High quality Japanese import Brave Smash heads up trainer Darren Weir’s nominations for Group 2 $200,000 Australia Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Friday night.

Ken’s Dream, above, is one of three Darren Weir trained sprinters nominated for the Australia Stakes at The Valley. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

As well as Brave Smash, Weir has entered last start winners Ken’s Dream and Stellar Collision who are among the early nine nominations for the weight for age sprint.

Because of the small number of entries, the Moonee Valley Racing Club has extended the nominations deadline for the Australia Stakes until 10am on Tuesday January 23, 2018.

Brave Smash, who races in the Australian Bloodstock’s blue, black and white colours, has had four runs for Weir since arriving from Japan and found the winner’s stall at his second run in the Listed $120,000 Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank Stakes (1200m) at The Valley in September last year.

The five year old stallion’s other three runs include two seconds at Caulfield in Listed company in the $120,000 Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) and in $120,000 Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) and a last start third behind Redzel and Vega Magic in the $10m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick during the 2017 Sydney Spring Carnival.

Ken’s Dream has found winning form at his second run back from a spell when he scored a two and half lengths victory over 1100m down the Flemington straight on January 13.

“He (Ken’s Dream) ran some really good races at the end of his last preparation,” stable representative Darryn Murphy said after Ken’s Dream latest win.

“It was a beautiful race with no weight on his back.”

“Terrific to see him really race like his true potential.”

Stella Collision is also a last start winner and will be stepping up in class after taking out the Listed $120,000 Ladbrokes Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Boxing Day.

Also among the nominations for the Australia Stakes is the Team Snowden trained Flippant who was beaten a nose first up by Lord Of The Sky in the Group 3 $150,000 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day.

Anthony Freedman has nominated the improving Mr Sneaky and the Lindsay Park Team of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig have only one entry in the Snitzel four year old Thronum.

Nominations for the 2018 Australia Stakes (1200m)