Blue Diamond entries headed by $3 million Ecuador

A total of 1348 entries, including Australasia’s most expensive yearlings, have been nominated for the 2027 Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, highlighting the depth of talent being aimed at Victoria’s premier juvenile race.

The list includes 93 of the 100 highest-priced yearlings sold across Australasia in 2026.

Among them is Ecuador, the $3 million Extreme Choice colt out of Group 2 winner Pretty Brazen who topped this year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and is the highest-priced yearling sold in Australasia this year.

Champion trainer Chris Waller heads the nominations with 133 entries despite never having started a runner in the Blue Diamond Stakes, while Ciaron Maher has entered 111 juveniles as he seeks a first victory in the race.

Clinton McDonald has nominated 24 youngsters as he chases a third win in four years following Hayasugi’s triumph in 2024 and Streisand’s victory earlier this year.

Among his entries is the $1.8 million Extreme Choice filly out of Group 1 Flight Stakes winner Speak Fondly, bought alongside Shane McGrath Bloodstock at Inglis Easter and the most expensive daughter of the stallion sold at public auction.

The stallion ranks are also strongly represented. Home Affairs leads all sires with 72 nominations, while Darley’s first-season sire Anamoe has 60 entries, equal with champion sire I Am Invincible.

The 2027 Blue Diamond Stakes will be run at Caulfield on February 20.