Tamerlane, Vilana head The Damien Oliver field

Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, is abuzz with anticipation as the inaugural running of The Damien Oliver (1400m) draws a capacity field of 16 talented runners competing for the esteemed A$500,000 purse.

Formerly known as the Chatham Stakes, the Group 2 event has been rechristened to pay tribute to the retiring legendary jockey Damien Oliver, a fitting honour for his illustrious career in the saddle.

Oliver, who clinched victory in this race aboard the John Sadler-trained Sister Madley back in 2011, is poised to script another chapter in his storied career as he partners with Godolphin’s Vilana in this weekend’s challenge.

Vilana, coming off a commendable fifth-place finish in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) on October 14, enters Flemington in fine form and will shoulder top weight at 59kg.

The Godolphin stable boasts a formidable presence in The Damien Oliver, with Tamerlane leading the charge as the favourite. Fresh from a decisive triumph in the Listed Paris Lane Stakes (1400m), the six-year-old gelding seeks his maiden Group success, armed with genuine Group 1 form lines.

Tamerlane’s resume includes a noteworthy runner-up finish to subsequent Group 1 Epsom Handicap victor, Rediener, in the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) on September 16, marking him as a serious contender.

Here To Shock, trained by the formidable trio of Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, is another contender to watch closely. Having pushed Antino to a narrow defeat in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) two starts back, the talented runner is set to rebound from a challenging outing in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).

With a favorable drop in grade, Here To Shock, under the guidance of jockey Daniel Stackhouse, aims to make a mark from barrier four.

The Damien Oliver Stakes promises to be a fitting climax to a sensational VRC Derby Day card at Flemington.