Nominations have been finalised for the 2012 Golden Slipper with a massive array of potential talent given the chance to earn their spot in the worlds richest two-year-old event.

The big portion of the entries haven’t even been named and none have been sighted on the racecourse meaning pedigree is what sets the horses apart at this early stage.

If pedigree is what you’re going off then there’s no better suited horse in the field than the half brother to Australian superstar Black Caviar.

He was bought for a massive $1.025 million as a yearling and there isn’t a horse on the planet with more expectation going into their debut racing year.

He’ll have his work cut out for him, the Australian Turf Club says while numbers are still yet to be confirmed exactly they are expecting 2000 to be paid up for.

If that eventuates it’s a rise of 15 percent from what they had for the 2011 event this time last year.

“We anticipated a ten per cent increase due to the corresponding foal crop size,” Australian Turf Club racing manager Colin Tuck said.

“To have a 15 per cent increase to over 2000 entries demonstrates the attraction to owners targeting the world’s richest race for juveniles.”

Unsurprisingly it’s the Darley operation which accounts for the largest portion as they look to continue their dominance in two year old events.

Not only did they win the Golden Slipper this year with Sepoy, they also claimed every juvenile Group 1 on the Australian racing calendar.

Trainer Peter Snowden will have plenty to work with again leading into next year with 168 nominated all up from his team.

Arch rivals Patinack farm were devastated with their annihilation this year and they’ll be looking to hit back with force in 2012.

To do so the Nathan Tinkler owned operation has 140 horses paid up for the Golden Slipper.

There are also plenty coming form their first season sires, Casino Prince with 65, Husson with 46 and Wonderful World with 39.

It’s not just the super stables in the mix though and the biggest privately owned operations are also in the mix.

Gai Waterhouse has attacked this race hard in 2012 with 91 entries, David Hayes second with 72, Mick Price accounts for 57, Peter Moody with 52 and Sydney Premiership leader Chris Waller with 52 as well.

There are also a few big numbers when it comes to sire representation with Fastnet Rock the biggest player on 88.

He leads the mark of 76 shared by both More Than Ready and Redoute’s Choice.

If previous history is what you’re looking for than there’s half a dozen former winners with relations in the mix.

The 2005 winner Stratum, 2002 winner Calaway Gal, 2009 winner Phelan Ready and 2010 winner Sepoy all have a sibling nominated.

There is also a filly out of 2006 champion Miss Finland and a colt out of 2003 winner Polar Success.

From here on in it will all be about seeing which horses rise to the top and who can climb high enough in the order of entry to gain a start.

The 2012 Golden Slipper is scheduled for April 7th and will again be worth $3.5 million in prize money.