Unveiling the Contenders: Who's in the Running for the Blue Diamond Stakes?
The highly anticipated Blue Diamond Stakes, a prestigious $2 million race, is set to take place on February 21st, and the excitement is palpable! With co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent having only two juveniles in the running, all eyes are on Guest House and Big Sky, who remain the clear frontrunners despite third declarations.
As of Wednesday's third declarations, 63 juveniles are still in the running for the 1200m Blue Diamond Stakes. Guest House, the unbeaten contender, has firmed into $4 odds, while Big Sky, racing this Saturday at Caulfield, is at $7. The market has been dynamic, with some favorites coming and going, but the current favorites have held their ground.
One notable contender is Jacaranda, the half-brother to the 2021 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Artorius, who is next at $9. He is one of 11 live entries for Lindsay Park Racing, the highest number among all stables. This stable's strong showing highlights the depth of talent in the race.
Despite being a favorite for weeks, Incognito, the current Golden Slipper Stakes favorite, was included as a third declaration. This adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the race, as Incognito's trainer, Michael Freedman, has seven two-year-olds in the race, with Anthony and Sam having two each. Richard and Will also have two entries each.
Chris Waller, a renowned trainer, is making his debut in the Blue Diamond Stakes with five colts. Three of these colts will make their debut this week, with Stellar Cipher racing at Pakenham on Thursday night, and Campione D'Italia and Confederation set to debut at Rosehill on Saturday. This marks a significant step for Waller, who has never had a Blue Diamond runner before.
Ciaron Maher, Melbourne's leading trainer, has six live entries in his pursuit of a first Blue Diamond win. Maher's stable includes Magic Millions Classic winner Unit Five, a strong contender. However, some notable absences include Tornado Valley, By Choice, and Knightsbridge, who did not make the cut, as well as Warwoven and Lumbini, who were scratched from the Magic Millions Classic.
If one of the early favorites wins the Blue Diamond, it would be a significant achievement for co-trainer Mick Price, who has already prepared two winners of this prestigious race. The 2012 winner, Samaready, and the memorable 2016 winner, Extreme Choice, are testaments to Price's skill. The late entry fee of $55,000 is still available for juveniles to enter the race, with the deadline set for Monday, February 16th, ahead of the final acceptors on February 17th.
The Blue Diamond Stakes promises to be an exciting race, with a mix of favorites, underdogs, and talented trainers. The late entry fee provides an opportunity for additional contenders to emerge, adding further intrigue to the event. Stay tuned as the race unfolds, and the contenders battle it out for the prestigious title!
