Almost 200 two-year-olds have been paid up for in the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes at the latest declaration stage but impressive debut winner Headwater is missing from the group.
Headwater, a three-quarter brother to $4 million unraced colt Emaratee and an easy winner on debut at Moonee Valley last month, was arguably the most notable omission from the list of 199 juveniles still entered after second declarations for next month’s $1 million feature at Caulfield were taken on Tuesday.
Early favourite Fontiton, a brilliant six-length winner on debut at Moonee Valley in October, and second favourite Secret Agenda from the Mick Price stable, headline the list of second declarations.
David Hayes, who now trains in partnership with his nephew Tom Dabernig, holds the training record for most wins in the Blue Diamond with five and the Hayes-Dabernig team has the most juveniles still in the running this year with 18.
Price has 16 horses still nominated while the powerful Godolphin operation has 14.
Golden Slipper favourite Ottoman is among the Godolphin youngsters still nominated for the Blue Diamond (1200m) on February 28.
The two divisions of the Blue Diamond Previews are at Sandown on January 26 while the Blue Diamond Preludes are at Caulfield on February 14.
The next declaration stage for the Blue Diamond is on January 27, while there is a late entry fee option which can be paid until February 23.