Twelve sprinters have been confirmed to line up at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday for the featured Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m); highlighted by the inclusion of some of the winter’s standout performers and the resumption of several runners ahead of the forthcoming Spring Carnival.

Smokin’ Joey has been confirmed in the 2016 Bletchingly Stakes field. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Smokin’ Joey delivered a smart field a comfortable defeat in last year’s edition of the Caulfield feature and has been confirmed for a title defence by trainer Wez Hunter in the 2016 Bletchingly Stakes field.

A Group 1 winner having taken out the 2014 edition of The Goodwood (1200m), Smokin’ Joey returned to blistering form through the 2015 autumn and winter; peaking with a close second in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and wins in the Group 3 Carlyon Cup (1600m), Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) and Bletchingly Stakes.

The Encosta De Lago gelding failed to make anything of an impression in autumn this year, but has reportedly returned to scintillating form leading into the Bletchingly Stakes and could very well receive the run of the race from barrier 4.

Lord Of The Sky returned to racing for a credible fourth in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) a fortnight ago and is sure to carry plenty of benefit into the Bletchingly Stakes.

Lord Of The Sky has been a standout performer for trainer Robbie Laing throughout his entire racing career so far; posting five wins and as many minors through twenty-three competitive starts.

Undoubtedly finding career-best form to date through the 2015 Autumn Carnival, the Danerich entire ran fourth in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) before running second in each of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) and The Goodwood most notably.

Laing is thrilled with the five-year-old’s condition, and he should prove particularly tough to beat in the Bletchingly Stakes from barrier 5, with Damien Oliver aboard.

Mahuta has been set for an appearance in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) third-up, and will begin his campaign from barrier 8 in the 2016 Bletchingly Stakes.

Mahuta (barrier 8) stormed onto the Australian racing scene during the 2015 Spring Carnival, and has subsequently posted six wins and a minor through nine competitive starts.

Breaking through for a maiden black type win in the Listed Gothic Stakes (1400m) on Caulfield Cup Day, Mahuta continued his running run of form through each of the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) and Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m).

Returning from a freshen-up for success in the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3.y.o Guineas (1600m) on January 9^th, the Flying Spur gelding charged home to win the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) on February 13^th but had clearly had enough by the time he beat only one runner home in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m).

Darren Weir will launch a two-pronged attack in the 2016 Bletchingly Stakes after also confirming Thermal Current (barrier 3) on Wednesday.

Open an account and bet with Ladbrokes.com.au to take advantage of the best 2016 Bletchingly Stakes odds!

2016 Bletchingly Stakes Final Field and Barrier Draw