105 two-year-olds remain in contention for February 23’s $1.5 million Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), following the closure of third acceptances today. The figure sets a new all-time benchmark, smashing the previous record of 84 third acceptances.
David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig are by far the best represented acceptors with 25 individual entries, ahead of astute juvenile trainer Tony McEvoy (11), two-time Blue Diamond Stakes-winning trainer Mick Price (10) and global giants Godolphin (9). Tied with 13 of their sons and daughters each among third acceptances are outstanding stallions I Am Invincible and Fastnet Rock. That pair sit just ahead of champion sire Snitzel (10).
I Am Invincible sired the winner of both divisions of Saturday’s Blue Diamond Previews, Anthony Freedman’s colt I Am Immortal and impressive filly Catch Me and both of those horses are among third acceptances. Also among entries is Jason Warren’s long-time Blue Diamond Stakes favourite Brooklyn Hustle, who is set to make her highly anticipated return in the Blue Diamond fillies Prelude (1100m) on February 9.
Other notable third acceptances include unbeaten Godolphin filly Athiri, Mick Kent’s Blue Diamond Fillies Preview placegetter Shih Tzou, Lloyd Kennewell’s speedy filly Jedastar, impressive Moonee Valley winner Lankan Star and quality colt Yes Yes Yes, who will look to provide master trainer Darren Weir with a maiden Blue Diamond Stakes title.
The 2019 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes series continues on February 9 with the Blue Diamond Preludes (1100m; Group 2 for fillies, Group 3 for colts and geldings), ahead of the Group 1 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes over 1200 metres on Saturday, 23 February 2019.
All horses originally nominated for this year’s Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes will remain eligible for the 2019 Group 3 Catanach’s Jewellers Blue Sapphire Stakes, even if their nomination lapses at the first, second, third or final acceptance stage.
Final Acceptances for the 2019 Blue Diamond Stakes close at 9am (AEDT) on Tuesday February 19, 2019. Any horse which was not a third acceptor may be nominated or re-nominated in the Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes by 12pm on Monday 18 February, 2019, accompanied by a fee of $55,000. Any horse nominated under this condition will also be liable for the Final Acceptance fee.
