The Melbourne Racing Club has received a bumper number of entries for the 2015 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.

Stables have nominated 1205 rising two-year-olds for Victoria’s richest juvenile race, 174 more than last year.

The Darley team tops the entries with 77 nominations including relations to its former top gallopers Helmet, Epaulette and Guelph as it bids to retain the Blue Diamond Stakes trophy it won this year with Earthquake.

Darley has also entered a half-brother to the outstanding performer Pierro who won the 2012 Golden Slipper for Gai Waterhouse.

Waterhouse and David Hayes have nominated 74 and 66 horses respectively while Mick Price has 58 youngsters in contention for a Blue Diamond Stakes start.

Hawkes Racing has entered a half-brother to the 2011 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Sepoy by Lonhro, as well as a half-brother to its Golden Slipper winner Mossfun.

The Blue Diamond will be run next year on February 28.