle a bit closer to the pace than last time."