First acceptances for the $2 million Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), the premier mile showdown of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, were taken yesterday cutting down the list of horses heading towards the Randwick feature on April 16 from 220 to just 88.

The connections of 88 gallopers have paid the first declaration fee for the 2011 Doncaster Mile, which is up from 74 in 2010, including 21 individual Group 1 winners.

The world’s top-rated sprinter Black Caviar was, however, unsurprisingly cut from the field.

Peter Moody’s turf queen Black Caviar will attempt to add a 10^th consecutive win to her name this Saturday March 5 when she starts odds-on favourite in the $1 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m).

Moody still has five horses heading towards a spot in the Doncaster Mile field this year with last year’s Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva, Oakleigh Plate placegetter Hinchinbrook, Macau import Luen Yat Forever, Reset mare Set For Fame and Lonhro five-year-old Tampiko.

The other high-profile defector from the list of Doncaster Mile hopefuls was the Gai Waterhouse-trained Theseo.

Waterhouse prepares the dominant favourite in the Doncaster Mile betting markets, More Joyous.

Ultra consistent mare More Joyous became a triple Group 1 winner last start on February 26 at Caulfield with a victory in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).

More Joyous sits at a quote of around $3.4 in the Doncaster Mile odds at Luxbet.

Other notable Doncaster Mile first acceptors for Waterhouse include last season’s winner of the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) Herculian Prince, Lorne Dancer and Pureness.

Giving Waterhouse a run for her money in the Doncaster Mile this year is leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller who has 10 entries still in contention including defending champion Rangirangdoo.

The Waller contingent also features last-start winner of the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes Danleigh and fellow Warwick Farm winner from last Saturday, Mossman four-year-old Triple Elegance who took out the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup.

Rangirangdoo is one of the last three Doncaster Mile winners still in contention for another win this year along with 2009 winner Vision and Power and 2008 champion Triple Honour.

Along with More Joyous, other top fancies in the futures Doncaster Mile odds include $8 second favourite at Luxbet Whobegotyou who ran second to More Joyous first-up in the Futurity Stakes, last start winner of the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes and Randwick Guineas favourite Ilovethiscity ($13) and Joseph Pride’s Chipping Norton Stakes third placegetter Sacred Choice ($15).

The 2011 Doncaster Mile final field will be released on Wednesday April 13 and published here at Races.com.au.

Another highlight on the Doncaster Mile Day 2011 programme will be the $550,000 Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) for which nominations were taken for yesterday with 94 three-year-old fillies entered.

Check out the full 2011 Doncaster Mile odds and betting markets open right now at Luxbet and lock in your picks at their generous early prices through Australia’s premier online bookie!

2011 Emirates Doncaster Mile First Declarations