More than 1200 entries have been received for the 10 races which make up The Championships at the revamped Sydney autumn carnival.

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Sydney’s richest race, the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 19, has attracted 112 nominations headed by early favourite It’s A Dundeel, winner of last season’s three-year-old triple crown, and Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente.

The Doncaster Mile on April 12, which has received a boost to $3 million, drew 127 entries while 203 two-year-olds have been nominated for the Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Three-year-old Zoustar is among the 77 entries for Sydney’s premier open age sprint, the $2.5 million TJ Smith Stakes (1200m).

“We are over the moon with the response,” Ian Mackay, chief executive of The Championships, said.

“We were hoping for strong nominations and are thrilled to see the total number edge past the 1200 mark.

“Owners and trainers have embraced The Championships and it’s now full steam ahead for what will be two days of superb racing in April.”

Australian Turf Club executive general manager of racing, Matt Rudolph, said the quality of the entries placed the Sydney carnival among the best racing events in the world.

“Horses who traditionally might have targeted international races such as Zoustar or Fiorente, are instead staying for the Sydney carnival as their grand finals,” he said.

Japanese mare Hana’s Goal, who has been entered for both the Doncaster and the $1 million Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) a week later, arrived in Australia on Saturday.

She will be joined at the Werribee quarantine facility on March 8 by Irish horse Gordon Lord Byron who holds entries to the TJ Smith and the Doncaster.

Sydney’s autumn Group One racing begins with the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) on March 8 at Warwick Farm on March 8.