Nominations for the 2018 G1 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond S. closed on Thursday, with the 1200-metre contest attracting a record 1470 entries, including Prince Caviar (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}), the second foal of the outstanding sprinter Black Caviar (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}). Victoria's richest 2-year-old race, which is worth A$1.5 million, will be run at Caulfield on February 24.
“It's very pleasing that the 2018 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes has recorded the highest number of entries in the race's history. It demonstrates just how important the race has become to the Australasian racing and breeding industries,” Melbourne Racing Club's General Manager of Racing Jake Norton told racing.com.
“The past few Diamonds have produced some classic duels and unearthed future stars of the Australian turf, so we look forward to the build-up to another great contest in February.”
The training partnership of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig is best represented among the entries with 112 yearlings engaged. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have entered 97, while Godolphin has 89. Along with Black Caviar's son, other noteworthy entries include A colt by Dundeel (NZ) out of the multiple Group 1 winner Miss Finland (Aus) Redoute's Choice {Aus}) and Miss Fabulass (Ire), a filly by Frankel (GB) out of another high-class daughter of Redoute's Choice, Samantha Miss (Aus).
Snitzel (Aus), who is on course to earn his first sires' championship this season, heads the list of stallions with Blue Diamond entries and has 83 yearlings nominated. All entries for the race have automatic eligibility for the following season's G3 Catanach's Jewellers Blue Sapphire S. over the same course and distance.
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