Racing: Stars launch campaigns in Apollo Stakes

SYDNEY - The group one action will be in Melbourne on Saturday but that hasn't stopped a star-studded list of nominations being received for the Apollo Stakes at Rosehill.

The group two weight-for-age race has attracted 15 high-quality entries, eight of them group one winners, headed by Theseo, Roman Emperor, Vision And Power and Road To Rock.

Budding staying star Alcopop will make his Sydney debut in the 1400m race as he heads towards the BMW on Easter Saturday.

The Apollo will also be the first-up target for Villiers Stakes winner Palacio De Cristal.

The 4-year-old tuned up for her return with a third in a barrier trial at Warwick Farm last week and will have Peter Wells in the saddle.

"She trialled nicely. I was happy with how she went around," trainer Grahame Begg said yesterday.

"I'd just like to see her run a nice race and hopefully we get some decent weather during the week.

"That would help her a bit more because she probably needs good to firm ground to show her best.

"She's got to start off somewhere and it's a good starting point."

Palacio De Cristal is one of two mares entered for the Apollo, along with Queensland Oaks winner Purple who will be racing for the first time since her narrow second to Zipping in the Sandown Classic last spring.

Fillies and mares have an excellent recent record, winning six of the past 10 runnings, including the most recent which went to Tuesday Joy.

Her trainer Gai Waterhouse has nominated Theseo and Rock Kingdom as she attempts to win the feature for the eighth time.

Veteran stayer No Wine No Song is an interesting entry as he makes his comeback from a second tendon injury.

The Kevin Moses-trained gelding won the 2008 Sydney Cup but has had one start since finishing sixth in the Apollo Stakes 12 months ago.

- AAP