The $2 million 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes has been thrown into disarray on the eve of the race with the sensational late scratching of the long-time market leader, Big Sky.

The undefeated Big Sky is favourite to keep the wins coming in Saturday’s 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The undefeated headline act was officially withdrawn from Saturday’s Group 1 feature at Caulfield due to a knee concern and subsequent issues with his action.

The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained colt had been the horse everyone was talking about following his dominant three-length victory in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes last month, but he will now head straight to the paddock instead of the mounting yard.

Co-trainer Price, who has previously tasted Blue Diamond success with stars like Samaready (2012) and Extreme Choice (2016), explained that the team was dissatisfied with the colt’s movement on Friday morning.

Although Big Sky had successfully cleared a mandatory Racing Victoria veterinary check on Thursday afternoon, Price noted that by Friday morning, his action “was not what it should be,” prompting the stable to prioritise the horse’s welfare and scratch him as a precaution.

Early reports suggest a minor flare-up in the knee that will require further clinical investigation.

The withdrawal has left a massive void at the top of the market, which has been filled by the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Unit Five.

The son of Supido has shortened from $6 into $4.80 with Ladbrokes to maintain his own unbeaten record.

Jockey Thomas Stockdale retains the ride on the colt, who makes his first appearance since a gritty victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast back on January 17.

Despite the loss of their stable star, Price and Kent Jnr still have a major live chance in the race with Guest House ($5).

Price had recently suggested that the Home Affairs colt might actually represent a better winning prospect than his high-profile stablemate.

Guest House was a debut winner at Cranbourne before finishing a close second to Closer To Free in the C&G Prelude, and he looks perfectly placed from barrier three under jockey Jamie Melham.

The most significant market move outside of the favourite has been for the Lloyd Kennewell-trained Eternal Warrior.

Punters have rallied behind the Extreme Warrior colt, backing him in from $18 into $8.50 at the time of writing.

After winning the Listed Merson Cooper on debut at 40/1, he showed he belonged at this level with a fast-finishing third in the Prelude.

While he has drawn toward the outside of the capacity field, his powerful closing speed makes him a major threat if the leaders overdo it early.

Danny O’Brien’s Closer To Free ($7.50) remains a strong contender to complete the Prelude-Diamond double, while the Clinton McDonald-trained Streisand ($10) is the best-backed filly in the field.

The daughter of Magnus is looking to follow the blueprint of Hayasugi (2024) by winning both the Fillies Prelude and the main event.

The 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes is scheduled to jump as Race 8 at 4:15 pm (AEDT) on Saturday’s blockbuster Caulfield program.

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