The quest for Blue Diamond glory has officially begun, with 821 first acceptances received for the 2026 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes, reaffirming its standing as Victoria’s premier two-year-old contest and a coveted target for leading stables nationwide.
“The strength and diversity of this year’s first acceptances underline the enduring appeal of the Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes. To see more than 800 juveniles nominated, including winners from the country’s major early-season races, reflects the confidence trainers and owners continue to place in Victoria’s premier two-year-old contest," said MRC General Manager – Racing, Josh Rodder.
Stables across Australia are represented among the blue-blooded juveniles entered, with the depth and diversity of nominations underscoring the ongoing appeal of the $2 million Group 1 feature.
Chris Waller heads all stables with 98 first acceptors, closely followed by Ciaron Maher with 76. Despite their extensive Group 1 records, neither trainer has claimed the Blue Diamond – and any Waller runner in 2026 would mark his first-ever starter in the race.
Maher has wasted little time assembling his squad, with Maribyrnong Plate winner Tornado Valley among his contenders following an impressive Flemington victory during Melbourne Cup Week. Street Boss filly Calamari Ring, also a Cup Week winner over 1000m, adds further strength to his hand.
The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and JD Hayes has nominated 48 juveniles, including its listed-winning pair Torture and Eurocanto. Sword of State filly Torture won the Magic Millions Debutant Stakes at Caulfield on October 15, less than a fortnight after Per Incanto Colt Eurocanto took out the Maribyrnong Trial.
Sydney’s opening two-year-old features have also supplied Blue Diamond hopefuls with Breeders Plate winner Incognito and Gimcrack Stakes heroine Shiki among the first acceptors.
Shiki’s trainers, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, have nominated 47 first acceptors, though they would need to persuade the connections of Golden Gift winner Revengeance to pay a late entry fee of $5,500 to bring the Hellbent colt into Blue Diamond contention.
Mornington-based co-trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman have 58 first acceptors, including progeny of Blue Diamond royalty – such as Ladhar, out of 2019 winner Lyre. They also hold the high-profile Maurice filly out of multiple Group 1 winner Shoals.
Several headline yearling purchases remain in Blue Diamond contention. Among them:
- Waterhouse/Bott’s $3 million Home Affairs x Shout The Bar colt, the most expensive yearling at Inglis Easter.
- Maher’s $2.8 million Snitzel x Humma Humma colt, the highest-priced colt at Magic Millions.
- Waller’s $2.7 million Snitzel x Ms Bad Behavior colt, the younger brother of Group 1 winner Switzerland bought by Coolmore Stud.
The 2026 first acceptances also highlight strong support for Australia’s most influential stallions:
- I Am Invincible – 47
- Snitzel – 45
- Stay Inside (first season)– 40
- Home Affairs (first season) – 37
- Zoustar – 30
- Written Tycoon – 30
- Wootton Bassett – 26
- Too Darn Hot – 26
- Extreme Choice – 18
- Ole Kirk – 17
Top Stables by Number of First Acceptors
- Chris Waller – 98
- Ciaron Maher – 76
- Anthony and Sam Freedman – 58
- Lindsay Park – 48
- Waterhouse and Bott – 47
MRC Release
