Fifteen three-year-olds are poised to line up at Rosehill Gardens this weekend following the release of 2016 Phar Lap Stakes nominations this morning, highlighted by the inclusion of a number of runners targeting Group 1 feature races further into the Autumn Carnival.

Pearls is one of four Godolphin runners included in 2016 Phar Lap Stakes nominations. Photo: Steve Hart

Ghisoni and Italy have both also been included in nominations for the Group 1 Coolmore Classic and are likely to be confirmed in the final field for that races, however Godolphin will still have a strong presence in the Phar Lap Stakes after trainer John O’Shea also included Old North and Pearls in nominations.

Old North will make his black type debut in the 2016 Phar Lap Stakes but carries exceptional form into the race having won both the All Too Hard @ Vinery Maiden (1400m) and Café Culture + Insitu BM67 (1400m) most recently.

Pearls has posted two wins and a minor through six competitive starts since debuting at the beginning of the Spring Carnival.

While fading late to beat only one runner home in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) first-up this time, the Exceed And Excel filly has clearly taken benefit from the hit-out when savaging the line for fourth in the Group 2 Surround Stakes (1400m) last time out.

Chris Waller has included three of his runners in Phar Lap Stakes nominations including Encosta Line.

Encosta Line is also yet to step out at black type level, but followed up a number of strong trials with a close second in the Coca Cola BM70 (1350m) first-up on February 23^rd.

Hattori Hanzo has returned to racing in exceptional form this time and has also been included in 2016 Phar Lap Stakes nominations.

Resuming for third in the Bruce Clough Mazda Maiden (1200m) on February 4^th, Hattori Hanzo broke through for a maiden win in the Subway Sale Plate (1423m) on February 16^th.

Having repeated the dose in the Ranvet BM64 (1514m) most recently on February 26^th, the gelding is proven over the distance and will be a serious chance of success should he draw well at Wednesday’s barrier allocation.

The Lindsay Park operation have a big opinion of Sacred Eye and have included in the filly in Phar Lap Stakes nominations.

Winner of the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) and finishing second in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) most notably in spring, Sacred Eye is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from a first-up run for fifth in the Group 3 The Vanity (1400m) on February 20^th.

The 2016 Phar Lap Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.

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2016 Phar Lap Stakes Nominations