With the 2012 renewal of the $1.015m Group 1 Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes just 24 sleeps away, 64 two year-olds remain in contention for Victoria’s premier juvenile race as of today’s deadline for third declarations.

That number represents the strongest collection of third declarations taken by the Melbourne Racing Club for five years.

Among the 64 lasting contenders is Mick Price-trained filly Malasun, impressive winner of the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Preview on Australia Day and the only juvenile still qualified to take out the $1m bonus attached to the Blue Diamond Series.

In order to remain in the running to win the bonus, Malasun must next win the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) on February 11.

The enduring Diamond shortlist also includes Members Joy, the Robert Smerdon-conditioned filly raced by the Melbourne Racing Club’s members.

The most prominent nominator is race sponsor Patinack Farm, which retained nine in the hunt for the million-dollar bounty having originally entered 178 two year-olds in July last year.

David Hayes and Darley are the next best-represented, with eight and six third declarations respectively.

Exceed and Excel is the stallion with the greatest number of progeny still entered with eight, followed by More Than Ready (six) and Casino Prince, who himself stands at Patinack Farm, with five.

For more information on the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes, including the full list of declarations, please click here.