Eight juveniles paid up for the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes are set to clash in Saturday’s Listed Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield.
The Melbourne Racing Club received 49 entries for the February 23 feature when third declarations were taken this week.
David Hayes, a five-time Blue Diamond-winning trainer, has the most horses among the third declarations with 10.
Two of them, The Yowie and I Am Titanium, will be out to press their claims for a spot in the Group One field when they line up in Saturday’s 1100m race.
The list of 49 Blue Diamond entries doesn’t include Miracles Of Life who wasn’t among the original nominations but is a clear-cut favourite after her dominant Preview win last Saturday.
Dissident, winner of the colts and geldings Preview, is also not nominated.
Connections of both need to pay a late entry fee of $55,000 by February 18.
Darley-owned filly Metastasio, winner of her only start at Flemington, has opened favourite for the Chairman’s Stakes and her performance is likely to determine if a late entry for the Diamond is paid.
The Robert Smerdon-trained Politeness sits on the third line of Blue Diamond betting and is set to make her debut this weekend.
She is entered for a race at Moonee Valley on Friday night and is also an acceptor for the Chairman’s Stakes with Glen Boss booked for both races.
