Racing: Star-studded field to contest Orr Stakes

MELBOURNE - Melbourne Cup winners Shocking and Viewed headline a star-studded list of nominations for Saturday's CF Orr Stakes at Flemington.

The 1400m race has attracted 20 entries, including nine group one winners and another six who have been placed at the highest level.

Crack colt Denman, Underwood Stakes winner Heart Of Dreams and outstanding mare Typhoon Tracy are among the entries.

Viewed, winner of the 2008 Melbourne Cup, is one of three nominations from Bart Cummings, along with 2008 Australian Cup winner Sirmione and Moatize, who are both on the comeback trail from injury.

Littorio is also returning from 10 months on the sidelines and has raced just once since his unplaced run in the 2008 Melbourne Cup.

Trainer Nigel Blackiston said the 5-year-old had to be given an extended break after he was found to be suffering from bone soreness, the same affliction which led to the retirement of Nom du Jeu last spring.

"It was like trying to find the invisible man, it's not a condition you can just see and act on," Blackiston said.

"He just needed time.

"But really, until he gets over 2000m we're not really going to know if he's come back."

The Hawkes training team has nominated O'Lonrho for the Orr but the Chelmsford Stakes winner was also down to run in a barrier trial at Rosehill yesterday.

Michael Hawkes, speaking from the Karaka sales, said they were yet to decide whether O'Lonhro would take his place on Saturday.

"We don't know yet. With the sales on we haven't had a chance to have a good look at the noms," Hawkes said.

Hawkes did confirm O'Lonhro had pleased since his unplaced effort in the Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast.

Evergreen gelding Zipping will attempt to snare a group one at his 14th attempt while his younger half-brother by four years, the unbeaten Work The Room, has also been thrown into the mix for the Orr.

- AAP