Godolphin owned two year olds head up the numbers for the first acceptances for the 2016 Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper (1200m) to be run at Rosehill next March.

Vancouver, above, wins the 2015 Golden Slipper for trainer Gai Waterhouse. Photo by Steve Hart.

156 Godolphin youngsters, under the care of trainer John O’Shea, are among the 1461 horses remaining in the world’s richest two year old race, 17% more than last year’s 1248 first acceptors.

Six times Golden Slipper winning trainer Gai Waterhouse is next in line with 112 first acceptors and will be looking to win back to back Golden Slippers after Medaglia D’Oro colt Vancouver scored a sensational win this year.

Other trainers with large numbers of first acceptors for the 2016 Golden Slipper are Peter and Paul Snowden (76), Chris Waller (72), Hawkes Racing (67), David Hayes and Tom Dabernig (64) and Melbourne trainer Mick Price (50).

The ever popular Snitzel heads the stallions with the most number of his progeny in the first acceptors with 83, ahead of Fastnet Rock (77), Sebring (61) and Smart Missile (59).

Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce is pleased with the trending increase in Golden Slipper nominations this year.

“We have put the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival back on a pedestal as a three week event at Rosehill Gardens, and the strength of these first acceptances backs that,’’ Mr Pearce said.

“The Longines Golden Slipper is not only the one race that shapes the industry, but is also one that owners dream of winning.

“We are already planning and looking forward to one of our biggest carnivals yet, especially with our new sponsor Longines on board for the first time this year.’’

The full list of first acceptances for the Longines Golden Slipper are listed at www.australianturfclub.com.au/goldenslippernoms with second acceptances due on Monday, January 25, 2016