3 minute read

The biggest juvenile race in Victoria highlights a huge day of racing as they run the Blue Diamond Stakes this year on the Sandown Lakeside course.

There are three Group 1s on the card with the Oakleigh Plate and Futurity Stakes attracting fascinating nominations on a day full of black type racing.

Blue Diamond (1200m) chances are everywhere in an open race with Godolphin holding a big hand. They have Barber ($5.50), Exploring ($18) and Zulfiqar ($18) in the market. Then there is form from other states too.

Steel City ($6) and Don Corleone ($8.50) head down from Sydney while Brave Halo ($8) gives Perth a hope in the big race.

An historic Oakleigh Plate (1100m) run with the second winning post in play sets up as a cracking sprint contest. Roch 'N' Horse ($26) and Masked Crusader ($15) will likely head the weights but there are some lightweights with big hopes like Asfoora ($5), I Am Me ($6) and Zapateo ($15).

We see what could be a big lead up for the All-Star Mile with the Futurity Stakes (1400m) and a small field is probable. I'm Thunderstruck ($3.50) and Alligator Blood ($5) will be much of the focus.

Some of the other features are the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) where those on Australian Cup/Tancred Stakes paths are entered like the trifecta from the Melbourne Cup – Gold Trip ($5.50), Emissary ($10) and High Emocean ($14).

The fillies on various Oaks trails look to go via the Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m). Eternal Flame ($11), Wolverine ($15) and She's Licketysplit ($11) qualify there at good odds.

Prospective Derby horses will take to the Autumn Classic (1800m) such as Pericles ($4.20), Artzino ($14)and Attrition ($5.50).