Yulong January heads Christmas Stakes weights

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Yulong January heads the weights for Christmas Stakes but it is that galloper’s stablemate that is the highest-rated nomination.

Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Away Game, a Group 2 winner and a dual winner at Group 3 level has been allocated 58.5kg for Sunday’s Listed 1100m at Caulfield.

It represents 1.5kg less than her stablemate who has been given 60kg although she holds a higher weight rating with Racing Victoria.

A total of 21 sprinters have been nominated for this year’s edition which has been shortened to 1100m and provides a better flow of races for the Summer Sprint Series.

The Series kicked-off with the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) while the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on January 15 and the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at The Valley are the final two races of the new initiative.

As part of the new Series, the winner of Sunday’s race gains a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield in February.

Away Game won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in 2020 and earlier this year finished third in the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m).

She is being prepared to return to the Gold Coast on January 15 for another tilt at Magic Millions glory.

Another of the Maher and Eustace runners entered in Sunday’s sprint is the undefeated Marabi who is number 18 in the order of entry.

The final field of 16, plus emergencies, with barriers, will be declared on Wednesday.

Other entries include Ancestry, Sartorial Splendour and in-form Adelaide sprinter Outlaws Revenge.

The other feature at Caulfield on Boxing Day is the Listed Lord Stakes (1700m) with So Si Bon heading the weights with 60kg.

So Si Bon, prepared by Ben and JD Hayes, is aiming for his second win in the Lord Stakes having won the race in 2018.

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