Horse Racing

Fifteen potential stars of the spring are lining up to compete for the $200,000 Group Two JJ Liston Stakes (1400m) this Saturday, for what looks set as a thriller.

There are several key contenders for the 2010 Liston Stakes, with 2009 Cox Plate winner So You Think having drawn perfectly with barrier one.

While the four-year-old is likely to head into the race as a favourite for the win, So You Think has not jumped seriously since last November when he finished second in the Emirates Stakes.

Trainer Bart Cummings is likely to scratch the champion horse if the wet weather continues, with a jump in the $200,000 Group Two Memsie Stakes (1400m) a possibility on August 28 instead.

Shoot Out – winner of the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) last month – has drawn the wide barrier 10, but after such an impressive first up victory looks to be another favourite.

The High Caparral gelding has been nominated by trainer John Wallace for the major spring features, with the emphasis to be on the 2010 Cox Plate on October 23.

The 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking looks set to begin his spring campaign this Saturday in the 2010 Liston Stakes from barrier seven.

Trained by the successful Mark Kavanagh, Shocking is looking to retain his Melbourne Cup title when that roles about on November 2 later this spring.

Other feature races taking place this weekend as part of the spring carnival racing are the $200,000 Group Three Cockram Stakes (1400m), the Group Three The Run To The Rose (1300m) and the Group Three Spring Stakes (1200m).

2010 JJ Liston Stakes Final Field