Second declarations have been taken for Victoria’s premier juvenile event, the $2 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, with the field continuing to take shape ahead of the autumn feature.
A total of 221 two-year-olds remain entered following the latest deadline as preparations intensify for one of Melbourne’s marquee races.
Ciaron Maher is responsible for three of the four highest prizemoney earners still in contention, with Calamari Ring ($245,649), Tornado Valley ($229,145) and Golden Gift runner-up Spicy Miss ($190,000) all remaining in the race.
Gimcrack Stakes winner Shiki, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, is also among the top four on prizemoney with $235,100 following his victory at the Gold Coast last Saturday.
Anthony and Sam Freedman lead all trainers at the second declaration stage with 29 entries, ahead of the Ben, Will and JD Hayes training partnership, which has 19 runners still engaged.
Chris Waller, who topped nominations when entries closed in November, has 17 juveniles remaining, while Maher has 16 entries still in the race.
Snitzel and I Am Invincible are the most represented stallions at this stage with 15 entries apiece, followed by first-season sire Stay Inside with 12.
The Blue Diamond Stakes will be run at Caulfield on Saturday, February 21.
