Connections of Ellerton Zahra Racing-trained Formidable today paid the $55,000 late nomination fee required for their filly to run in Saturday’s $1.015 million Group 1 Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes.

The decision to nominate Formidable for Victoria’s richest juvenile race comes following her second placing behind ruling Diamond favourite, Samaready, in the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Prelude on February 11.

Formidable’s entry increases the number of horses officially still in contention for the race’s 2012 renewal to 65, with final declarations due at 9am tomorrow morning.

The allocation of barriers for Saturday’s feature will then take place just hours after the final field is set, at 12.30pm, at a public function at City Square in Melbourne’s CBD.

Guests at the event, to be hosted by TVN’s Jason Richardson, include Mick Price – trainer of Samaready – and “Diamond” Dwayne Dunn, winner of four consecutive Blue Diamonds from 2005 to ’08.

A Melbourne Racing Club member will be randomly selected prior to the barrier draw, from a group that previously registered for the privilege, to represent Members Joy, the Robert Smerdon-trained filly raced by the Club’s members, at the draw.

As part of festivities relating to the barrier draw, the Melbourne Racing Club is providing attendees the opportunity to win a $2,200 jewellery piece courtesy of Catanach’s Jewellers.  Entrants will be required to place entry tickets, which will be circulated both at the event and at Flinders Street Station from 7am, in a barrel at City Square where the winner will be drawn.

The Melbourne Racing Club will also be giving away 2,500 free entry passes for Saturday’s huge Caulfield meeting at the barrier draw function.

The free entry giveaway complements the distribution of 10,000 two-for-one food and beverage vouchers for Saturday’s meeting (details noted below).

Other attractions at the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Barrier Draw include a free gourmet BBQ sausage sizzle, CUB Clydesdales, Final Furlong displayed on a big screen, and a digital photo booth giving patrons the opportunity to have their photo taken with Black Caviar’s image.

Notes:

Vouchers for the two-for-one food and beverage offer will be distributed at entry points at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday, and are valid for both Melbourne Racing Club members and general public patrons on Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes Day only.  Complimentary drink or food items issued will be identical to the drink or food item purchased.  Cost of purchased item must not exceed $7.  Offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer.  Offer limited to one voucher per person. Voucher is not redeemable for cash and must be used in one transaction.  The Melbourne Racing Club promotes the Responsible Service of Alcohol.  The MRC reserves the right to refuse service.