Blue Diamond Stakes - what you need to know

MELBOURNE, Feb 23 AAP - Some facts about the Group One $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday:-

First run in 1971 when won by Tolerance.

Run at Flemington in 1996 when won by Paint.

Roedean was first past the post in 2003 but was subsequently disqualified after returning a positive swab. The John Hawkes-trained Kusi was elevated to first place.

Notable past winners include: John's Hope (1972), Lord Dudley (1975), Blazing Saddles (1977), Manikato (1978), Star Shower (1979), Rancher (1982), Bounding Away (1986), Midnight Fever (1987), Zeditave (1988), Courtza (1989), Hurricane Sky (1994), Redoute's Choice (1999), Bel Esprit (2002), Alinghi (2004), Star Witness (2010), Sepoy (2011).

Winning trainers with runners this year: David Hayes - General Rippa, Mama's Choice, Mrs Gray (REAAN 2008, SLEEK CHASSIS 2007, Nadeem 2006, Principality 1995, Canonise 1991); Danny O'Brien - Cambiaso, Bush Aviator (Star Witness 2010); Peter Snowden - Rusambo, Applegate (Sepoy 2011).

Winning jockeys with rides this year: Steven King - Andre Roo Hoo (Hurricane Sky 1994); Damien Oliver - Real Stolle (Alinghi 2004); Kerrin McEvoy - Applegate (Sepoy 2011, True Jewels 2001); Dwayne Dunn - Mama's Choice (REAAN 2008, SLEEK CHASSIS 2007, Nadeem 2006, Undoubtedly 2005); Luke Nolen - Mrs Gray (Reward for Effort 2009); Nicholas Hall - Pronto Pronto (Star Witness 2010).

Only five horses have won the Blue Diamond-Golden Slipper double: John's Hope (1972), Manikato (1978), Bounding Away (1986), Courtza (1989), Sepoy (2011).

Bel Esprit (2002) at $2, Alinghi (2004) at $2.15 and Sepoy (2011) at $1.40 are the only favourites to win the race in the past decade.

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