While Caulfield’s CF Orr Stakes Day is the headline meet this Saturday February 12, Randwick will also be host to a cracker autumn carnival race day featuring a number of quality Group races including the $175,000 Royal Sovereign Stakes (1200m).

The 2011 Royal Sovereign Stakes nominations were released yesterday with 15 three-year-old colts and geldings entered for the event.

Shaping up as a scintillating showdown between some of the spring’s biggest stars, the early favourite to win the Royal Sovereign Stakes this year is Pressday.

Domesday colt Pressday, prepared by leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller, won the Group 1 T.J. Smith (1600m) at Eagle Farm during the winter last year and at their last start took out the Sandown Guineas during the spring.

A winning barrier trial at Rosehill on February 1 for Pressday shows the Australian Guineas hopeful is ready for a big autumn campaign.

Also among the entries in the Royal Sovereign Stakes are proven Group performers including Golden Rose third placegetter Ilovethiscity, David Payne’s promising colt Masquerader, Victoria Derby runner-up Praecido, Peter Snowden’s in-form Commands colt Skilled and the Gerald Ryan-trained Top Drop coming off a third in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.

Other notable nominees for this year’s Royal Sovereign Stakes include the Gai Waterhouse-trained Brigthexpectations and stable mate Light Brigade, last year’s Blue Diamond Stakes third placegetter Beneteau first-up for the season, Peter Moody’s lightly-raced colt Master Harry and Bel Esprit three-year-old Audacious Spirit prepared in Queensland by Gillian Heinrich.

The final field of Royal Sovereign Stakes acceptors will be released tomorrow, Wednesday February 9, and published here at Races.com.au along with the barrier draw and form guide so bookmark us.

For the best range of betting odds and options for all the autumn carnival races including the Royal Sovereign Stakes on Saturday, sign up with Australia’s leading online bookie Luxbet today.

2011 Royal Sovereign Stakes Nominations