The hype is building for Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr’s sensational colt Big Sky, who has opened as the narrow market leader for Saturday’s 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.

The undefeated Big Sky is favourite to keep the wins coming in Saturday’s 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The unbeaten youngster faces his career-defining test in the $2 million feature as he attempts to keep his flawless record intact.

As the cornerstone event for juveniles in Melbourne, the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) will be contested for the 56th time this weekend, having attracted a capacity field of elite two-year-olds.

Over the decades, the race has been a springboard for superstars like Pride Of Dubai (2015), Extreme Choice (2016), and Artorius (2021).

It also remains the premier pathway to Sydney’s Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper Stakes, a double last achieved by the mighty Sepoy in 2011.

There is significant market expectation surrounding the Bivouac colt Big Sky, who is currently installed at the top of the Ladbrokes betting boards at $4.80 to secure a third straight victory.

After a brilliant debut win at Flemington carrying 59kg over 1000m, he stepped up to Black-Type company a fortnight later, strolling home by three lengths in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes.

Jordan Childs returns to the saddle for this Group 1 assignment.

While Big Sky technically drew the historically dominant barrier five—which produced five winners between 2000 and 2025, including Daumier (2022)—the removal of emergencies will see him jump from gate three, a stall that hasn’t seen a winner since Bel Esprit in 2002.

Big Sky is bidding to become just the fourth juvenile in history to complete the Chairman’s Stakes – Blue Diamond double, hoping to join the elite company of Redoute’s Choice (1999), Road To Success (2000), and most recently Extreme Choice (2016).

His stable companion, Guest House, sits on the second line of Blue Diamond Stakes betting at an easing $5.50.

The Home Affairs colt, to be partnered by regular rider Jamie Melham, was a debut winner at Cranbourne in late December before finishing a gallant second in the C&G Prelude here on February 7.

The horse that beat him that day, Closer To Free, represents the Danny O’Brien stable and is currently a $9.00 chance for the main event.

Jockey Michael Dee retains the ride from barrier nine as the Street Boss colt looks to be the fifth horse to secure the Prelude-Diamond double and the first since Written By in 2018.

Meanwhile, the Clinton McDonald-trained Streisand leads the fillies’ charge after taking out the Blue Diamond Fillies Prelude.

As the most seasoned runner in the field with five starts, she broke her maiden in the traditional lead-up following a string of close seconds in the spring.

She aims to join a prestigious list of female winners like Samaready (2012), Miracles Of Life (2013), Earthquake (2014), Lyre (2019), and the 2024 champion Hayasugi.

However, her task was made difficult by a wide draw in gate 12 for jockey Ben Melham, seeing her out to $12 in the market.

Since final acceptances were released on Tuesday, significant money has also arrived for Ciaron Maher’s Unit Five ($5.50).

The unbeaten Supido colt arrives fresh from a gritty victory in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast last month.

Having trialled sharply at Cranbourne since returning south, Thomas Stockdale’s mount appears primed for a massive performance as he chases a hat-trick of wins.

The 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes is scheduled as Race 8 on Saturday’s Caulfield program, jumping at 4:15 pm (AEDT).

2026 Blue Diamond Stakes Field & Barrier Draw

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