The Blue Diamond Stakes remains a viable option for the promising Sydney colt Wodeton, who has been confirmed as a third-round acceptor for Victoria’s esteemed $2 million Group 1 race at Caulfield on February 22. Trained by Chris Waller, Wodeton impressed with a near four-length victory on debut at Rosehill on January 18, propelling him to the forefront of Golden Slipper betting.

Chris Waller mentioned that Wodeton’s next likely race would be the Silver Slipper in Sydney, scheduled on the same day as the Blue Diamond, but by remaining in the acceptances for the latter, the options are kept open for the $1.6 million Magic Millions purchase.

Wodeton is one of Waller’s five entries that could mark his first Blue Diamond runner, following the scratch of his only other contender, Cigar Flick, in the 2023 edition.

Other noteworthy horses from Waller’s stable remaining in the Blue Diamond entries include Coolmore-owned yearlings United States and Fermoy, alongside Portofino and Tropic.

Among other top contenders in the third-round acceptances are brilliant fillies like My Gladiola and Magic Millions winner O’ Ole. Aleppo Pine stands out among Sheikh Mohammed’s nine entries, aiming for his fifth Blue Diamond victory. Aleppo Pine, trained by James Cummings, is among six other Godolphin horses eyeing the prize.

Trainer Ciaron Maher, still chasing his first Blue Diamond win, has notable entries including Preview placegetter Wiltshire Square and Icarian Dream, along with Cherish Me, who recently triumphed at Geelong and will compete next in the $300,000 Group 2 Blue Diamond Fillies Prelude at Caulfield. The colts and geldings division will also take place on the same day, enriching the competitive field.