The top 16 lifetime earners currently racing have remained firm in their quest to win the first ever Diamond Mile scheduled for decision on Saturday next at Caymanas Park.

At the close of the final confirmation date for entries on Saturday last, the top 16 earners did not budge, but the list of the also eligible dwindled from 10 to five.

Perfect Neighbour leads the lot with earnings close to $20 million, followed by the Spencer Chung-conditioned pair of Typewriter and Commanding Chief.

From the also eligible list the four horses that have remained are Campesino – second in the Sprint on the Burger King-sponsored Superstakes Day; Phineas – winner of the Invitational Mile also on the Burger King-sponsored Superstakes Day; Poker Star – winner of the Sprint; Miracle Star and Long Running Train. Gone are Crucial Appeal, Puddy Pooh, Buzz Nightmare, Southern Cruise, and Bigbrowngreyhope.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at one of the promoters of the Diamond Mile, Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), says he is waiting anxiously for the SVL Diamond Mile race day and that plans are moving ahead for a successful event.

“At the final confirmation date for entries on Saturday all the top horses stood their ground, so we now have the best thoroughbreds in training, allied with the best from our jockeys’ colony, and guided by the best trainers this country has to offer; therefore the Diamond Mile is the best of the best of the best.

“As far as preparations are concerned, the work has been going steadily along and there will naturally be an increase in tempo during the course of the week.

“The track, Caymanas Park will be the place to be on Diamond Mile Day, Saturday December 5. We are asking patrons to dress in their finest, win prizes and participate in what is going to be the biggest and richest race day ever in Jamaica,” Stewart said.

PHOTO: STEWART CEDRIC WALKER PEART

CEO at CTL, Cedric Stewart (right) with Gary Peart – Chairman of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (left) and Managing Director of the Jamaica Observer, Danville Walker at the launch of the Diamond Mile earlier this year. (FILE PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)