Thirteen weight-for-age gallopers have been nominated for the 2011 Expressway Stakes, the opening Group race of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival set to light up the track at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday February 5.

Leading the entries for the $200,000 Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) is boom sprinter Hay List.

However, John McNair’s Statue Of Liberty gelding is unlikely to run in the Expressway Stakes field after he pulled up lame after trackwork earlier in the month.

Hay List is heading towards the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 19 for a re-match with unbeaten mare Black Caviar.

In the Expressway Stakes, punters then will likely turn their attention to brilliant mare Hot Danish.

Les Bridge’s seven-year-old daughter of Nothin’ Leica Dane, Hot Danish is resuming racing for the season in the Expressway ahead of her final race campaign with the champion expected to be retired to serve as a broodmare after the autumn.

Hot Danish enjoyed a successful spring campaign winning the Group 2 Premier Stakes (1200m) and the Group 2 Lexus Shorts (1200m) in Sydney before running second to superstar Black Caviar in the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes (1200m) and then third in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m).

After winning a barrier trial at Warwick Farm on January 24 by an easy two lengths, dual Group 1 winner Hot Danish is sure to start one of the favourites in the 2011 Expressway Stakes odds.

Shaping up as a top-class showdown the Expressway Stakes nominations also feature Chris Waller’s Group 1 winner Danleigh, promising Mossman four-year-old Love Conquers All winner of the Group 3 Missile Stakes last August , Tamworth galloper Border Rebel and David Payne’s Centennial Park.

Other notable entries include John Thompson’s stablemates Count Encosta and Run For Naara, consistent Canny Lad mare Graceful Anna and Winter King backing up from a first-up third in the Canterbury Classic.

The 2011 Expressway Stakes final field will be released later in the week and published here at Races.com.au along with a detailed form and betting guide and then our exclusive tips.

Get ready to lock in your favourites at the best odds this Saturday by opening your online account with Luxbet today!

2011 Expressway Stakes Nominations